New Cosmetics for Dry Eyes: Makeup Tips for Sensitive Skin

Navigating the Challenges of Makeup with Dry Eyes

In today’s dynamic beauty landscape, a significant challenge has surfaced for many women: the delicate balance between maintaining eye health and enhancing beauty through makeup. As we master the art of applying winged eyeliner, layering mascara, and crafting the perfect smoky eye, a growing number of individuals are facing an unanticipated adversary—dry eye syndrome.
This condition, marked by inadequate tear production or poor tear quality, compels many to reconsider their makeup application techniques and, in some cases, forgo makeup entirely due to increased eye irritation and discomfort.

Discover the Vision Behind ÈYES ARE THE STORY: Merging Scientific Insight with Beauty

At the forefront of this transformative movement is ÈYES ARE THE STORY, a pioneering brand that seamlessly blends scientific knowledge with cosmetic innovation. The compelling journey of founder Amy Gallant Sullivan not only reflects her passion but is also deeply rooted in a family legacy of advancements in eye health.

Having grown up in a household filled with healthcare professionals, Amy was introduced to the intricate world of ocular science early on. Her father, David A. Sullivan, held a position as an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, while her brother, Benjamin D. Sullivan, was instrumental in creating TearLab (now known as ScoutPro under Trukera Medical).
Furthermore, her mother, Rose, an intensive care nurse, has personal experience with conditions like dry eye disease (DED) and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

This unique upbringing meant that conversations surrounding dry eye and ocular surface disease (OSD) were a regular occurrence at the family dinner table.
However, it was during her involvement with the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) that Amy first identified the pressing need for consumer products that are safe for the eyes.

The Moment of Insight: A Revelation about Dry Eye Disease

The pivotal realization came when Amy discovered that dry eye disease occurs with twice the frequency in women compared to men. This raised an essential question: What activities do women engage in more than men?
The answer was straightforward—cosmetics. On average, women utilize around 12 beauty products daily, while men typically use about six.

As Amy delved deeper into her research, she uncovered some alarming truths.
For example, benzalkonium chloride (BAK), a preservative commonly found in glaucoma treatments, is also present in many cosmetic products, including eye makeup.
Even more troubling, the concentration of BAK permitted in cosmetics is thousands of times greater than that found in glaucoma medications.

This shocking discovery initiated a profound two-decade research journey exploring the correlation between cosmetics and dry eyes. The outcome? ÈYES ARE THE STORY—the pioneering cosmetics and skincare line specifically designed for individuals with sensitive eyes. Amy coined the term “optocosmetics” to define this groundbreaking approach that blends the realms of beauty and pharmaceuticals.

Understanding the Complexities of Dry Eye Syndrome

So, what precisely is dry eye syndrome, and why is it becoming increasingly common?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes fail to produce sufficient quality tears to maintain proper lubrication of the eye surface or when the eyes are unable to retain tears on their surface.
This can result in a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, which may include:

• Stinging or burning sensations
• A gritty feeling in the eyes
• Redness and irritation
• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Exploring the Interplay Between Makeup and Dry Eyes

The relationship between makeup and dry eyes is intricate and multifaceted. Those shimmering eyeshadows that we love? Tiny particles from them can infiltrate our tear film, leading to irritation and discomfort.
The mascara that enhances our lashes? It could potentially harbor bacteria that exacerbate eye discomfort. The very act of applying and removing eye makeup can also disrupt the fragile tear film that is essential for keeping our eyes lubricated and healthy.

Factors Increasing Women's Vulnerability to Dry Eyes

Women face a heightened risk of developing dry eyes due to a combination of factors. Hormonal changes throughout life, particularly during menopause, can have a profound impact on tear production levels.
The higher incidence of autoimmune disorders, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, among women further contributes to this issue. However, perhaps most pertinent to this discussion is the increased use of eye makeup and the trend of wearing false lashes, which can disrupt the delicate balance of our eyes.