Eyelid Scrubs (noun): micro-sized clothes for the lashes. I’m kidding, of course! But, really, a scrub for the eyes? What are they, and why do they exist? Here’s everything you need to know about eyelid scrubs.
Lid You Not: Eyelid Scrubs Exist, And They’re All Over The Internet
What Are Eyelid Scrubs?
Just like cleansers are for the face, these scrubs are for the eyelids. Though they’re referred to as scrubs, they’re non-abrasive in nature (they don’t contain granules or beads). They can come in the form of wipe, pre-moistened pads, or in the form of sprays and solutions. They clean your lids, lash-line, and surrounding areas of debris, irritants, and build-up, and soothe and calm inflammation. Your go-to cleanser cannot reach these places as effectively as a scrub.
How Are They Beneficial?
These scrubs are beneficial for those with conditions like blepharitis. Triggered by the clogging of tiny oil-glands found at the base of the lashes/inner-eyelid, this condition leads to inflammation of the eyelids—which leads to redness, irritation, dryness in the eyes, greasiness, crust, and, maybe, even lash-growth abnormalities. It can treat eyelash mites as well—these are tiny cigar-shaped bugs found at the base of your lashes. Symptoms of the condition can manifest as itchiness around the eyelashes, redness, burning, and scaling. And, sometimes, this condition can lead to blepharitis too.
Can They Hurt The Eyes?
Before using a scrub, determine your skin-type, and whether you have any allergies to the ingredients included in the product. If your skin is sensitive, you might find that the scrub is irritating and over-drying the area around your eyes. Make sure you’re reading the instructions on the back of the packaging, and stop as soon as you notice any sort of reaction in the area. Look for skin-soothing ingredients that aren’t likely to trigger allergies or reactions on the skin, and ensure your product doesn’t contain any fragrances, and is gentle and mild in nature.
In general, when cleaning the lids, do not scrub or rub the area at all. The skin around your eyes is 40% thinner than the rest of your skin, and that’s why using the lightest pressure while cleansing the lids is essential. And don’t use a literal scrub around the eyes. In some cases, these scrubs can trigger dermatitis because of how delicate the area that it targets is—so navigate this phenomenon carefully. Do conduct a patch-test prior to committing to the product wholly. If you’re looking for an alternative, you can try cleaning your eyes with baby-wash instead.
How To Use An Eyelid Scrub Safely
- Wash your hands thoroughly, and run a (clean) cloth under lukewarm water.
- Test the temperature against your wrists, and press the cloth against your eyelids for two minutes to loosen any oil, crust and debris along your lash-line.
- Whether you’re using a spray or solution on a cotton-pad, or a ready-made eyelid scrub-pad or wipe, just close your eyes, and move it back and forth along your lashes. Make sure you’re not using the same pad for both eyes.
- Rinse your lids with water, and pat it dry with a cloth or towel that’s clean.
How To DIY An Eyelid Scrub
You can prepare an eyelid scrub at home too, and there’s a couple of ways to. Here’s a simple one.
- Mix one drop of Tea Tree Oil with three drops of water, Coconut Oil, or Olive Oil. Undiluted Tea Tree Oil can be harsh on the skin around the eyes. Or look for 50% Tea Tree Oil solutions. You can even dilute Tea Tree Oil shampoo in some water.
- Wet some cotton with the solution, and start cleaning your lashes the way you’re supposed to.
- Once you’re done, wipe off excess solution with another piece of cotton.
- Repeat this every day until your symptoms have disappeared.
And that’s it. Keep in mind that treating the eyes, and the area around the eyes gently is important. You must be careful while applying any product to the lids.
Featured Image: Pexels
