Many of my friends know that I’ve suffered multiple eye infections over the years. These painful infections usually make my eyes red, extremely uncomfortable, and overall, unpleasant. Every time I got an infection, I’d be forced to go to the doctor’s office and undergo a series of tests before receiving an antibiotic. Furthermore, the antibiotic forced me to go without contacts or makeup for a week (very inconvenient), and I’d have to buy entirely new sets of makeup each time (very pricey!). Overall, the infections just made me look sick and tired.
After four infections in one year, I’d had enough. So, my mom and I did a little research into, what I believe, was the two main causes of my eye infections: poor contact lenses and unsatisfactory makeup. If you have sensitive eyes, wear contacts, or wear makeup, read on to learn about ways to protect your eyes and stay healthy.
Keep your contacts clean. In my case, my contacts are “2-week” lenses—meaning that I’m supposed to throw away a pair of contacts every two weeks and switch to a new pair. Last time I had an infection, I realized that my contacts had gotten old and I hadn’t been changing the contact solution often enough to protect the cleanliness of the lenses. Make sure you’re changing your contacts as often as the brand calls for and change the solution in your case daily. To really keep your case clean, try putting it in boiling water for a few minutes to sterilize any harmful germs.
Take your makeup off at night. This goes for anyone, not just those wearing contacts. When makeup stays stuck to your eyes, it can easily collect germs or the makeup’s chemicals can creep into your eyes overnight. This is a surefire way to cause irritation and infections. Plus, by taking off your makeup on a daily basis, you’ll keep your skin extra healthy too! It’s a win-win.
Do not share your makeup especially if you have sensitive eyes. Overall, it’s better to use your own makeup and avoid sharing with others who could spread bacteria to your eyes.
Watch out for the type of makeup you’re buying. After my infections, I realized that my eyes were just too sensitive for super-cheap and chemical-filled makeup. Though I love good bargain mascaras, I’m now forced to buy certain types of makeup that is safer for your eyes. For starters, get eye makeup that is hypoallergenic—which means it is proven to cause fewer allergic reactions. Also, get makeup that is fragrance free and oil free. This avoids yet more harmful chemicals. Click here for more information on eye cosmetic safety. So far, I haven’t had any problems with these makeup brands: Clinique, Physicians Formula, and Real Purity.
According to Real Purity’s website, it’s product’s“formulations are created using only the finest Organic, Botanical, or Wild Crafted ingredients available,” which ensures pure and organic ingredients that won’t harm your eyes. In fact, I’ve read articles about how women, who could never wear mascara because of their sensitive eyes, were able to wear Real Purity mascara without a problem.
Physicians Formula, according to their website, “remains steadfast in its pledge to create and manufacture high-quality, hypoallergenic cosmetic and skin care products…In fact, many Physicians Formula products are so gentle that they are recommended by allergists, dermatologists and plastic surgeons. The term hypoallergenic is more than just a cosmetic claim for Physicians Formula. It is the basis for every product that is created. Physicians Formula honors this claim through stringent product testing and quality control. In fact, Physicians Formula products are formulated without over 100 known irritating ingredients still found in many cosmetics on the market today.” This is definitely a gentle product and it’s even available at drugstores like CVS.
Hopefully, this will help to protect all of our eyes from the harmful effects of contacts and makeup so that we can continue to stay healthy and live our lives—free of pesky infections.
Sources:
http://www.realpurity.com/
http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/default.html