Ladies...ever apply a petri dish to your face?

Hello,

Unfortunately, the answer is "you probably already have." But what do I mean by petri dish?

Well, I recently read an article the other day about makeup (http://tinyurl.com/4ty6jf2) and the risk of eye infections related to using old and previously-used makeup. Other than my wife using it, my knowledge is limited on the subject, but I do know that makeup can be very expensive, which is probably why it's very difficult to throw away...and that is also why you have a "goodie drawer" overflowing with various-shaped containers of makeup, including the mascara you used 20+ years ago for your high school prom.

This is what happens when you use the makeup: after you apply it, bacteria and fungi may get trapped in the container with a little bit of moisture from your skin. Consider those who may apply the makeup in a bathroom, which is a warm and moist environment as well. That's not a big deal as long as the makeup isn't kept too long. But consider the used makeup in your "goodie drawer" again (or the pile next to your bathroom sink), especially the ones waaaaaaay in the back that you discovered after reading this: there's bacteria and fungi in there, and they've been growing in a moist and dark environment for a very loooooooong time. Do you really want to put that on your face?

So, my recommendation is to THROW IT OUT!!! If you haven't used it in twenty years, you sure as heck aren't going to use it again, even if it cost fifty bucks. An eye infection isn't worth it: a medical eye visit ($), plus a bottle of antibiotic eyedrops ($$), plus your eyes looking nasty equals a not-so-nice experience.


Here are some makeup tips from your local optometrist:
1) It's common knowledge NOT to share makeup, but if you didn't know that, now you do. Sharing eye makeup is an easy way to get an eye infection.
2) Also, AVOID the "testers" is the department stores. Someone else's dirty/oily/crusty lips/cheeks/eyelashes was on that a few seconds ago.
3) When wearing contact lenses, always put the contacts in FIRST before applying makeup. It reduces the risk of getting mascara trapped underneath the contact lens, which does not feel good at all.
4) Don't apply eyeliner beyond your lash line. ONLY apply it on the skin, because you can clog your oil glands and cause a nasty stye, which looks a lot worse than the look you were going for.

And, before I forget...CONGRATULATIONS to Jeremy L. who correctly answered the location of WECA's first ever Reading Eagle advertisement on March 6, 2011. Jeremy wins a FREE eye exam at our new office!

Okay, I've done my makeup tip for the year. Next week: PICTURES OF THE OFFICE!!!

Sincerely,
Dr. Weaver