Five ways makeup can damage eyes

CHRISTIAN DIOR SENIOR MAKE-UP ARTIST TAKI CHEGNE BLENDING THE SHADES ON THE MODEL'S EYES.

WE are a world that loves beauty products. In fact, according to the US Census Bureau, Americans spend around US$10bil (RM32bil) annually on cosmetics, beauty supplies, and perfume.

While we are busy trying to look our best, we often fail to realise that some of these products can do more harm than good. Some may actually lead to eye problems that could easily be avoided by being proactive about taking protective measures.

“The eyes are such an important part of our lives, yet we don’t stop to appreciate them until there is a problem,” explains Dr Edward Kondrot, founder of the Healing The Eye & Wellness Center in the US. “It is important to take measures at any age to help protect your vision. The eye makeup that people wear is an area of concern when it comes to protecting the eyes.”

Millions of women put eye makeup on daily, or at least on a regular basis. But what they may not realise is that what they are doing could lead to short- or long-term damage as a result.

Here are five ways that eye makeup can damage the eyes:

Bacterial infections

Known as bacterial conjunctivitis, it is one of the most common problems people encounter because of wearing eye makeup. This is because bacteria gets into the makeup.

To avoid it, don’t use old makeup. Eye makeup should be replaced every three months. Also, don’t share makeup with others, always wash hands before applying makeup, and never use saliva to assist in applying mascara.

Toxic heavy metals

It is important to become an eye-makeup label reader. Some products contain heavy metals that can be damaging to the eyes. Avoid eye makeup containing such ingredients as arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, lead, nickel, selenium, and thallium.

Look for makeup that is non-toxic and more natural.

Dry eyes

Eye makeup can help lead to and aggravate dry eyes. To help avoid this, stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water, eating lots of fruits and vegetables, and using natural tear lubricant.

Allergic reactions

Repeated use of the same makeup can stimulate your body to develop allergies. Give your eyes a break by changing brands and taking vitamin C to reduce inflammation

Loss of eyelashes

The very makeup that people use to help create a longer eyelash look can actually lead to a loss of eyelashes. Keep eyelashes long and healthy by eating a healthy diet.

“People don’t have to give up wearing eye makeup altogether, if they really feel they need it,” adds Dr Kondrot. “But it is important to consider the factors that can damage the eyes and then take measures to minimise those risks. Preventing eye problems should always be your first goal.” – HealthNewsDigest.com

ASTHMA is a disease that mostly affects young boys and adult women. And according to a new study, women in their 40s and 50s with asthma are hospitalised more than twice as often as men in the same age group.

The 10-year study is published in the September issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

“Until puberty, boys have higher rates of asthma than girls,” said Dr Robert Yao-wen Lin, allergist and lead study author. “Then, during the menopausal years, women’s hospitalisation rates are double those of men in the same age group. This could indicate that asthma may have distinct biological traits.”

The US National Impatient Sample databases for 2000-2010 were used to calculate the ratio of female to male hospitalisation rates for different decades of adult life. The highest rate of difference was found in the fifth and six decade. Common coexisting conditions, such as cigarette smoking and obesity were taken into account.

“This study reinforces that asthma is a women’s health issue,” said Dr John Oppenheimer, Fellow and associate editor of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. “There is a need for more prevention and early intervention to reduce asthma hospitalisation in menopausal women and reduce healthcare costs.”

The ACAAI suggests that women in their 40s and 50s with asthma make an appointment with their allergist and ask these questions:

·Do I need any change in my medications?

·What are the symptoms associated with the risk of a severe asthma attack during menopause?

·How do I keep my asthma in check and avoid needing emergency room or hospitalised treatment?

Everyone with allergies and asthma should be able to feel good, be active all day and sleep well at night. For more information about allergy and asthma, visit AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org. – HealthNewsDigest.com