Sensitive Eyes? These could be to blame

Ever finished your skincare routine only to find your eyes watering, stinging or feeling irritated?

You've cleansed, applied your serum, moisturised and you're feeling rather pleased with yourself. Then suddenly, your eyes decide to behave like you've just watched the ending of The Notebook.

Sound familiar?

Well, here's something you might not realise. Your skincare and even your body care could be responsible, even if you haven't applied it anywhere near your eyes.

Why Are Our Eyes So Fussy?

The skin around our eyes is some of the thinnest on our body, making it particularly vulnerable to irritation.

And our eyes themselves? They're protected by a delicate tear film that can be VERY dramatic. 

4 Skincare Culprits Worth Knowing About

1. Fragrance & Essential Oils

I LOVE a beautiful scented perfume as much as anyone, but in all honesty, that's where it belongs, not in your skincare. Fragrance is one of the most common causes of cosmetic allergies. And I'm not just talking about your facial skincare.

Some of those beautifully scented shower gels or body lotions, you fall in love with the scent of can cause a reaction, even though it's not coming into contact with your eyes or even face.  When a fragrance triggers a response and being absorbed by the skin, because our eyes are so thin, delicate and dramatic, it's often the first place that allergy response is going to show up. 

Oh and if you're thinking, well I only use natural fragrances, I hate to break it to you... natural doesn't automatically mean gentle. Essential oils can contain fragrance allergens too.

I'm not saying throw all your scented products away but if you find your eyes are irritated look at what new products you've recently introduced including the products you are applying to the body. 

2. Retinol & Exfoliating Acids

Brilliant ingredients with some impressive benefits, but they can cause irritation, particularly when applied too close to the delicate eye area.

Remember, to avoid the delicate eye area when applying.

3. Drying Alcohols

Not all alcohols are bad news. Some actually help soften and moisturise skin.

However, high concentrations of certain alcohols, such as Alcohol Denat., can be drying or irritating for some people, especially around the eyes. If you suffer with eye irritation, check your skincare for that particular ingredient. 

4. Sunscreen

Ever applied SPF only to find your eyes streaming an hour later?

Certain sunscreen formulas can sting when they find their way into your eyes, even when you give your eyes a wide birth, like I said, they are dramatic! 

Don't ditch the SPF, though. Finding a formula your eyes tolerate is the answer for some people and mineral sunscreens can be a safer option for some.  

But I Don't Put Skincare Near My Eyes!

Yep, I hear ya, but it doesn't always stay where you put it.

Products can transfer when you rub your face, touch your eyes or even through your pillowcase overnight.

And here's another surprise. Sometimes it's not your skincare at all.

Nail varnish, hair products and makeup can all trigger reactions around the eyes....told you, dramatic! 

So before blaming your moisturiser, it's worth playing detective through process of elimination and remember, reactions can begin showing up 3/4 days after you start using a product, so don't just look at that particular day, look back a little. 

Skincare That Works Hard, Without the Unnecessary Extras

I myself have extremely sensitive eyes which is why we formulated our skincare without the drying alcohols, essential oils and fragrances but we also went a step further and had them Dermatologically tested and approved as non irritating. 

So although it's packed with goodness and skin benefit actives, it can give those of us with sensitive eyes a little piece of mind. 

The Bottom Line

If your eyes are regularly watering, stinging or itching, take a closer look at your skincare and body routine.

Try keeping products away from your lash line, washing your hands after applying treatments and introduce new products one at a time. ideally a week apart....from personal experience it makes it a lot easier to identify the culprit. 

And remember, sensitive eyes don't mean you have to settle for skincare that does very little.

You just need to find what works for you.

Anyway if you are wondering why I am writing this now, well it's because I tried a new shower gel myself last night and today my eyes are paying the price.