INFINITY News: Are your cosmetics causing skin irritation? You may be able to tell by looking at the changes in your eyes! #skin problems #cosmetics #skin care
Video explanation
[What? There?] An unexpected sign that cosmetics don't suit your skin appears around the eyes!
Hello, this is John! What criteria do you use to choose the skincare products and cosmetics you use every day? There are many reasons, such as "because it has good reviews" or "because it's a brand I like." However, it can be sad that the cosmetics you carefully selected don't actually suit your skin. It is well known that if a product doesn't suit your skin, it can cause redness, itching, and bumps, but in fact, there are times when "SOS signs from the skin" appear in more unexpected places.
This time, we will talk about the signs of makeup troubles that are easy to overlook, focusing on the eye area in particular. By reading this article, you may find some hints on how to choose cosmetics that will really please your skin!
Why the eye area? It's a delicate area, so be careful!
You may be thinking, "If the cosmetics don't suit me, won't it affect my whole face?" Of course, that can happen, but especiallyThe skin around the eyes is very thin and delicateWhat is it?
- While the skin on the rest of the face is an average of 2mm thick, the skin on the eyelids is only about 0.6mm thick. It's about as thin as a sheet of tissue paper.
- They also have fewer sebaceous glands (which secrete oil to keep the skin moisturized), so their skin is prone to dryness and their barrier function (the ability to protect the skin from external stimuli) is weak.
Therefore, this area is susceptible to even minor irritants and allergens (substances that cause allergies) contained in cosmetics, and problems are likely to become visible in this area.
Is this caused by cosmetics? A checklist of signs of SOS around the eyes
So, what specific signs do you see around the eyes? If you are experiencing these symptoms, it may be time to reassess the cosmetics you are currently using.
- Itchy, red, or swollen eyelids
Products that are used directly around the eyes, such as eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner, eye cream, and even cleansing oils and facial cleansers, or products that are likely to get into the eyes when rinsing them off, can be the cause. If you started using a particular product after experiencing symptoms, that may be the cause. - Dry eyes, gritty feeling, watery feeling
This may be "Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)It may be a sign that your eyes are dry. The meibomian gland is a small organ located at the base of your eyelashes that secretes important oils to create the oil layer that covers the surface of your eye (a film of oil that prevents tears from evaporating). If eye makeup residue or cosmetic ingredients block the outlet of the meibomian gland, the oil cannot be secreted properly, tears can evaporate more easily, and symptoms such as dry eyes can occur. - Excessive tearing and eye discharge
If the ingredients in cosmetics get into your eyes, they may cause irritation or an allergic reaction. If you wear contact lenses, cosmetics may get on the lenses and cause problems. - Eyelashes are more likely to fall out or break
Scrubbing your lashes to remove waterproof mascara or using too many strong cleansing agents can put a strain on your eyelashes and eyelids. Another cause is when the elastic band of your eyelash curler is old or you pull too hard. - Small bumps (like milia) around the eyes
It's possible that oily eye creams or foundations are clogging pores, or that incompatible ingredients are causing inflammation.
If you've been thinking, "My eyes have been getting tired easily lately," or "Is it because it's hay fever season?", the cosmetics you use every day might be to blame!
Why is it so easy to overlook the signs around the eyes?
When it comes to eye problems, we tend to associate them with other causes.
- Confusing with allergy season:Especially in spring and autumn, it can be difficult to distinguish from hay fever symptoms (itchy eyes, bloodshot eyes, etc.).
- Confusion with dry eye:Because the symptoms are similar to those of dry eyes caused by excessive use of computers or smartphones, it can be difficult to realize that cosmetics are the cause.
- If your whole face is in good condition, you'll miss out:If other parts of your face are fine but the area around your eyes is unwell, it's easy to overlook the fact that the cause is not the entire makeup range, but rather the specific products you are using, such as eye makeup or eye cream.
But as we've discussed, the area around the eyes is very honest. It acts as a sort of "warning light" that gives you early signs about products that don't suit your skin.
What to do if you notice SOS signs around your eyes? What to do today
If you think to yourself, "Maybe...", don't panic and try the following:
- Temporarily stop using cosmetics that you think are causing the problem!
In particular, start by looking at products that you use directly around the eyes, such as new cosmetics, eye makeup products, and cleansers. Try stopping using each product one by one and see what happens.Holiday testFor example, try stopping using eyeshadow for a few days and see how it goes. If that doesn't work, try stopping using mascara. - Back to simple skin care
When your skin is sensitive, try to keep your skincare routine as simple as possible. It's important to use only mild moisturizers to reduce the strain on your skin. - Get into the habit of checking ingredient lists (a little at a time is fine!)
I know you might get annoyed just looking at the ingredient list full of katakana on the back of cosmetics (lol). But knowing what ingredients are in your cosmetics is a big clue for finding the right cosmetics for you. For example, fragrances, colorings, alcohol, and certain preservatives (such as parabens and phenoxyethanol) can be irritating to some people. You don't need to remember them all, but it's good to be able to notice when an ingredient might make you feel unwell. - Don't rub! Just be gentle!
When applying or removing makeup, never scrub around your eyes! Use a remover specifically for eye makeup and gently remove it. When washing your face, it is also important to wash gently, wrapping your face in foam. - If symptoms do not improve or worsen, see a specialist
If self-care doesn't improve your condition or your symptoms are severe, do not self-diagnose but visit a dermatologist or ophthalmologist. If you consult a doctor, you will be able to receive appropriate advice and treatment.
Before trying new cosmetics,Patch testIt is also recommended to do a patch test. A patch test is a simple test in which you apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area, such as the inside of your arm, before using it on your face, and observe for 24 to 48 hours to see if any redness or itching occurs. This can help prevent any problems in advance.
A word from John
Well, the eyes are really honest. While I was writing this article, I thought to myself, "Come to think of it, maybe the reason my eyelids were a little red that time was because of the new eye cream I tried..." Have you ever had the experience of your whole face being in good condition, but just the area around your eyes being dry and itchy?
Being aware of small signs in your body and dealing with them early may be the key to living a healthy and comfortable life every day. I hope this information will be of some help to you in choosing cosmetics and reviewing your skin care routine!
This article is based on the following original articles and is summarized from the author's perspective:
The Unexpected Telltale Sign Your Beauty Products Are
Irritating Your Skin