Do you know how old your mascara is? Most of us don’t think about makeup expiration dates. Old makeup can be a breeding ground for bacteria. This bacteria can be potentially harmful to your eyes.
Eyelashes are a filter for your eyes. They contain all sorts of bacteria, which is natural and normal. As soon as your mascara wand touches your eyelashes it too is filled with bacteria. Many brands of makeup have a preservative that helps to slow the growth of bacteria. Over time, that bacteria will pile up.
Most eye irritation and general discomfort caused by makeup are temporary and not critical. However, it is possible to get a bacterial infection such as pink eye or styes, even a fungal infection from infected eye makeup. Here are some tips to help keep your eyes healthy!
6 Tips to Help Avoid Eye Makeup Problems
1- Replace your mascara every 3-4 months and only use one tube at a time.
2- Store your mascara in a cool dry place.
3- Buy smaller sizes, if you cannot use the entire tube in the 3-4 month range.
4- Don’t let others use your mascara. You don’t need another person’s eyelash bacteria.
5- Write the open date on your mascara with a sharpie marker, so you know when to throw it away.
6- If do you get an eye infection, replace all your old eye makeup to prevent reinfection.
Keep those beautiful eyes healthy
Is Your Old Mascara Hurting Your Eyes…? Maybe it’s time to get some new mascara! Let us know if you have any questions about healthy eye habits. We would love to see you in our office here at Desert Eye Clinic!
The content on our blog here at Desert Eye Clinic is not to a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical question about any conditions you have, please see a health care provider.