Do Your Eyes Always Sting After Removing Your Makeup? Try This

You've likely heard it a million times, but let's say it one more time for the people in the back: Your eye area is the most fragile and delicate skin on your entire face. We know this, you know this, and so you may painstakingly apply your eye cream each night, using your ring finger (aka, your weakest digit) to tap along the orbital bone. 

But let's back up a few skin care steps, shall we? If you wear eye makeup, do you swipe at the lids until the cloth comes back clean? Or do you scrub vigorously with cleanser to melt away all traces of pigment?

While you should always, always take off your makeup before bed, the how is just as important to keep in mind: Constant physical stress (like the aforementioned scrubbing and swiping) can damage the lid skin, exacerbate fine lines, and may even cause delicate lashes to fall out, as board-certified dermatologist Jeanine Downie, M.D., once told us about losing lashes.

First step? Choose your remover wisely. Many traditional makeup removers come laden with alcohols and harsh surfactants that can strip the skin dry and cause irritation, especially around the fragile eye area. Makeup wipes can be especially abrasive, as physical rubbing can lead to irritation and wrinkles down the line (not to mention, these single-use products tend to pile up in landfills). 

Instead, experts suggest you opt for one of two methods: a double cleanse (with a cleansing oil or balm) or a reusable cotton pad or cloth soaked with an oil-based natural remover. Both are much gentler methods, and your fresh, bright eyes will thank you come morning.