Applying a little concealer and mascara helps many of us feel more confident.
But how and where we apply our makeup can have “dire” health consequences – especially for our eyes, experts warn.
Not only can we end up with blurry vision and sticky or crusty discharge, but we also run the risk of losing our vision completely.
Nimmi Mistry, ophthalmologist at Direct Visionsaid: “The makeup habits that many of us are guilty of can lead to vision loss.”
From sleeping with mascara on to sharing eyeliner with your friends, an eye doctor reveals the five most common mistakes – and what can happen if you keep making them.
1. Applying makeup anywhere
“Applying makeup on the train, bus or subway is a common practice for many,” said Nimmi.
“For some, it’s a way to transition from day to night getting out, while for others, it’s an opportunity to save time on their morning commute.
“However, this seemingly innocent act can have dire consequences for your vision.”
A recent study cleaned London Underground lines to reveal bacteria hidden in seats and handrails, and the results were grim.
Researchers found that Victoria Line seats harbored “exceptionally high” levels of E. coli – 160,000 colony-forming units (CFU).
On the Metropolitan Line, traces of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (400 UFC), fecal streptococci and enterococci were found on the seats (960 UFC) and on the posts (80 UFC).
Pseudomonas aeruginosa has also been found on the handrail of an Oxford Circus escalator (720 CFU), Northern Line seats (200 CFU) and Waterloo & City Line poles (40 CFU).
But what impact can these bacteria have on the eyes?
Nimmi said: “Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacteria that can cause serious eye infections, especially in individuals who wear contact lenses or are immunocompromised.
“This bacteria can cause inflammation of the cornea, a condition commonly known as microbial keratitis (MK).”
Symptoms of this type of infection include:
- Pain
- Redness
- Blurry vision
- Photophobia (sensitivity or fear of light)
- Ulceration (sore-like sores)
“The impact of this type of bacteria can be sight-threatening,” Nimmi added.
Streptococci, best known for causing eye infections, and E. coli, more commonly found in the intestine, can be equally dangerous, she added.
Both can cause conjunctivitis – an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane that covers the eyelid and eyeball. Symptoms include:
- Redness
- Irritation
- Burning sensation
- Brave feeling
- Discharge or pus that sticks to the eyelashes
- Crusts on the eyelids
- Teary eyed
“Conjunctivitis is mostly self-limited, meaning it will resolve independently,” Nimmi said.
“However, those suffering from bacterial conjunctivitis may need to resort to antibiotic eye drops if symptoms persist.
“In more severe cases, especially when the cornea is compromised due to injury or trauma (such as an abrasion or scratch), E. coli and strep can cause corneal infections, including ulcers.
“This can result in significant pain, blurred vision and possible corneal scarring.”
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical advice to avoid long-term complications, she added.
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two. Go to bed with makeup on
We’ve all been there. After a long day — or a night of drinking — your head hits the pillow without rubbing your face well.
Once in a while is probably harmless, but doing it regularly can allow “leftover” makeup to get into your eyes.
“This can cause scratches on the cornea, and rubbing your eyes in the morning can only make the situation worse,” said Nimmi.
“After suffering a corneal abrasion, bacteria and fungi can more easily infiltrate the eye, causing infectious keratitis.
“If not treated immediately, these infections can stimulate the growth of blood vessels in the cornea, causing scarring.
“And untreated keratitis can lead to possible blindness.”
Researchers, whose work was published in the journal Diagnosis and treatment of eye infections Last year, they estimated that infectious keratitis is among the top five causes of blindness worldwide.
“Other problems that can occur when sleeping with makeup on include the development of styes and chalazia,” Nimmi said.
Not cleaning your beauty blenders or makeup brushes can prevent your eyes from opening in the morning
Nimmi Mystery
A stye is a small lump on the edge of the eyelid margin, commonly caused by a bacterial infection, such as blepharitis – which affects the eyelids and eyelashes.
They tend to come on suddenly and be painful, but usually go away in about a week.
A chalazion is a swelling of the oil-producing gland known as the meibomian gland.
These red bumps usually appear further back on the eyelid than the stye and are typically not very painful.
“Eyeliner can potentially block the meibomian glands, increasing your chances of developing chalazions and styes,” Nimmi said.
‘Therefore, you should remove all makeup carefully and use products that are gentle on your eyes.’
