How to make your own DIY eyelid scrub (Baby shampoo no longer advised!)

If you have eyelid soreness, crusting, itching or oil buildup, then these are just some of the reasons to regularly practice a good eyelid hygiene routine.

You may well have been diagnosed with blepharitis (Inflammation of the eyelid margins) or evaporative dry eyes and these are two conditions that also benefit from the use of good eyelid margin cleaning with specialist cleaning wipes and solutions.

Traditionally we have advised homemade eyelid cleaning with do-it-yourself (DIY) cleaning solutions. Baby shampoo diluted with warm water in a 1-part shampoo to 20-part water mix. The logic was always that baby shampoo was non-irritant to baby’s eyes but enough to create a gentle lather, so was a great option for adult lid cleaning.

However, that advice has now changed in recent times, but I notice that the word has not gotten out very far to people. The problem that has been discovered with baby shampoo is the fact that it can often contain other chemicals that can cause inflammation.

So what’s the best DIY alternative?

Well, tea tree oil (TTO) is now the essential oil of choice, and in fact many eyelid wipes that you can buy now contain TTO. Tea tree oil is a powerful fighter of germs and also is effective at killing the Demodex mite that often causes some eyelid inflammation and blepharitis.

How to make your own eyelid scrubs and wipes:

Firstly, never use full-strength tea tree oil as it is too harsh for the skin.

• Instead, mix 1 drop of tea tree oil with 2 or 3 drops of sterile water.

• Instead of water, you may also use olive oil or coconut oil.

• Apply the diluted mixture onto your eyelid with either a cotton swab or a lint-free wipe pad.

• Scrub the eyelid margins gently and thoroughly.

You can of course buy TTO-based eyelid wipes for convenience, there are many on the market. Make sure they are preservative-free to remove the risk of preservative-induced irritation with regular use.

Of course, have a chat with your eye care professional if in doubt about any ongoing eyelid concerns.

Best regards,

Martin Oguzie | Optometrist