Can You Use Hemorrhoid Cream To Treat Undereye Bags?
Hemorrhoid cream and undereye bags don't exactly sound like they would be a match made in beauty heaven, but some users on TikTok are swearing by the combination. In fact, TikTok user @sheetaldeo1 claims that hemorrhoid cream "is going to get rid of all your undereye wrinkles in less than three days," which definitely sounds as though it's too good to be true. Besides, a different item from the medicine cabinet was being hailed as being the ultimate eye cream only recently.
Sheetal isn't the only person who has used hemorrhoid cream on their undereye area. Today reports that the topical ointment is used by many beauty professionals also. And they seem like they would be in the know about these types of things. They are professionals, after all.
Is it really time to say goodbye to applying eye creams and begin reaching for products that are more versatile than they appear? Perhaps the question we should be asking first is not whether or not hemorrhoid cream works to treat undereye bags, but whether or not it is safe to apply near your eyes in the first place.
Dermatologists suggest using caution
There is bad news for those hoping to make use of hemorrhoid cream in their beauty regimen. Dermatologist Purvisha Patel told Popsugar that people shouldn't use hemorrhoid cream to treat undereye bags, especially if the cream contains steroids. "Using steroids on the skin, especially around the eyes, can result in further skin thinning and lightening, which is irreversible," she said.
Dermatologist Nava Greenfield gave a similar response to Shape and explained, "The eyelid skin is extremely sensitive and can respond poorly to harsh ingredients."
According to Self, some common products available for purchase in the United States — like Preparation H – explicitly state on their labels that they shouldn't be used near or in the eyes. That sounds like a pretty good reason not to do it. In other words, it might be better to go to a dermatologist for a solution first — or use some concealer — than to end up with more problems in the future while seeking a quick fix.
There are other health risks
There are additional health risks associated with using hemorrhoid cream for undereye bags beyond thinning of the skin and skin lightening. Plastic surgeon Michelle Yagoda told Today that hemorrhoid creams can cause other skin issues too. "Preparation H formulations often contain petrolatum, mineral oil, and paraffin that can clog pores and cause breakouts," she said. "In addition, the formula may contain lanolin that can cause contact dermatitis in many."
For those who still aren't deterred by the potential dangers of using hemorrhoid cream where it doesn't belong, a third dermatologist, De Anne Harris Collier, told Allure, "Hydrocortisone can be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream to cause systemic side effects in other parts of your body. Because hydrocortisone is a steroid, usage over time can affect your adrenal glands, which are responsible for your body's response to stress."
In short, proceed with caution when using hemorrhoid cream or any other beauty hack, and don't hesitate to check with a doctor first.