Makeup Tips for Sensitive Skin: Best New Products for Dry Eyes

Mastering the Art of Makeup for Individuals with Dry Eyes

In today’s dynamic beauty landscape, many individuals face a considerable challenge: how to achieve a flawless makeup look while ensuring optimal eye health. As makeup lovers refine their skills in applying techniques such as winged eyeliner, volumizing mascara, and creating alluring smoky eyes, a growing concern has emerged: the prevalence of dry eye syndrome.
This condition, marked by inadequate tear production or tear quality, compels many makeup enthusiasts to reconsider their daily beauty routines. Consequently, some may even opt to skip makeup entirely due to the discomfort and irritation commonly linked with conventional beauty products. This highlights the urgent need for specialized makeup solutions tailored specifically for sensitive eyes.

Revolutionizing Beauty: The Mission of ÈYES ARE THE STORY

At the forefront of this groundbreaking beauty revolution is ÈYES ARE THE STORY, an innovative brand dedicated to combining scientific knowledge with cutting-edge cosmetic products. The inspiring journey of founder Amy Gallant Sullivan illustrates her unwavering commitment to both beauty and eye health, rooted deeply in her family’s legacy of advancements in ocular science.

Raised in a family of healthcare professionals, Amy was exposed to the intricate world of ocular science from a young age. Her father, David A. Sullivan, was an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, while her brother, Benjamin D. Sullivan, played a pivotal role in developing TearLab (now known as ScoutPro under Trukera Medical).
Moreover, her mother, Rose, an intensive care nurse, possesses valuable insights into the challenges posed by dry eye disease (DED) and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), making this a very personal mission for Amy.

This unique upbringing fostered a culture of discussing dry eye and ocular surface disease (OSD) as commonplace topics during family gatherings.
Yet, it was through her involvement with the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) that Amy recognized the pressing demand for consumer products that prioritize ocular safety and comfort.

Exploring the Impact of Dry Eye Disease on Women

A turning point in Amy’s journey occurred when she discovered that dry eye disease disproportionately affects women, impacting them at twice the rate of men. This revelation led to an important question: What activities are women engaging in that men do not?
The answer is clear—cosmetics. On average, women use around 12 beauty products daily, while men typically only use about six, highlighting a significant difference in cosmetic engagement that can affect eye health.

As Amy delved deeper into her research, she uncovered some alarming findings.
For instance, benzalkonium chloride (BAK), a common preservative in glaucoma treatments, is also widely found in many cosmetic products, particularly eye makeup.
Even more troubling is the fact that the concentration of BAK permitted in cosmetics is thousands of times greater than that found in glaucoma medications, raising serious health concerns for consumers.

This shocking discovery ignited an extensive two-decade research journey, focusing on the intricate relationship between cosmetics and dry eyes. The outcome? ÈYES ARE THE STORY—a pioneering line of cosmetics and skincare products specifically designed for individuals with sensitive eyes. Amy introduced the term “optocosmetics” to encapsulate this innovative approach, merging the worlds of beauty and pharmaceutical science.

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

What is dry eye syndrome, and why is its prevalence increasing?
Dry eye occurs when the eyes fail to produce enough quality tears, which are essential for keeping the eye surface adequately lubricated. Additionally, it can manifest when the eyes struggle to retain moisture on their surface.
This condition can manifest through a variety of uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms, which may include: stinging or burning sensations, a gritty feeling, redness and irritation, blurred vision that disrupts daily activities, heightened sensitivity to light, and difficulties wearing contact lenses comfortably.

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

Exploring the Complex Interplay Between Makeup and Dry Eyes

The relationship between makeup usage and dry eyes is both intricate and multifaceted. Those beautiful shimmering eyeshadows we cherish? The minute particles from these products can penetrate our tear film, leading to heightened irritation and discomfort.
As for the mascara that enhances our lashes? It may harbor bacteria that can worsen eye discomfort. Furthermore, the very process of applying and removing eye makeup can disrupt the delicate tear film, which is crucial for maintaining moisture and overall eye health.

Recognizing Factors That Increase Women’s Risk of Developing Dry Eyes

Women face a higher risk of developing dry eyes due to a combination of various factors. Hormonal fluctuations throughout different life stages, particularly during menopause, can drastically affect tear production.
Moreover, the increased prevalence of autoimmune conditions, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, among women further aggravates this concern. However, perhaps most pertinent to this discussion is the rising popularity of eye makeup and the growing trend of wearing false lashes, both of which can disrupt the fragile balance necessary for maintaining healthy eyes.