Cosmetics for Dry Eyes: Makeup Tips for Sensitive Skin

Mastering Makeup Techniques for Comfort: Overcoming Dry Eyes

In the ever-evolving world of beauty, a pressing challenge has emerged for many women: striking the right balance between preserving eye health and enhancing beauty with makeup. As we refine our skills in applying winged eyeliner, volumizing mascara, and creating the ideal smoky eye look, a growing number of individuals are confronting an unexpected obstacle—dry eye syndrome.
This condition, characterized by insufficient tear production or compromised tear quality, forces many to rethink their makeup application methods. For some, the discomfort and irritation can lead to skipping makeup altogether, which is a significant concern for those who wish to express themselves through cosmetics.

Unveiling ÈYES ARE THE STORY: Where Science Meets Beauty Innovation

Leading the charge in this revolutionary approach is ÈYES ARE THE STORY, a brand that uniquely integrates scientific research with beauty products. The inspiring journey of founder Amy Gallant Sullivan highlights not only her deep-rooted passion for eye health but also her family's significant contributions to the field.
Amy grew up surrounded by healthcare professionals, which instilled in her an early appreciation for the complexities of ocular science. Her father, David A. Sullivan, served as an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, while her brother, Benjamin D. Sullivan, played a crucial role in founding TearLab (now recognized as ScoutPro under Trukera Medical).

Additionally, her mother, Rose, an intensive care nurse, brings personal insight into conditions like dry eye disease (DED) and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Growing up in an environment rich in discussions about eye health naturally led to a heightened awareness of ocular surface disease (OSD) and its implications. It was during her engagement with the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) that Amy recognized the urgent need for eye-safe consumer products.

Revealing Critical Insights: The Connection Between Gender and Dry Eye Disease

Amy's groundbreaking moment occurred when she discovered that dry eye disease presents itself with significantly higher prevalence in women compared to men, occurring nearly twice as often. This revelation prompted a crucial question: What activities are more prevalent among women than men?
The answer was clear—cosmetic usage. Statistics indicate that women tend to use approximately 12 beauty products daily, whereas men generally average around six.

As Amy continued her exploration, she unveiled disturbing facts regarding common cosmetic ingredients.
For instance, benzalkonium chloride (BAK), a preservative frequently found in glaucoma treatments, is also present in numerous cosmetic products, including eye makeup.
Even more alarming is the fact that the concentration of BAK allowed in cosmetics can be thousands of times higher than that in glaucoma medications, raising serious safety concerns for sensitive eye health.

This shocking realization propelled Amy into an intensive two-decade research endeavor to investigate the relationship between cosmetics and dry eyes. The result of her dedication? ÈYES ARE THE STORY—a trailblazing line of cosmetics and skincare tailored specifically for individuals with sensitive eyes. Amy coined the term “optocosmetics” to encapsulate this innovative blend of beauty and pharmaceutical science that prioritizes eye safety.

Grasping the Nature of Dry Eye Syndrome: Symptoms and Causes

What exactly is dry eye syndrome, and why is its prevalence on the rise?
Dry eye syndrome manifests when the eyes do not produce enough quality tears to adequately lubricate the eye surface, or when the eyes struggle to maintain tears on their surface.
This condition can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, which may encompass:

• Stinging or burning sensations in the eyes
• A gritty or sandy feeling
• Redness and irritation
• Blurred vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Challenges with wearing contact lenses comfortably

Analyzing the Complicated Relationship Between Makeup and Dry Eyes

The interaction between makeup and dry eyes is both complex and multifaceted. Those shimmering eyeshadows that we adore? The tiny particles can infiltrate our tear film, resulting in irritation and discomfort.
What about the mascara that enhances our lashes? It may harbor bacteria that can exacerbate eye discomfort. The application and removal of eye makeup can also disrupt the delicate tear film that plays a vital role in keeping our eyes well-lubricated and healthy.

Understanding Why Women Are More Prone to Dry Eyes

Women are at a heightened risk of developing dry eyes due to a multitude of factors. Fluctuations in hormones throughout their lives, especially during menopause, can significantly influence tear production levels.
Moreover, the prevalence of autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome is notably higher among women, further exacerbating this issue. Most importantly, the increased reliance on eye makeup and the trend of using false lashes can significantly disturb the delicate balance necessary for optimal eye health.