The eye creases and their lash lines may gather unwanted substances including bacteria, makeup residues, and debris over a period. These undesired accumulations and other causes may result in itchy and swollen eyes that can be a cause of huge discomfort, among other drawbacks and health issues. The eyes are also one of the highly sensitive regions of the body. The skin covering the eyelids is a lot thinner when compared to the other body parts such as the face. Can a deep clean of the eyelids and the lashes help you get rid of these issues and ensure the good health of your skin in the delicate eye skin region/area? Can the eyelid scrubs help you overcome the issues caused by an accumulation of undesired substances, or are they bad for your health?
Two of the leading dermatologists (who also attend to the cosmetic requirements and conditions of celebrities) explain to you more about eyelid scrubs and whether or not they are safe for your eyelid skin region and health.
Know More About the Eyelid Scrubs
According to Engelman, a leading dermatologist, eyelid scrubs can wash away the bacteria that skin cells and other kinds of debris that may accumulate close to the eyes and the lash lines. While the name contains scrub, it is an entirely non-abrasive formula. Scrubs do not contain any kind of grit and can be used for cleaning the eyelids, lash lines, and the surrounding areas of the eyes to provide them a deeper clean. The application of eyelid scrubs can also help you treat certain eye conditions including eyelash mites and blepharitis.
Blepharitis and the presence of mites in the eyelashes is not a contagious condition and affects thousands. However, the eyelids scrubs can sanitize the entire eyelid and eye skin area and can soothe any irritation as well. Engelman states that you can use eyelid scrubs when your eyelids and the skin are inflamed. The eyelid condition of blepharitis can cause inflammation of the eyelids. It occurs due to the inflammation and clogging of the oil glands that are found at the base region of the eyelashes. Some of the causes of blepharitis include dandruff, bacterial infections, side effects of certain medications, and adverse health conditions associated with the oil glands. When the blepharitis condition occurs, it will cause swelling, redness, and itchiness in the eyelid region. It will also cause the occurrence of scales (resembling dandruff), crust formation, and/or the accumulation of flakes close to the eyelashes.
Peredo (a reputed cosmetic dermatologist) states that the medical condition of blepharitis can affect both lower and upper eyelets. However, its effects are more profound on the eyelid edges (closed to the eyelash line). Peredo states you should consult an ophthalmologist if you are affected by blepharitis.
Engelman states that some formulas for the scrubs can be harsher and people may complain of mild irritation upon using them (especially when they have sensitive skin). Choosing a quality eyelid scrub and determining its safety and efficacy for sensitive skin is important, according to dermatologists. Peredo also supports the views and states that it is important for the user to know more about the ingredients of the eyelid scrub. It is useful in cases when the user is allergic to certain substances, and the eyelids and the skin may become irritated when exposed to them.
The Safety-Related Aspects of Eyelid Scrubs
According to the experts, the eyelid and the eye skin area and region of the body can be more susceptible to skin allergies due to the thinner layer of the skin in the region. Therefore, the experts advise caution and care when you are trying to clean the eyelashes, eyelids, and the surrounding skin region. While they both are leading dermatologists, Engleman is more supportive of the use of eyelid scrubs when compared Peredo. He promotes the use of gentle and quality eye scrubs and says that the scrubs can effectively alleviate the symptoms of blepharitis while also cleaning other kinds of eye skin irritants. Peredo says that people with sensitive skin should be more alert while using eyelid scrubs as the scrubs can cause dehydration of the skin close to the eyes and may cause irritation as well. Peredo recommends that people with sensitive skin should look into the list of ingredients of the products they use. They should try to see whether the product has at least some ingredients that can soothe the eye skin region and provide moisturization. Such products should be preferred
According to Engleman, you can carry out the "patch skin test" on some other skin area of the body to find out whether your skin is allergic to the particular product. He recommends the use of the Ocusoft Scrub for the eyelids as it can remove the irritation safely. Engleman states that the use of scrub should be stopped immediately if there is a negative or allergic reaction. He also advises users to follow the directions given on the product packaging carefully. He promotes the use of scrubs that are gentle and free from fragrances.
Peredo is not much impressed by the eyelid/eyelash/eye skin scrubs and does not recommends their use. She says that the eyelids are composed of thin skin and the use of scrub can be a cause of health conditions including dermatitis. She recommends the use of baby wash for cleaning the eye skin area and for removing the undesired buildups. Engleman also supports the use of baby shampoos as certain studies find them to be useful for reducing irritability and overcoming blepharitis. Peredo recommends visiting an ophthalmologist if the condition is not improved.
Engleman further states that the eye skin area can also be given a double cleaning. During the process, you will have to first wash away all the impurities and the makeup by using an oil cleanser. A gentle and soothing face wash can be then applied. Both the dermatologists recommend that very low pressure should be applied to the eyes and their lids. You can wipe away the application in circular and soft motions so that the skin of the area is not traumatized.
Tips for Preventing Irritation in the Eye Skin/ Eye Lash Region
Most people may never require a scrub for the eyelids. Engleman states that you can prevent the irritation in skin area by not using eye makeup. The advice is especially useful for those who have more sensitive skin or who are allergic to certain chemicals and ingredients. The experts also state that all kinds of skin care products and cosmetics that have "fragrances" should be avoided. The fragrance ingredient may include chemicals such as benzene derivatives, paraben, and others that can harm the skin. Other ingredients include formaldehyde (a known cause of cancer), methanediol, methanine, methylene glycol, Diazolidinyl urea, paraformaldehyde, and imidazolidine urea, and dimethylodimethyl should also be avoided as they are known causes of skin irritation. Peredo says that people with allergies should not use any eyeshadows that make contain metal particles. Makeup products that are free from fragrances and are hypoallergic can be used. One such recommended product is the skincare product range from Trinny London.
Engleman advises that users can prevent irritation in the eyes and the nearby skin region by changing their eye makeup frequently. Long intervals of change may result in the build-up of bacteria. Makeup products can be changed once in 3 months. Certain eyes concealers may also have ingredients that may cause swelling in the eye skin region. The dermatologist recommends the use of products that are free from formaldehyde, parabens, and fragrances. The Elizabeth Hydra Serum is one product that the dermatologist recommends. The products include capsules that can be used a single time only and are entirely biodegradable and airless. It is free from all kinds of preservatives but has an effective formula.
The Takeaways for the Users
You can prevent skin conditions including blepharitis by avoiding the build-up of oils and other residues and by keeping your lashline and eyelids clean. A patch skin test can be an effective way to find out the safety of a product to be used on the eyelid region. You must see an ophthalmologist or a physician if these measures cannot resolve the condition of blepharitis.
