Eye health is dependent on your ability to cry. It is a natural biological process that allows you to express and process emotions and pain. You might wonder if your skin benefits from crying, no matter how often you cry.
It turns out that a few simple habits can significantly impact how your skin reacts to crying. We talked to several doctors about how skin care and hygiene can help keep your skin clear and healthy, no matter the weather.
Skin effects
Most people will cry. Although a box of tissues (or your shirt sleeves) can help wipe away some tears, mild facial irritation is not uncommon after a long period of crying.
According to Melanie Palm MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Art of Skin MD and a board-certified dermatologist at Art of Skin MD, this is because tears are isotonic (closely to normal intravenous fluid preparations). Still, our tears have a pH higher than our skin.
Palm states that tears are usually close to 7, and skin is closer at 5.5 or 6. While short-term tears are not dangerous, prolonged exposure to tears could lead to skin irritation or changes in skin hydration.
It’s not only the pH that matters. It can make all the difference in how you feel after crying.
“Rubbing your face or using tissues to wipe it can cause skin inflammation, darken the skin, and even trigger acne,” warns Angie Seal of Advanced Dermatology PC.
Your entire face can be affected by the production and shedding of tears.
Dagny Zhu is a board-certified ophthalmologist.
Zhu suggests washing your face with cold water and applying a cold compress to the eyelids. This will help constrict blood vessels, reduce crying symptoms, and reduce pain after crying.
Seal recommends drinking water and applying a moisturizer to your skin, as crying can cause electrolytes loss. To soothe irritation and hydrate the skin, Seal recommends using a moisturizer that contains ceramides, squalene, or hyaluronic acids.
What is the purpose of tears?
Understanding what your tears are made of is important to understand the skin’s response to them better. According to the National Eye InstituteTrusted source, tears are mostly water but have three layers.
- mucous
- aqueous
- Oily
The outer oily layer keeps tears from drying too quickly, while the inner mucous allows the tear film to stick on your eyes. Tear film, a thin layer made up of tears, is always present around the cornea (clear layer of the eyeball). The middle layer of watery tears is the thickest. It keeps the eyes moist and provides nourishment for their tissues.
There are three major types of tears. They have different triggers and compositions. Reflex and basal tears protect the eyes from irritants or debris, while emotions trigger emotional tears. Humans are the only known species to produce emotional tears.
Tears also contain electrolytes which is why they have a salty flavour.
Essential minerals called electrolytes have an electric charge. They are vital for many bodily functions. They are found in your blood, urine, and sweat.
You need to replenish electrolytes if you sweat, cry, or use the toilet a lot.
The health benefits of crying
A good cry can be very therapeutic. Although you may feel tired after your tears stop, there are many benefits to crying.
These include:
- Stress relief
- How to lift your mood
- Detoxifying your body
- Endorphins (feel-good) chemicals are released
The body’s natural response to pain and emotion is to cry. Research is ongoing to discover how everyone experiences crying differently.
When accompanied by outside support and comfort, it appears that crying helps soothe individuals.
Uncontrollable crying could signify a more severe mental or physical condition. An increase in crying could indicate that you need more help.
If you are experiencing any of these conditions, check-in with yourself.
- Depression
- anxiety
- chronic pain
- dry eye syndrome
- pseudobulbar affect (PBA) can cause uncontrollable crying and laughter
- Aquagenic Urticaria is a rare allergic reaction that occurs in water.
- Medically-induced inability to cry because of medication or infection
Do not hesitate to ask for help, especially when the problem is ongoing or getting worse.
Eyecare
Your skin around your eyes can be very thin, making it susceptible to unwanted dark circles and puffiness. Many people fear that dark circles will make them appear older or more tired.
These types of inflammation can be controlled with a variety of home remedies and over-the-counter products. These are some doctor-recommended tips for caring for your eyes and skin.
