Eyelash extensions add an amazing appearance to your eyes by creating a fuller, thicker lash line. A long lash line makes the eyes appear larger and more open, enhancing your overall facial appearance in the process. Unfortunately, many people are hesitant to get eyelash extensions because they worry about experiencing irritation at the base of their lashes.
Quick Eyelash Extension Irritation Remedies
Use these 10 eyelash extension irritation remedies to ensure your eyelashes remain gorgeous and healthy! You may just realize that they’re exactly what you need to handle your irritation issues.
1. Vaseline
Invest in a bottle of pure petroleum jelly (sometimes called cold cream) and keep it at home. Before bed, apply a dab to your eyelashes and wipe off any excess so that your lashes are lightly coated with Vaseline.
If you have time in the morning, consider doing it again before heading out for work. The thick texture will smother any bacteria and protect against irritating eye irritants within the environment like dirt, sweat, or sun exposure.
Try to apply mascara on top. It’ll seem like there’s a lot of clumps, but as soon as you wash off your makeup at night, give your eyelashes another light coat and let them soak overnight again; they should look better by morning!
2. Coconut Oil
Considered one of nature’s greatest moisturizers, coconut oil can be used to help hydrate and repair your lashes. Coconut oil will also protect against breakage and split ends, as well as adding shine to dull-looking strands.
You may want to consider using an oil-free eye makeup remover with coconut oil if you have oily skin or just want to avoid smearing your eyeliner across your face throughout the day. Coconut oil has been proven to slow down bacterial growth, so it can be a great option for those prone to eye infections.
Try using a warm compress on irritated eyes at night. Keep in mind that it may cause slight stinging when first applied, so you may want to dilute it with water before applying it directly onto skin.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is loaded with antioxidants and has soothing properties that soothe inflamed skin. As an added bonus, aloe vera also promotes hair growth by increasing blood flow to your scalp. If you’re dealing with irritated eyelashes, try applying aloe vera gel (found in most health or food stores) directly to your eyes.
If it’s applied tropically, you may want to put on a pair of latex gloves first so that you don’t get any juice on your hands and transfer it to your eyes by accident. Wait a few minutes for everything to soak in before wiping away any residue with a damp cloth or tissue.
4. Baking Soda Paste
First, use a Q-tip to apply a thin layer of baking soda paste over your eyelashes. This will dry out any irritations and make your lashes feel fresh again. Allow it to dry for about 20 minutes, then use warm water and a cotton swab to remove it from your lash line and bottom eyelid.
After you clean off all of the paste, allow your eyes to air-dry before applying makeup again. Repeat every day until irritation subsides. Baking Soda Paste is an excellent option if you have mild allergies or sensitivities, but if they’re more severe (or accompanied by redness), try a prescription antihistamine instead.
Just be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist first! Baking Soda Paste is safe to use on both natural and synthetic eyelashes. If using on synthetic ones, always make sure that they are labeled as hypoallergenic before purchasing them. And be sure not to get any in your eyes!
Rinse thoroughly with warm water after using on synthetic lashes. Baking Soda Paste can also be used for removing eye makeup at night. Just leave it on overnight and wash it off in the morning.
5. Petroleum Jelly
This should be one of your go-to products if you experience irritation. Use a Q-tip to apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your natural lash line, and let it sit for an hour or two. Remove gently with a cotton swab, but be sure not to pull out your eyelashes.
Even though eye makeup remover works well, avoid it, if possible, as it may cause additional damage. Also avoid water-based lotions, since they are so oily and greasy, they tend to block air from reaching your skin and can only exacerbate irritation.
6. Coconut Water
Moisturize your skin with coconut water, which is high in antioxidants and vitamins. Gently put a little of it into your eyelashes before bed to strengthen them and protect them from harmful chemicals.
Coconut water is also great for moisturizing dry lips, hands, and feet. It’s especially useful during cold months when skin tends to get more dehydrated as heaters are used more often. It also smells great so you can add a little bit to your bath!
7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which makes it effective in treating infections caused by eyelash extensions. All you need to do is to soak a cotton ball with tea tree oil and apply it around your eye area.
Be careful not to let any of the oil get into your eyes. You can then wrap your eyelids with a clean cloth and leave them on overnight. Do not rinse off until morning when you wake up; just wash your face as usual.
8. Rose Water
Rosewater has been used for centuries to soften skin, treat rashes and inflammation, and treat skin conditions. Because of its antibacterial properties, rose water is a good choice for the treatment of eyelash extension irritation.
Dilute some rose water with an adequate amount of regular water and apply it to your eyes with a cotton ball. Let it sit for about five minutes before removing it with a clean tissue or soft cloth.
This can be done two to three times per day until symptoms resolve. If you don’t have any in hand, cucumber slices will work pretty well too.
9. Cold Compress
A cold compress, like a bag of frozen peas or an ice pack, can be soothing for eyes that are irritated from eyelash extensions. A cold compress is also useful for reducing puffiness in your eyes. Wrap a bag of frozen peas in a dish towel and press it to your eyes for about 20 minutes.
You can also freeze pieces of cucumber and use them as eye patches on your face while you sleep. They’re also great for calming irritated skin around your eyes. Both remedies work because they reduce inflammation, so consider keeping one in your freezer at all times!
Cold compresses are especially effective if you’ve recently gotten eyelash extensions or had eyelid surgery. Just remember to always ask for permission before applying these at work.
10. Potato Slices
When you get eyelash extensions done, most technicians use a medical-grade adhesive to hold them in place. This is great when it’s done right—but if not, your eyes may end up burning like crazy. Since medical-grade adhesives are oil-based, they can irritate your eyes and cause redness and swelling.
Fortunately, if you have some potatoes with you, you can treat that burning sensation with little more than a microwave and a fork. Grab a few slices of potato (about 1/4 inch thick), put them in the microwave for about 45 seconds (or until soft), peel away half of each slice and then gently press one over each eye for about 10 minutes to soothe irritation.
If you just suddenly developed allergies to eyelash extensions, it might be as a result of the materials used in fixing the lashes or the material the lash is made from. More often than not, the lash glue is often the culprit when it comes to eyelash irritation and allergies.
This is why you should find an eyelash glue that works for you and stick to it. You should also let your lash extension specialist know if you prefer a specific brand of lash glue or better still, take it with you for your appointment.