Optometrist issues warning over ‘dangerous’ new Vaseline beauty trend

Everyone loves a good beauty hack especially when it won't blow the bank.

Recently, Vaseline has been having a bit of a moment on TikTok with many users swearing by a 'hack' which is apparently supposed to stop eyes from welling up in the cold weather and keep make-up intact.

However, opticians have since rushed in to share an urgent warning over the 'dangerous' new beauty trend taking social media by storm.

With the arctic temperatures and intense blasts of winds we've been having recently - it's no surprise that many of us are probably walking about with watery eyes that ruin our mascara, dry out our skin and are just a downright pain.

Many users have taken to TikTok to share with their followers what they reckon is the remedy to the age-old problem with now millions of views racking up under the hashtags #wateryeyehack and #vaselinehacks on the platform.

One TikTok user, who goes by the handle @yazmooremakeup online, shared with her 70.3k followers a video of her using a cotton bud to smear Vaseline into the corners of her eyes.

In the clip, the beauty influencer claimed it was 'the best life hack' for 'if you struggle with watery eyes or your eyes stream a lot'.

She added: "My make-up used to actually run really badly because my eyes wouldn't stop watering."

Another beauty influencer, @danicolexx, shared with her 469.5k followers the same 'hack' where she claims it 'is the best tip' she has 'ever learnt'.

Mark Shelton, an optometrist at Bayfields Opticians and Audiologists, warned: "Although smearing Vaseline on the eye lids may be effective to stop them watering it is not something that I would recommend.

"The eye lids contain meibomian glands which help to regulate the quality of the tears and blocking these glands can cause complications like styes and cysts or even infections."

He also pointed out that excessively watery eyes could be a sign of dry eye syndrome, which can also cause blurred vision, itchy eyes and sensitivity to light.

"I would recommend seeing your local optometrist who will be able to do a few tests to check why the eyes are watering and give appropriate advice," he added.

The NHS informs: "Watering eyes are common and often get better on their own, but treatment may be needed if the watering affects your daily activities."

The website also explains a pharmacist can help with watering eyes where you can ask them about what you can do to treat watering eyes yourself – such as cleaning and protecting your eyes, what you can buy to help – such as cleaning solutions, eyedrops or allergy medicines and if you need to see an optician or GP.

You can find out more about watering eyes on the NHS website here.