| substances whether of a chemical, animal, or vegetable nature. More specifically, cosmetic dermatitis refers to a similar response known to be associated with a particular cosmetic ingredient. While contact dermatitis can occur anywhere on the skin, cosmetics, in particular, mascara (a really nasty culprit) affects the eye and facial area most often. According to sources close to the Food and Drug Association (FDA) most allergies are associated with mascaras, make-up removers and eye creams. In addition, a significant percentage of the population consider themselves to have 'sensitive eyes'. With that in mind, our over-view will pay special attention to those of you with sensitive eyes including contact lens wearers, who can be at special risk.
Before determining whether you have a cosmetic allergy, you must first make a basic assessment. Consider your age, sun exposure, dry or oily skin, etc. If you have any moles, look them over. Any change in size, shape, or color should prompt you to see your dermatologist, just to be safe. Consider the eye area. Dry, scratchy, irritated eyes? The problem may not be your eyes, but rather your eyelids. You might have a condition known as blepharitis. This, too, is an inflammatory condition of the skin, more particularly the eyelids themselves. It is characterized by flaking (often these flakes are microscopic and can only be seen under magnification) scaling and crusts. The skin around the eyelids is red and your eyes may tear excessively. This is not contact dermatitis and is best treated by an eye doctor. For more information on blepharitis, log onto www.blepharitis.org
If you suspect you have contact dermatitis, do a mental inventory of any changes you may have made in cosmetics. One individual who began to notice pimple-like lesions appearing on the scalp traced the problem back to a new styling gel that he had recently begun to use. Keep in mind that often times, your dermatologist can help you make this determination. Your doctor may want to do patch testing or other means to identify the problem.
To help you before you have a problem, consider the following helpful hints. Contact lens wearers should always remember to apply make-up after lenses have been inserted. In taking make-up off, remove lenses first .
Mascara / Make-up Remover
In general, avoid 'lash-building' mascaras. Many of these contain fibers which lengthen and thicken the eyelashes, but which also may flake off into the eye. Contact lens wearers should especially be careful. There are many new formulas that do add to the lashes and do not flake, however, there are many which can be a problem. The only absolute is to avoid them all. Another potential problem can be the preservative system used. Thimerosal can be an effective preservative, but it has been shown to be sensitizing and eye doctors avoid it whenever possible. Unfortunately, thimerosal is used in some mascara formulations, so be careful.
You should also avoid oil-based mascara and lean towards those that are water-based. Some oil-based mascara (as compared to water-based formulas) requires oily removers to dissolve. Avoid these. Oils can be irritating to the eyes and may damage contact lenses. Similarly, you should avoid baby oil and mineral oil.
One particular mascara, OCuSOFT® 'Sensitive Eyes' Formula Mascara has been especially formulated for sensitive eyes patients. The formula does not contain thimerosal and the Company claims the product dries quickly without flaking. They also have a make-up remover that has been especially formulated to be non-irritating to the eyes. Therefore, should the solution enter the eye, there are no harmful side effects. OCuSOFT® Eye Make-Up Remover is also recommended for contact lens wearers. For more information, contact OCuSOFT.
As a convenience to their patients, many eye care professionals and dermatologists offer select cosmetic products through their offices, or in the case of eye doctors, through their optical or contact lens departments. You may wish to consult your doctor or contact OCuSOFT directly for more information on how to obtain their products.
A final thought on mascara -- Mascara wands could harbor bacteria. A slight scratch on the cornea can lead to a serious infection or even corneal ulcers and ultimately loss of vision. Discard mascara after 90 days. Period. It's just not worth the risk. Your vision is too important.
Eyeliner/Eyeshadows
It is recommended that you not make-up the internal edge of the eyelid. Eye doctors consider this area to be very vulnerable. Never use mascara as an eye-liner. Avoid liquid or powdered eyeliner due to potential flaking. Consider instead using an eye pencil. Some ophthalmologists, plastic surgeons, and dermatologists do a "permanent eyeliner", a form of "tattoo" which rings the eyes and eliminates the need for cosmetic application. Consult your doctor about the procedure. Those of you with sensitive eyes should generally avoid the use of powdered eye shadows, however a powder is preferred over an oil-based liquid or cream. When using a powder, use a sponge wedge rather than a brush to keep the powder under control.
In General
Remember that hypo-allergenic cosmetics free of oil, fragrances, or dyes are always your best bet. Keep in mind, however, that a cosmetic company's first priority is to make you look good. While clearly cosmetic companies want to produce products that are safe for everyone, if you have a particular problem, you may need to turn to a specialty company for alternatives. |
