What Eye Products Might Be Triggering Your Styes?

Styes are small, painful bumps that form along the edge of the eyelid, often caused by clogged oil glands or bacteria entering the area. While they may seem like a random irritation, many styes are actually triggered by everyday eye products. If you’ve been dealing with recurrent styes, our eye doctor in Wayne, NJ, Dr. Maysoon Salem at Eyeluxe Eyecare, can help identify the root cause - and one of the first places she may look is your daily eye care routine.

Makeup: The Most Common Culprit

Eye makeup products such as mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow can easily introduce bacteria into the delicate lash line. Sharing makeup, not removing it properly, or using expired cosmetics increases your risk significantly.

Tips to reduce stye risk:

•           Throw away eye makeup every 3 months

•           Avoid applying eyeliner directly on the waterline

•           Always remove all makeup before bed

•           Never share your eye products with others

Contact Lens Solutions & Cases

For people who wear contact lenses, styes can sometimes occur due to poor hygiene related to lens care. Bacteria can accumulate in contact lens cases or on lenses that aren’t properly cleaned.

How to protect your eyes:

•           Replace your lens case every 1-3 months

•           Follow proper solution usage instructions

•           Never sleep in contacts unless prescribed

•           Wash your hands before handling lenses

Eyelash Extensions & Lash Growth Serums

Lash extensions and some popular lash-enhancing products can clog oil glands or cause debris to buildup along the lid margin. Adhesives used for lash extensions may also irritate the skin or introduce bacteria.

Try these precautions:

•           Clean your lash line daily with a gentle cleanser

•           Take breaks from extensions to let lids recover

•           Use serums approved by your eye doctor

Old Makeup Brushes & Tools

Even if your cosmetics are new, the brushes and applicators you use with them may be harboring bacteria. Dirty tools can transfer harmful particles directly into the glands surrounding your eyelashes.

Best practices:

•           Clean brushes weekly

•           Replace sponge applicators often

•           Store tools in a clean, dry place

Eye Creams & Oily Skincare Products

Thick or oily eye creams can block glands and trap bacteria, especially if applied too close to the eyelashes. While these products can hydrate the skin, they may also contribute to chronic styes for some people.

Consider:

•           Applying creams below the orbital bone, not the lash line

•           Choosing non-comedogenic formulas

•           Asking your optometrist for eyelid-safe products

When to See a Doctor

Most styes clear up on their own with warm compresses and gentle cleaning. But if styes keep coming back, it could indicate underlying issues like blepharitis, dry eye disease, or skin conditions that require professional care.

Protect Your Eye Health with Expert Care

Your eyes are sensitive, and products used around them should be chosen and applied with care. From expired makeup to improper contact lens hygiene, simple daily habits can sometimes lead to uncomfortable styes. By knowing what to look out for - and making a few easy changes - you can reduce your risk significantly.
 

If you experience frequent styes or discomfort, schedule a consultation at Eyeluxe Eyecare and keep your eyes healthy and comfortable. Visit our office in Wayne, New Jersey, or call (973) 339-3378 to book an appointment today.