How to Calm a Skin Reaction to Eye Makeup

Many different brands of eye makeup can cause a skin reaction.

There are few conditions more uncomfortable than a skin reaction caused by eye makeup. Painful redness, swelling or excessive dryness of the skin can all be signs of a reaction. Sometimes fragrance or preservatives within the product cause the reaction, and other times a skin condition such as rosacea or eczema can aggravate the skin. If you experience a skin reaction after applying makeup, give yourself relief and heal the sensitive skin around your eye.

Things You'll Need

• Cold cream or makeup remover
• Clean washcloth or towel
• Petroleum jelly or cream
• Cortisone

Instructions

1. Splash lukewarm or cool water on your face, concentrating on the eye area. Be careful not to rub your skin and irritate it further.

2. Apply cold cream or makeup remover liberally to the area around your eye, being careful to not get the product directly in your eye. Wipe the cold cream or makeup remover off with a clean, damp washcloth or towel. Splash additional lukewarm or cool water on your face to remove any residue.

3. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or cream to your eyelid if the irritation is caused by dryness. The petroleum will soothe your skin without adding any additional chemicals. Apply the jelly or cream several times a day if needed.

4. Apply cortisone to the eyelid if the reaction persists and causes pain or swelling.

Tips & Warnings

• Once your reaction has cleared, apply your makeup one item at a time to determine which product caused the reaction.

• Look for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free makeup to make future reactions less likely to occur.

• If pain, redness or swelling persists even after you apply cortisone, seek the help of a medical professional.

References

• WebMD; Allergies and Cosmetics; Laura J. Martin, M.D.; April 2010
• Skincare News; A Makeup Manual for Sensitive Skin; May 2009