top of page
  • Prairie Eye Care

Can Makeup be Bad for our Eyes

Updated: Oct 19, 2022


It's impossible to imagine a world without makeup. Makeup can be beneficial for enhancing our features and making us feel more confident, but it's crucial to know the risks associated with it.


From the everyday woman to the professional makeup artist, makeup has become an essential part of our lives. But what if that beloved mascara and foundation were terrible for our eyes? Surprisingly, there is some truth to this statement.


Here, we will explore the potential dangers of wearing too much makeup and how to take care of your delicate eyesight. So put down that eyeliner and keep reading!


The Dangers of Makeup


Some believe that wearing makeup can damage our eyes, even though it may seem like a harmless pastime. In fact, some even say that wearing too much makeup can lead to vision problems down the road.


The FDA has researched some of the makeup products being sold to the public, and they have found that some of them are toxic, which is very scary! These toxic products can cause severe damage to your eyes. Makeup is often used to enhance one's appearance, but even one application of these toxic products may cause long-term damage.


How Makeup can Affect our Eyes

Makeup can be harmful to our eyes if it's not used correctly. For example, if we wear a lot of eye makeup and don't take it off properly at night, it can cause our eyes to become irritated and inflamed.


Additionally, some makeup ingredients such as parabens and phthalates can be harmful to our eyes if they're exposed to them for extended periods. Makeup contains chemicals that can harm our vision over time, and these chemicals can cause irritation, redness, and even blindness. It also contains nanoparticles of metals, which can be absorbed by the eyes and cause long-term damage.


Ways to Avoid Eye Irritation

There are several ways to avoid eye irritation when using makeup. First, always read the ingredients list on the product to see if any ingredients are irritating. If you have sensitive eyes, it's a good idea to test a small amount of the solution on your inner arm before using it on your eyes.


Try to use products made for sensitive eyes, and always wash your hands before applying makeup.


Finally, avoid applying too much product. Less is more when it comes to makeup—it's better to choose a few products that work well than to pile on the products.

Also, don't forget to remove your makeup at night! If you wear contacts, be sure to remove and clean them before bed.


Take Care of your Eyes While Wearing Makeup

It is essential to take care of your eyes when wearing makeup. Make sure that your mascara is not expired, and try not to put any potential irritants around your eyes. Most importantly, be careful with eye makeup removers, which can contain ingredients that can irritate or dry out the skin around your eyes.

  • The American Optometric Association (AOA) also recommends the following:

  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to the eyelids before applying makeup.

  • Avoid using eye shadow that is too sparkly or shimmery.

  • Choose shades that are matte instead.

  • Avoid lining the inside of the lid with kohl or black liner. This can irritate and lead to problems like conjunctivitis.


23 views0 comments
bottom of page