Do you have an eyelid rash with dry red itchy skin? Have you been to a dermatologist? Although these symptoms can be caused by an eye infection or allergy condition, it’s also possible your eyelid rash is caused by the ingredients in your eye shadow, foundation, or mineral cosmetics brand. Many cosmetics brands contain two ingredients that are known to cause eye inflammation and irritation in women with sensitive skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis.
I recently discovered that I have a major sensitivity to bismuth oxychloride. I got a new eye shadow as a gift over the holidays. It caused a major eyelid rash that included inflammation, and red, burning itchy skin. At first I thought I had blepharitis. But I took a short hiatus from the new eyeshadow and my eyelid rash miraculously cured itself. I used it again on another night out and the next morning my eyelid rash had returned with a vengeance. This time it looked like there was a blister in the crease of my eyelid (where I like to put the eyeshadow a little heavier). I decided to do a little research on the eyeshadow and discovered through process of elimination it was the bismuth oxychloride that was aggravating my skin.
An eyelid rash can have many causes. If your dermatologist’s treatments haven’t worked, take a look at two common ingredients in your makeup that irritate skin. I’ve had my share of skin care issues over the years. I’m very sensitive to most over the counter drug store makeup and popular high-end cosmetics brands. A few years ago I wrote a very popular article about gluten and corn free cosmetics and personal products. Since that time I have found new cosmetics brands that also offer safe, allergy friendly ingredients. I’d like to share them with you in the event you too are sensitive to most makeup brands.
If you have an eyelid rash that is covered by dry, red, itchy skin you may have a sensitivity to either bismuth oxychloride or mica. Both of these ingredients can cause major skin irritations in women with a history of eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis. It is also possible to develop a sensitivity to one or both of these ingredients after years of use.
Why Some Women get an Eyelid Rash from Mica
Pure mica is a mineral pulled from the earth. Mica is processed and treated to be used as an ingredient in just about all kinds of paint, in drywall, in insulation, plastics and many other applications. As a cosmetic ingredient, mica is mainly found in nail polish, eyeshadow, lipstick, and foundation.
According to EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database it is a safe ingredient with few toxic concerns. Mica is colorless but has sharp edges when you see it under a microscope. For some women with very sensitive skin, the process of rubbing mica on their skin can cause inflammation, redness, and itching. For women with eczema, rosacea and dermatitis who have sensitive skin, it acts like a microdermabrasion, literally. For most women, myself included, mica is not an issue.
Why Some Women get an Eyelid Rash from Bismuth Oxychloride
Bismuth Oxychloride is a natural element used to manufacture metal by-products. It’s a byproduct of copper and lead refining. Bismuth Oxychloride is very much like arsenic chemically, which is a poison if you ingest it. It’s important to understand that your skin is your body’s biggest organ. Chemicals and elements rubbed on the skin can be toxic to your system in large doses. If your skin becomes itchy and pink after wearing mineral makeup with bismuth oxychloride you may develop a severe rash or acne over time. Why do cosmetic companies use bismuth oxychloride? It hides flaws, and is an inexpensive filler that helps keep the makeup sticking to your skin over the course of the day.
Makeup Brands that May Cause Eyelid Rash from Mica and Bismuth Oxychloride
There are several popular makeup brands that use either or both mica and bismuth oxychloride. Bare Minerals, Jane Iredale, Philosophy, La Bella Donna, and Youngblood are a few brands.
Most popular mineral makeup brands contain additional ingredients that also cause problems for women with sensitive skin. In addition to Bismuth Oxychloride and Mica, you may want to try to avoid the following ingredients too if you have sensitive skin: Continue reading on the next page…
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