Eye cosmetics help protect the delicate skin over the eyelid. The skin over the eyelid is the thinnest on the body, measuring less than one mm. Eyelids are the only external skin layer without subcutaneous flat. The eyelid protects the eye from germs and the external environment.
Eyelashes are a unique type of hair that lasts longer than hair anywhere else on the body. The upper eyelid eyelashes have twice the number of hairs compared to the lower eyelids. They catch dust and other matter, keeping them off the eye’s surface. The eyelashes also help keep moisture close to the eye’s surface. They are very sensitive to touch and blink as a protective reflex.
Eyebrows convey emotions like surprise, happiness, and anger. Eyelashes and eyebrows are the primary defense mechanism against airborne particles. Eyebrows channel moisture, such as sweat and rain, away from the eyes, keeping vision clear.
The earliest archaeological evidence of the use of cosmetics dates to around 4000 BC in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India. In this period, men and women painted kohl around their eyes to make them look larger and protect them from the evil eye. This practice of using kohl to protect against the sun, wind, and sand has endured in India today.
However, it is important to note that traditional kohl contains significant lead levels that harm the eye (Tiffany-Castiglioni E et al. 2012). Most modern eyeliners do not contain lead or carbon.
Egypt and Mesopotamia are in the region where the Bible was written. The practice of using cosmetics for the eyes would have extended throughout the region. The importance of eyes is expressed in Matthew 13:16: “But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears because they hear.” Moreover, Proverbs 20:12 states, “The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the LORD has made them both.”
Given the importance of eyes and their role in beauty management, several eye cosmetics are now available. These include eyeliner, eyebrow pencil, eyebrow gel, eyebrow powder, eye primer, mascara, eyeshadow, eye glitter, eye gloss, eyelash dyes, artificial eyelashes, shadow base, kohl, and kajal.
Most eye cosmetics are designed with safety in mind. They contain preservatives to prevent infection and are usually fragrance-free to minimize the risk of irritation. Hypoallergenic products, which contain fewer ingredients, are particularly suitable for patients with sensitive skin, providing a safe and enjoyable cosmetic experience. O’Donoghue, M. N. (2000)
Eyeliners
Eyeliners define the eyes and make them stand out, enhancing their shape and color. They can also mimic a thick fringe of eyelashes. Typically, four eyeliners are available: gel, pencil, liquid, and felt-tip.
Modern eyeliners and eye cosmetics are highly regulated and relatively safe to use. However, makeup products should not interact with meibum, which can aggravate dry eye symptoms. (Hunter, M, et al., et al., 2015)
Meibum is the oily substance produced by the meibomian glands in the eyelids that coats the eye’s surface and helps keep tears from evaporating. Anti-aging creams around the eyes can negatively affect the meibomian gland function, contributing to dry eye symptoms. (Ng, A., et al., 2016)
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