Health risk: Warning: mascara damages your eyes!

Many women use mascara for the perfect look. Doctors warn that those who make up their eyes every day risk health risks.

Many women spend years looking for the perfect mascara that makes the lashes look longer and more voluminous. Once she has finally found her personal favorite, women would definitely like to use them every day. Unfortunately, according to ophthalmologists, this is not a good idea: If you use mascara every day, you can damage your eyes.

The natural moisture protection of the eye at a glance

In the edges of the eyelids are glands that perform various functions. Above all, they produce sebum-like oily substances and tear fluid. The task of the oily substance: It ensures that the tear film remains on the eye and does not run off – so the eye remains moist. However, if the oil film is damaged, the liquid cannot be kept on the eye – we first get watery eyes and then dry ones.

There is a risk of inflammation and dry eyes

One of the possible reasons for the damage to the oil film: mascara, as Dr. James Chelnis, professor of the York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, told Medical Daily. Because when mascara is applied, it can clog the pores and prevent the production of the important oil film. This can have negative consequences, especially if the mascara is not removed very thoroughly in the evening. After a while, not only do dry eyes develop, but eyelid inflammation could also be triggered.

Please be thorough!

It is not only important that the mascara is removed thoroughly, cleaning should also be done very gently. Vigorous rubbing over the eyelids can not only lead to skin irritation, but also cause occasional eyelashes to be pulled out. This not only creates unsightly gaps in the lash line, it also reduces the protection of the eyes from dust and dirt particles. It is best to use cotton pads and a natural make-up remover for gentle make-up removal – olive oil, for example. With it you wipe carefully several times over the closed eye. Possible oil residues are then dabbed off with a soft cloth.

Never again mascara?

And of course we don't have to do without our beloved mascara in order to protect our eyes. But we should give our eyes and eyelashes some time to regenerate: How about if you forego putting make-up on your eyes on a trial basis at the weekend? If you already have problems with dry and / or constantly watery eyes, you should leave the mascara off for several days and see whether the symptoms get better. If not, a visit to the ophthalmologist can be useful.

Reading tip: We reveal here what helps against watery eyes. And here you can find help against puffy eyes!

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