3 Reasons Why Washing Your Face is Good For Your Eyes
As it turns out, washing your face every day is not only rewarding for healthy skin but healthy eyes as well. It’s a simple daily habit that removes dirt, bacteria, and foreign particles that thrive on the skin’s surface. And while it may seem like a routine task, skipping your nightly cleansing can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria on the face and eyelids. This can lead to swelling of the eyelid, redness of the eye, and even certain infections. But, your first line of defense is proper hygiene. Here are 3 reasons why washing your face is good for your eyes.
1. Prevents Irritation & Inflammation From Makeup
We’ve all been there. It’s late at night, you’re exhausted, and the last thing you want to do is wash that mascara off. We know it’s bad for our skin to sleep in makeup, but did you know it can be harmful to your eyes as well? Unlike the rest of your face, the eyes are particularly vulnerable and sensitive. When sleeping in makeup, dirt and grime remain on the face, thus making it easier for bacteria to adhere to something. In turn, this bacteria growth can then lead to eye irritation, inflammation, and eye infections. Leaving mascara on can also clog the glands attached to your eyelashes, leading to a stye’s development. Here are a few tips for keeping your skin and eyes healthy while wearing makeup:
- Gently remove eye makeup daily using a cotton ball and makeup remover.
- Wash your face, the base of the eyelashes, and eyelids with a gentle cleanser before bed.
- Keep a bottle of makeup remover and cotton balls on your bedside table for a quick cleanse after a long day.
2. Lessens the Rate of Eye Infections
Poor facial hygiene also facilitates the spread of infection. So, for those who don’t wear makeup, nightly face washing is still important for eye health. As we maneuver throughout our day, our face is exposed to many chemicals, dirt, and bacteria. All of which can enter the eye through the eyelid and penetrate the eye’s surface. For instance, dirt from a garden, soiled clothing from the gym, or dust from the office can cause redness, inflammation, or infections. Washing your face and eyelids at night can remove those chemicals, dirt, and bacteria that have attached themselves to your face during the day.
3. Removes Foreign Particles Around the Eye
Foreign particles, which enter the eye, are often removed by the eye’s natural cleaning mechanisms (i.e., tears and blinking). However, some foreign particles live on the skin’s surface and may cause irritation, redness, or eye inflammation. Here again, washing your face is essential to preventing the introduction of bacteria (as a result of particles sticking to the skin) from entering your eyes.
So, regardless of whether it’s a relaxing day at the beach or a rip-roaring night on the town, protect your eye health and wash your face. And, your hands too! Even the smallest of actions can make a difference in your health and wellbeing.
