Discover why your eyes may be irritated after removing makeup and learn effective solutions and tips for preventing irritation.
Skin cleansing
Eyes irritated after removing makeup: causes and solutions
Reading time : 5 min
Eyes irritated after removing makeup: causes and solutions
Understand the most common causes of eye irritation after makeup removal and find effective solutions to prevent and treat it.
Common causes of eye irritation after makeup removal
If your eyes are irritated after makeup removal, there are common causes that may be responsible for this symptom. The usual reasons for eye irritation after makeup removal are the following
Eye makeup removers can contain alcohol which is responsible for causing irritation. Indeed, alcohol-based makeup removers strip away the natural oils from the skin and dry it out. They can even lead to inflammation and discomfort.
It is the same with strong fragrances or harsh chemicals removers. Numerous cosmetic items contain toxic ingredients that might exacerbate eye irritation. Fragrances are responsible for burning sensation, redness and tearing.
Oil-based removers are gentler cleansers which are often recommended on more sensitive skins, but they sometimes may not suit your skin and can also be responsible for irritation after removing makeup.
Another culprit may be lash growth serum; indeed, when over-used, they can cause irritation, redness and dryness. It is very important to allow the eyes to re-stabilize and not to use them all the time.
The eye area is the thinnest skin on your face, and it is very sensitive. This is why it is very important to choose and use the most suitable cleanser depending on your skin type and needs.
Cleaning eye makeup requires a specific technique.
In fact, when removing makeup from your eyes, you may be rubbing them too harshly causing redness and irritation. You need to be gentle and to use a cleanser that will effortlessly break down makeup.
Using rough or dirty cotton pads can also negatively impact the skin of your eyes.
Finally, if your eyes are not thoroughly cleansed and makeup residue stays on them, it can be another cause of irritation.
Learn more about how to remove eye makeup to prevent eye irritation.
Depending on your skin type and its likeliness to react to many ingredients used in cosmetics, it can create an allergic reaction when in contact with your eye makeup remover.
How to prevent eye irritation after removing makeup
To prevent eye irritation and protect your eyes after removing makeup there are a couple of effective strategies to implement.
Choose a gentle and hypoallergenic eye makeup remover
Look for fragrance-free and alcohol-free products for your skincare routine
Use oil-based or micellar water-based removers depending on your skin type:
Oil-based cleanser is especially designed to help remove waterproof makeup from the lash and to cleanse the skin surrounding the eyes.
Water-based cleansers are gentle and non-irritating, they are a good option as well to remove heavy makeup even if they are a bit less effective than oil-based removers
Try dual-phase makeup remover which is a hybrid of water and oil: the oil helps break down and the water lift makeup out of the skin
Use soft, clean cotton pads or a gentle balm which turns into a cleansing milk in contact with water
Gently press and hold the pad to breakup makeup before wiping
Avoid back-and-forth rubbing to minimize irritation
Swipe gently across the lash line and make short downwards movements following the lashes to the outer corner
Do not forget eyebrows in your makeup removal routine
Do not use the same side of a cotton pad over and over
If you have waterproof makeup, opt for double cleansing which is the best option to get rid of all your makeup and get a deep clean. Learn more about how to get waterproof makeup off
Do you know your skin concern?
Recommended products for sensitive eyes
BIODEMA offers a large range of specific cleansers and skin care for sensitive eyes.
These products are formulated for sensitive skin with non-irritating ingredients and are especially designed to address eye cleansing and moisturizing.
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Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
All skin types
4 sizes | starting from
$5.99
Sensibio Foaming Gel
Sensitive skin
3 sizes | starting from
$18.99
Tips for maintaining eye health while using makeup
Here is some additional advice to protect your eyes when wearing and removing makeup.
Choose products labeled hypoallergenic or formulated for sensitive skin.
Avoid waterproof makeup that can be harder to remove effortlessly
Regularly clean your makeup brushes and tools to avoid bacteria to cause irritation or infection
Avoid sharing makeup products to prevent infection
Give your eyes a rest from makeup to limit irritation
Allow your skin to breathe after a deep clean and to recover naturally
When to seek medical advice
If you experience persistent irritation or other allergic reactions, and they do not stop even if you do not use makeup remover for a while, it may be necessary to consult a healthcare professional.
When irritation persists despite following preventive measures, you need to see a skin specialist as soon as possible. You may need a specific treatment to limit the symptoms and help the skin to heal.
Any sign of infection like redness, swelling, or discharge need to be considered and addressed to a specialist.
Severe reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling need immediate medical attention.
Your eye health is very important, and they need to be taken care of carefully. Always choose the right cleanser depending on your skin type and make sure the skin of your eyes is breathing without makeup as often as possible.
