why are my eyes red after a shower

Eye redness is often caused by allergies or eye strain, but why are my eyes red after a shower? Although bloodshot eyes after a shower are probably not life-threatening, they can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as irritation, burning, light sensitivity, and even blurred vision. In this article, we'll talk to you about the causes of why eyes red after shower, as well as remedies for how to get rid of red eyes after shower.

Why Are My Eyes Red After a Shower?

red eyes after shower

There are many reasons for your eyes red after shower, so let's focus on what causes your eyes to turn red after shower.

1. Shower Products May Make Eyes Burn after Shower.

Ingredients in shampoos and body washes can irritate and dry out the eyes, which can lead to bloodshot eyes after shower. This is because some of the harsh cleaners and chemicals in these products can cause irritation and discomfort if they get in the eyes. In addition, the amino acids and other ingredients in these products may also damage the skin around the eyes and the natural protective covering on the surface of the eyes, which can lead to dryness and redness.

To avoid eye irritation and dryness from shampoos and body washes, it is recommended to protect your eyes while showering. If you accidentally drop these products into your eyes, rinse your eyes with clean water in time to relieve discomfort.

2. Shower Water Itself Irritates Eyes.

  • Hardness Mineral

If your home has hard water, your tap water contains high amounts of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. These hard minerals are known to dry out your eyes, which can make them itchy and red when you shower or wash your face. Since soap doesn't lather in hard water, soap residue can also stick to your eyes and cause irritation. This is the important reason of the problem why do my eyes go red after a shower.

  • Chlorine

Another cause of eyes burn after shower is the chlorine in the shower water. Most public water supplies, such as tap water in showers, have chlorine added as a disinfectant. Many people report burning and itching in their eyes when they wash their face or shower with chlorinated tap water. In addition, chlorine is likely to be present in water vapor, which can further irritate the eyes and cause redness. The chlorine in the water can dehydrate the eyes, causing slight redness, and can also make the eyes a bit watery. In severe cases, prolonged exposure to chlorinated water can also make your eyes sensitive to light for hours, thus it brings you the annoying question why do my eyes turn red after shower.

  • Allergen

Shower water can also contain allergens and other foreign matter that can irritate the eyes after a shower. You may be allergic to certain types of water pollutants, causing symptoms such as eye irritation, swelling, and redness. While water is usually free of dust allergens, it can contain dirt and bacteria. Rubbing your eyes after showering can introduce bacteria into your eyes and cause redness.

  • Water Temperature

Another culprit that causes eyes to turn red or itchy eyes after a shower is the water temperature. Hot showers are relaxing, but showering with water much warmer than body temperature can dilate blood vessels, leading to red eyes. Hot steam can also cause bloodshot eyes. To avoid burning eyes after showering, make sure the water is not too hot.

3. It Can Also Be Caused by Eye Cosmetics.

Is there another reason why do my eyes get red after I shower?---Applying makeup before showering may cause red eyes. This is because chemicals in cosmetics may get into the eyes, irritating them and causing redness and discomfort. Especially eye cosmetics, such as mascara, eyeliner, etc., because they often direct contact with the skin around the eyes and the root of the eyelashes, which are more likely to cause discomfort and redness.

If you want to use eye makeup before showering, remove it thoroughly before showering to ensure all makeup residue is removed. Also, avoid excessive rubbing or pulling of the skin around the eyes while in the shower, as this can cause discomfort and redness.

4. Last, Eye Fatigue Makes Eyes Red after Shower.

Eye fatigue is also one of the common causes of red eyes after showering. Eye activities such as staring at a computer screen for long periods of time, reading, driving, etc. can cause eye strain and make your eyes feel dry, red, and sore. In the shower, the hot water and steam can further aggravate eye strain and discomfort. So, it is also the reason why do my eyes turn red after shower.

How to Get Rid of Red Eyes after Shower?

In the above content, we clearly explained the reasons for the question why are my eyes red after a shower.  Below we'll give you some ways and tricks to get rid of red eye after the shower.

1. Homemade Eyewash: A homemade eyewash made with distilled water and salt can remove dust particles, pollen, and other foreign matter from the eyes and relieve irritation, itching, and redness. Make a cup of distilled or boiled water and add a teaspoon of salt. Your eyes cleanse themselves with this pH-balanced saline solution, which works like tears. It's important to note that if you make your own eyewash, be very careful as contamination can occur, which can further aggravate an infection that causes red eyes.

2. Use Ice or Hot Compress: Depending on the specific conditions of your eyes, you can choose to use ice or hot compress to relieve eye redness and discomfort. When using, remember not to let the dressing directly touch the eyes, so as not to irritate and hurt the eyes.

3. Artificial Tears: Medications such as over-the-counter eye drops and artificial tears can help reduce redness and inflammation of the eyes. Artificial tears lubricate the eyes and relieve dryness or redness.

4. Install a Shower Water Filter: Installing a shower filter can reduce pollutants and chemicals in the water, which can reduce eye and skin irritation. Shower water can contain chlorine, heavy metals, and other chemicals that can irritate and dry eyes and skin. Filters remove these chemicals, reducing eye irritation. Our best hard water shower filter ensures optimal water purification, removing eye and skin-damaging pollutants. Choose SimPure best shower head filter for hard water, you should be able to feel the shower water is softer and more comfortable, and the irritation and dryness of eye redness and skin will be lessened.

how to get rid of red eyes after shower

To sum up, when you want to know the answer to the question "why are my eyes red after a shower?", you can use above ways to get rid of post-shower red eye symptoms. It's important to remember that the water you shower with has high levels of dissolved minerals, heavy metals, impurities, and other sources of contamination that can turn red and burn your eyes when they come into contact with them. But by installing a hard water shower filter, you can ensure your water is purer and softer to shower without the red eyes! What's more, if you are worried about your drinking water is hard, you can also choose to install Best Water Filter for Hard Water!