They say, “The eyes are the windows to the soul,” and with that, they’re also one of the most delicate parts of the body. While other body parts may be able to handle a bit of a rough and tumble lifestyle—the eye area needs a bit more protection and TLC. “As an eye doctor, people are often surprised by how many little habits can have a long-term impact on your vision and eye health,” says New York optometrist Dr. Jennifer Tsai We asked the eye experts about the things they would never do to their eyes—so you can learn what to avoid from the best.
Featured experts
- Dr. Jennifer Tsai, a New York board-certified optometrist
- Ashley Brissette, MD is a New-York based ophthalmologist
Avoid using prescription retinol on the eyelids
New York ophthalmologist Ashley Brissette, MD says she would never use prescription-strength retinol around her eyes. While retinol is the gold standard for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, it’s too harsh for the eyelid area, she warns. “The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the face, and retinol can cause irritation, peeling and increased risk of sun damage,” says Dr. Brissette. “Worst of all, it can also cause dryness and disrupt the natural barrier function, which could lead to more severe and chronic dry eye disease.”
Avoid rubbing your eyes
It can feel super satisfying to rub your eyes after a long day or the moment you wake up in the morning, but Dr. Tsai warns against making the motion a habit as it “can stretch the delicate eyelid skin and contribute to fine lines or sagging.”
“When my eyes feel strained or tired after too much screen time, I take it as a signal to pause and reset,” says Dr. Tsai. Instead of rubbing her eyes, she grabs Upneeq prescription eye drops. “It gives a temporary lift to the upper lids, creating a more refreshed, awake appearance in just a few minutes. I like to think of it as a ‘ five-minute eye lift’—perfect before events, photos, or anytime I need to look a little more energized.”
Avoid sleeping in eye makeup
From the moment you start wearing makeup, you’re reminded about how bad it is to fall asleep with it on, and it turns out the negative effects go beyond your skin. “Makeup can clog the meibomian glands, which are the glands in the eyelids that help to keep our eyes hydrated and seeing clearly,” says Dr. Brissette. “Clogging can lead to irritation, infections and potential eye conditions like blepharitis or styes.” Furthermore, Dr. Brissette notes that mascara and eyeliner can potentially flake off during sleep, “which may cause particles to irritate the delicate skin around the eyes and even cause scratching of the cornea and chronic redness.”
Avoid using a harsh eye makeup remover
Yes, removing your eye makeup before going to sleep is crucial, but you can’t just remove it with any old product. Dr. Tsai says she’s very careful when taking off eye makeup. She tells patients to “avoid anything with alcohol or heavy fragrances, and never scrub aggressively. The skin around the eyes is delicate, and rough removal can damage the eyelid margin and oil glands that keep your eyes comfortable and hydrated.” Dr. Tsai warns that, over time, this kind of damage could lead to chronic dry eye.
Dr. Brissette always recommends a double cleanse to patients, first removing eye makeup and then using an eyelid cleanser afterward. She recommends using the Daily Practice by Dr. B Nourishing Makeup Melting Balm ($46) and Purifying Foaming Cleanser ($30).
Avoid using products around the eyes that haven’t been tested by experts
When applying products to an area as delicate as the eyes, you want to be sure that it checks all the boxes the experts want it to. Dr. Brissette says she would “avoid using any products around my eyes that haven’t been specifically tested for eye safety or created by ophthalmologists.” She explains that many beauty products contain ingredients that can irritate the eyes or result in an allergic reaction, particularly those applied near the lash line, on the eyelids, or in the waterline of the eyes.
Avoid using old makeup and tools
Sometimes, without even realizing it, months pass before you think to clean your makeup brushes and throw out old products, which isn’t good for your skin or eyes. “Make sure to throw out old makeup and wash any makeup brushes and sponges,” says Dr. Brissette.
Avoid sleeping with contact lenses
“Sleeping in contacts reduces the amount of oxygen your eyes get, which increases your risk of corneal infections—some of which can be vision-threatening,” warns Dr. Tsai. “I’ve treated patients with serious complications that started from ‘just one night’ of sleeping in lenses. It’s never worth the risk.”
Only get under-eye filler from a board-certified dermatologist
“While under-eye fillers are popular, I would be cautious with this treatment. Injectables near the eye area carry the risk of migration, infection or even blindness,” says Dr. Brissette. “The under-eye area is particularly vulnerable, and I would advise consulting with a board-certified professional who has a deep understanding of both aesthetics and eye anatomy before proceeding.”
