How to clean your eyelashes

After the warm compress, clean the eyelid margins and eyelashes gently.

Step 1 — Use a dedicated eyelid cleanser or lid wipe

Use a product specifically designed for the delicate skin around the eyes.

Avoid putting ordinary facial cleansers, shampoos or harsh soaps directly onto the eyelid margins.

Step 2 — Close your eye

Gently clean along the base of the eyelashes and the eyelid margin.

Do not scrub vigorously. It should not touch your eye.

Step 3 — Clean both eyes

Use a clean part of the wipe for each eye to avoid transferring debris between the eyes.

Step 4 — Rinse or leave as directed

Follow the instructions for the particular eyelid cleanser you are using.

The aim is to clean, not scrub.

Why do I need to clean my eyelashes?

Your eyelashes and eyelid margins can collect:

• Oil and skin debris

• Makeup residue

• Bacteria and biofilm

• Flakes or crusting

• Allergens

• In some people, Demodex associated debris

This build-up can contribute to blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, and may be associated with dry eyes, itchy eyelids, crusting or recurrent styes.

Simply washing your face does not necessarily clean the delicate eyelid margins properly.

How often should I do this?

For people with blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction or dry-eye symptoms, eyelid hygiene may need to become part of your regular routine.

The ideal frequency depends on why your eyelids are inflamed or your glands are blocked.

If your symptoms keep returning despite good home care, it is worth having your eyelids examined rather than simply doing more compresses.

I use these lid wipes myself: the yellow hyaluronic acid wipes five days a week, and the green tea tree oil wipes twice a week. They are gentle enough that I use them on my face too. Click on the image to find out more.