Mascara, eyeshadow, and eyeliner are intended to make women more attractive. One thing they shouldn’t do is harm the eyes! Yet each year, many women suffer eye infections from cosmetics. At the time of purchase, most eye cosmetics are free from bacteria that could cause eye infections. Problems happen when they aren’t adequately preserved against microorganisms or if they are misused by the consumer after being opened. Poor preservation or misuse of an eye cosmetic can allow dangerous bacteria to enter and grow in the product. Then, when the cosmetic is applied to the area around the eye, it can cause an infection.
The Food and Drug Administration has taken numerous steps to make sure that eye cosmetics are free from contamination when they reach you and that they contain preservatives to inhibit the growth of bacteria. The cosmetics industry generally makes products that will not harm you. Nevertheless, the FDA urges you to follow these 11 tips on the use of eye cosmetics.
1. Discontinue immediately the use of any eye product that causes irritation. If irritation persists, see a doctor.
2. Recognize that bacteria on your hands could, if placed in the eye, cause infections. Wash your hands before applying cosmetics to your eyes.
3. Make sure that any instrument you place in the eye area is clean.
4. Do not allow cosmetics to become covered with dust or contaminated with dirt or soil. Wipe off the container with a damp cloth if dust or dirt is visible.
5. Do not use old containers of eye cosmetics. If you haven’t used the product for several months, it’s better to discard it and purchase a new one.
6. Do not spit into eye cosmetics. The bacteria in your mouth may grow in the cosmetic, and subsequent application to the eye could cause infection.
7. Do not share your cosmetics. Another person’s bacteria in your cosmetics can be hazardous to you.
8. Do not store cosmetics at temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Cosmetics held for long periods in hot cars, for example, are more susceptible to deterioration of the preservative.
9. Avoid using eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection or if the skin around the eye is inflamed. Wait until the area is healed.
10. Take particular care in using eye cosmetics if you have any allergies.
11. When applying or removing eye cosmetics, be careful not to scratch the eyeball or other sensitive areas.