Wearing glasses every day is a style statement but let’s be honest, it can also be a real pain for your skin especially around the nose area. If you’ve ever struggled with redness around the rim of your frame, breakouts, or pressure marks where your frames sit, you’re not alone! Here’s how to keep your skin happy, healthy, and irritation free.
The Best Lotions and Barrier Creams for Glasses Wearers
Why barrier creams?
After some research, this is what I have found. Barrier creams and gentle moisturisers help protect and repair the skin where your frames rest, especially on the nose bridge and behind the ears (yep, that can get quite painful too). Look for products that are fragrance free, non- omedogenic, and rich in skin-repairing ingredients.
Top picks for 2025:
CeraVe Healing Ointment: Great for soothing and protecting irritated spots thanks to ceramides and petrolatum.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5: A cult favourite for calming redness and repairing the skin barrier.
Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Cream: Ideal for sensitive or reactive skin, especially if you’re prone to breakouts.
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturiser: Lightweight, gentle, and perfect for sensitive skin types.
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturising Cream: Deeply nourishing and great for dry, chafed areas.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream: Hydrating and non-greasy, so it won’t make glasses slide.
Tip:
Apply a thin layer of your chosen cream to clean skin before putting on your glasses. Reapply as needed, especially after sweating or washing your face.
How to Soothe Redness, Breakouts, and Pressure Marks?
If you’re already irritated:
Take short breaks: If possible, take your glasses off for a few minutes every hour to let your skin breathe. If you also wear contact lenses, it is a good way to give your skin a break.
Cool compress: Use a clean, cool washcloth to reduce swelling and redness.
Spot treat: For breakouts, dab on a gentle, fragrance-free spot treatment but avoid anything too harsh or drying.
Switch to hypoallergenic frames: If irritation persists, consider frames made from titanium, acetate, or hypoallergenic materials.
For pressure marks:
Adjust your fit: Make sure your frames aren’t too tight. Visit your optician for adjustments if needed.
Use silicone pads: These can cushion the nose and ears, reducing friction and marks.
Apply moisturiser: dab some non-greasy moisturiser around the area
When to Switch Up Your Skincare Routine
Signs you need a change:
- Persistent redness, flaking, or soreness where your glasses touch.
- Breakouts that don’t respond to your usual treatments.
- Skin feeling tight, dry, or extra sensitive.
Finally:
Always clean your frames regularly with gentle soap and water. Oil and bacteria from your skin can build up on your frame and make irritation worse! It is just good practice to at least wipe your frame once a day, personally, I wipe my frames with wipes severals time a day.
Glasses should be comfortable and stylish and not a source of stress for your skin! With a few tweaks to your routine and the right products, you can keep irritation at bay and enjoy all the benefits of your favourite frames or the fact that they help you to see.
Do you have a favourite lotion or tip for soothing glasses induced irritation? Share your experience in the comments or tag @myglassesandme on Instagram!