Be careful about makeup kits

Dr Rajeev Jain

ALL  women want to look beautiful and most use makeup to achieve the desired look. But you should be aware that a makeup kit can be a carrier of viruses as well. So be careful about your makeup kit and the tools you use. 

Eye cosmetics are generally safe — as long as you use these properly. However, over time, all kinds of bacteria and fungi can grow in these kits and other cosmetics. These can multiply and can cause damage to your eyes if you continue to use them. 

There are some things which one should always take care while using makeup kits and tools. Don’t hold onto old makeup — throw it away after a few months. Most products print an expiry limit. Do follow that. Contaminated eye brushes or liners can cause sight-threatening infection. Don’t use a mascara that has dried out. Never try to moisten with water or saliva as it leads to growth of bacteria which can spread to your eyes. Store eye cosmetics in a cool place as heat can affect the preservatives leading to breeding of bacteria which can cause infection.

Avoid applying eye liner in the eyelashes. Lashes are oily, waxy or oily eyeliners can clog these glands leading to styes, irritation and a burning sensation in the eyes.

Don’t use waterproof mascara, as it is difficult to remove and may cause scratches in the cornea.

Don’t mix and match cosmetics, avoid kohl eyeliners. Never share your cosmetics with anyone. 

One must also check the products before using them. It is very important to test cosmetic products before use because eye is such a vital and sensitive part of the human body. Never apply cosmetics if you are recovering from an eye infection. Use only standard high-quality, preferably branded eye makeup products. Always apply eye make up with clean hands as hands may carry infection and may spread to eyes.

Makeup can cause a lot of problems in your eyes — especially if you wear contact lenses. Eyes can become dry and irritated, and cosmetics can leave deposits on your lenses, affecting your vision and your lenses. So it’s important to carefully and gently remove and wash off your eye makeup every night before sleeping to make sure that your cosmetics don’t work their way into your eyes, build up, and cause damage. One also needs to wash one’s hands properly before removing eye makeup in order to avoid harming them.                

If one does not follow these measures while using and removing eye makeup, there can multiple harmful consequences like increased risk of infection, potential for eye scratches, the greater chance of irritation, transfer of bacteria, allergic reactions, etc. Simple steps can greatly reduce the chances of harming the health of your eyes. 

— The writer is an ophthalmologist and director, Save Sight Centre, New Delhi