3. Not cleaning brushes and applicators
In 2020scientists discovered that the bacteria staphylococcus aureus was present in beauty blenders and makeup brushes.
They said: “Ninety-three percent of beauty blenders were not cleaned and 64% were dropped on the floor and continued to be used.
“Significant levels of microbial contamination occur during the use of cosmetic products and the presence of pathogenic organisms represents a potential health risk.”
According to Nimmi, staphylococcus aureus is a “major pathogen” that can infect the tear duct, eyelid, conjunctiva, cornea, anterior and posterior chambers, and the vitreous chamber.
“This can lead to bacterial conjunctivitis, which can cause sticky yellow or green discharge in one or both eyes, forming a crust overnight,” she added.
“This can prevent your eyes from opening in the morning.
“To kill any harmful bacteria lingering on your makeup brushes and avoid these problems, it’s a good idea to wash them every seven to 10 days.”
How long does makeup last?
Just like food and drinks, makeup products have an expiration date.
And keeping products beyond these dates can cause skin irritation or infections, experts warn.
Foundation and concealer
“Water-based foundations and concealers last up to 12 months, while oil-based concealers can last up to 18 months, as oil is a natural preservative,” according to No7 Beauty.
Powder, blush and bronzer
As powdered products do not contain water, it is more difficult for bacteria to grow.
“Therefore, most powder makeup products will have a shelf life of between 18 months and two years,” states the brand.
Shadow
Once opened, eyeshadows should be discarded after 18 months.
Mascara
The bacteria that live on our eyelashes can quickly be transferred to a mascara wand and tube.
“For this reason, it’s recommended to change your mascara every three months if you use it every day, or six months if you use it occasionally,” says No7 Beauty.
Eyeliners and eyebrow pencils
Just like mascara, liquid eyeliners and brow products should only be used for three to six months to avoid irritation.
But pencil eyeliners, when sharpened regularly, can last up to three years.
Lipstick and gloss
When it comes to lips, sticks and glosses should be discarded after 12 to 18 months.
It’s at this point that preservatives, like essential oils, added by brands start to break down, experts say.
makeup tools
As long as you take good care of them, makeup brushes should last for years.
However, sponges, like beauty blenders, should not be used for more than three months.
Can I make my makeup last longer?
“It’s not recommended to use expired makeup, but to help your favorite products last, keep the lids tightly closed and store them in a cool, dark, dry place,” experts say.
“Shake your liquid products frequently to keep the oils, water, and makeup particles together.”
Source: No7 Beauty
4. Using outdated products
“In the same way that dirty makeup brushes can accumulate bacteria, so can makeup products themselves,” Nimmi said.
“Even though makeup contains preservatives that help prevent bacteria from living in the products, they can still become contaminated with regular use.
“Take mascara, for example. The spool touches the lashes and is then placed back inside the product.
“This happens repeatedly, often without the spool being cleaned, leading to the spread of bacteria into the eyes.”
As a general rule, Nimmi says:
- Mascara and liquid eyeliner are typically considered safe to use for three months or a maximum of six months.
- Liquid products used near the eyes present an increased risk of spreading bacteria.
- Pencil eyeliners and gel eyeliners can be used for up to a year.
- Powder products like eyeshadows, if stored properly, free from moisture, and used with clean brushes or applicators, will last up to two years.
“Be sure to check the dates on cosmetics and the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging to know how long products should be kept for safe use,” Nimmi added.
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5. Sharing products with friends
When you’re getting ready for a night out, it can be easy to grab your friend’s makeup bag and use mascara or eyeliner.
“But your eyes are the most sensitive part of your face, which contains a lot of custom bacteria, so by sharing makeup, you’re essentially exchanging germs,” Nimmi said.
“Cross contamination occurs when you use the same brushes, mascara, eyeshadow and eyeliner as someone else.
“This person may have an infection, such as bacterial conjunctivitis, which is highly contagious.
“The person you’re sharing makeup with may not even know they have an infection, but that won’t stop it from spreading through makeup sharing.”
The symptoms of conjunctivitis can be unpleasant, but they can be relieved with eye drops.
“If your condition persists for more than two weeks, speak to your doctor,” said Nimmi.
“You may also consider stopping the use of contact lenses, as wearing them during an eye infection can delay recovery and aggravate your eyes.
“Also, be sure to throw away any eye makeup you used from the time your symptoms first appeared.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
