Looking After Your Eyelids.

Another thing that may be causing your eyes discomfort is sore or inflamed eyelids.

Technically termed "Blepharitis", this issue can be caused by bacteria or dandruff or an eye mite. It effects the glands inside your lids that produce the oily layer of your tears. Your eyes and lids become red, inflamed, feel gritty and constantly uncomfortable.

“It is a myth that it is the same as dry eyes. Dry eyes can cause blepharitis and blepharitis can cause dry eyes, however they are separate conditions.”

Interesting facts

• Causes may be bacteria, demodex mites, dry eyes or skin conditions like dandruff

• Traditional treatments like eyedrops can sometimes make it worse and cause an allergic reaction

• 30 million Americans may have blepharitis (sciencedirect.com)

Caring for your eyelids

The best way you can care and protect your eye lids is by regularly using a lid and lash cleanser. There are a lot of great lid and lash cleansers on the market but also some that may cause more harm than good. When evaluating a lid and lash cleanser look for these two things:

1. Anti-bacterial ingredients

As mentioned, your eyelids and lashes attract bacteria - this is normally under control thanks to the natural oil produced by our eyelids and lashes however, dry eyes and environmental conditions can cause this bacteria to become out of control. Look for ingredients like tea-tree, coconut oil, liquorice root and other antimicrobials. 

2. Gentle: fragrance and alcohol free at a minimum

Some lid and lash cleansers can be incredibly harsh in their pursuit of getting rid of bacteria. But your eyelids and lashes are very delicate and deserve extra gentle care. The main thing to look out for on a label is fragrance - this can irritate the gentle skin around your eyes and doesn't serve any function, except to make your products smell a bit better! It can also be used to hide alcohol. Alcohol is often added to lid and lash cleansers as it is very effective at removing eye makeup (especially waterproof makeup) but it can cause your eyes to become sensitised and exacerbate any dryness. 

If you have mild dry eyes we would recommend our Soothing Coconut Eye Balm, for moderate dry eyes we would recommend of Tea Tree Lash Foam.