Do you love makeup but struggle with dry eyes? You’re not alone. Many beauty enthusiasts with sensitive skin face this challenge. Unfortunately, eyeliner, mascara, and other eye makeup products can worsen dry eye symptoms.
Some workarounds allow you to still use the makeup you want while avoiding irritating your eyes more than necessary. However, if your dry eye symptoms worsen or stay the same, speak to your optometrist about dry eye treatment.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a condition in which tears cannot effectively lubricate the eyes. This problem typically occurs due to insufficient tear production and/or increased tear evaporation.
Your tear film has three layers that work together: mucus, water, and oil. The mucus layer keeps tears on the eye’s surface, the water layer keeps the eye hydrated and protected, and the oily layer helps prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.
Causes of dry eye include:
- Environmental factors like wind, smoke, and air conditioning
- Screen time, which reduces blinking and leads to dry eyes
- Aging, which naturally decreases tear production
Understanding these causes can help you manage dry eyes better, especially when wearing makeup.
Dry Eye Symptoms
When complications arise in your tear film, your eyes can no longer stay sufficiently moisturized. This can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- A stinging sensation
- Blurry vision
- Eye fatigue
- Eye redness
- Light sensitivity
- Watery eyes
Irritants found in makeup products can sometimes worsen these symptoms, but dry eye symptoms can affect your life even without makeup. If you experience persistent redness, pain, or discomfort, talk to your optometrist about treating dry eye.
Treatments for Dry Eyes
If your dry eye symptoms stay the same or worsen after trying our tips, it may be time to speak to your optometrist about dry eye treatments. Artificial tears, prescription drops, or punctal plugs can help alleviate dry eye symptoms.
Other popular and effective treatments include Intense regulated pulsed light (IRPL) and meibomian gland expression.
IRPL is a non-invasive treatment designed to reduce inflammation and improve the function of the meibomian glands, which are essential for maintaining a healthy tear film. Using light pulses, IRPL therapy helps stabilize the tear film and provide lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.
Meibomian gland expression involves applying gentle pressure to the eyelids to clear blockages and improve oil secretion. This process can enhance the quality of your tear film and help alleviate dry eye symptoms.
These treatments and the right makeup choices can help you maintain eye comfort and health.
Why Some Makeup Aggravates Dry Eye Symptoms
Many eye makeup products come in contact with your eye, particularly the parts of your eye covered by tear film. Interference with this tear film is the primary cause of dry eyes.
Fortunately, not all makeup products are made equal. Some types of products and where they are applied can make a big difference in how much they impact your eyes. Ingredients like alcohol, fragrances, and glitter particles can irritate your eyes. Additionally, applying makeup close to the waterline or wearing it for extended periods can block tear ducts and reduce tear production.
Best Eye Makeup Products for Dry Eyes
So, what types of products should you be using? While your eyes have unique needs and issues that need addressing, a good starting place includes choosing:
- Hypoallergenic products, which are less likely to irritate and are tailored for sensitive eyes
- Water-based mascaras, which are gentler on the eyes compared to oil-based ones
- Thickening mascara, which is less likely to flake into your eyes after drying
- Mineral eyeshadows, which are free from harmful chemicals and safe for dry eyes
- Creamy eyeshadow over a powder eye shadow, which will help avoid particles falling into your eyes
Opting for an eyelash curler over mascara can also be an alternative to avoid makeup particles getting into your eyes. Combining these products can help you enjoy makeup without aggravating your dry eye symptoms.
Eye Makeup Products to Avoid for Dry Eyes
Just as there are products that help, there are also those you should avoid:
- Waterproof mascara is tough to remove and can cause irritation
- Glitter eyeshadows have particles that can get into your eyes and worsen dryness
- Heavy eyeliners, especially those applied on the waterline, can block tear ducts
- Makeup removers with oil or parabens irritate the eyes
- Fragrances and fragrant makeup products can also lead to irritation
- Old eye makeup tends to crumble when it dries
Steering clear of these products can prevent your dry eyes from getting worse.
How to Best Remove Eye Makeup
Removing makeup at the end of the day is as crucial as choosing the right products. Gentle makeup removers designed for sensitive eyes and skin are always your best bet. You should always avoid rubbing. Instead, gently wipe away makeup to prevent irritation.
If possible, use cotton pads over tissues. They function the same, but cotton pads are much softer on delicate eyes.
Following these steps can help keep your eyes comfortable even after a long day of wearing makeup.
Schedule Your Appointment for Dry Eye Treatment
At InVision Eyecare, we understand the importance of self-expression. We are dedicated to supporting your eye health as you live your best life. Contact us today to see if dry eye treatment can help alleviate your dry eye symptoms.
