#132: My Favorite Warm Compress Mask
In an earlier blog, I discussed the importance of using a warm compress mask as part of a daily treatment regimen for dry eyes. However, some of my patients find it hard to use a mask because of a facial condition they have. The condition is called Acne Rosacea. It is quite common in light skinned folks or those with heritage from Northern European countries.
Acne Rosacea causes irregular blood vessels to form on the skin. If you have rosacea on your cheeks, there is an 80% chance that you also have rosacea on your eyelids.
When these irregular blood vessels are close to the eyes, they bring inflammation to its front surface. This inflammation fuels to cycle of dry eyes.
My patients that have rosacea, are not fans of using warm compresses because they can cause these blood vessels to dilate and appear more red. When these irregular surface blood vessels are dilated, they can also bring more inflammation to the eyes.
What's the Solution:
I like using the UNClog mask because it uses Infra-Red technology to penetrate the light energy to the level of the meibomian glands. This keeps the surface of the eyelid cooler than using a traditional electric or microwavable mask.
3 Reasons Why I LOVE the UNClog mask:
I've switched to recommending this mask to my patients patients over an electric or microwavable mask for three reasons.
Convenience: It uses a USB plug, so it can be plugged in anywhere at any time. It's great for daily use and convenient for when you travel. You could even use it while you’re a passenger in a car or airplane.
Settings: You can customize the treatment for yourself. The UNClog mask has settings for both temperature and time. You can set it to the therapeutic temperature to melt the oils in the glands, 42 degreees Celcius, or you can go even hotter. And, you can use it for the amount of time you want. It will automatically shut off after that time. You may find that using the warm compress mask is very soothing and comfortable that it makes you fall asleep. But, with the timer, it will automatically shut off. You don't have to worry about the compress being on too long.
Hygiene: It is easy to keep clean. The mask comes apart completely so that it's easy to wash. The very soft cloth cover holds all of the components. The infrared filament is the first layer that lies closest to your skin. It's actually doing the heating. It comes out of the mask after you unplug it from the power cord. Next comes the beaded insert. This portion goes on top of the infrared layer to give it a little bit of weight. This helps the mask contour to your eyelids. And there's an optional insertable lavender sachet that gives you an aroma therapy experience while you're doing your warm compresses. Once you have removed these components, the mask is machine washable. You can keep that velvty soft cover clean.
CONCLUSION:
The key to getting dry eye relief is consistency with your treatment plan. Customizing the parts of the treatment plan to your lifestyle helps you stick to that plan. The UNClog mask is both convenient to use and effective at melting the oils trapped inside the lids.
If you can't wait to try an UNCLog mask for yourself, check out their website and pick one up today.
There are three reasons that I recommend the UNClog Mask over other electronic masks on the market above and beyond it being great for patient who suffer from Acne Rosacea. The treatment is convenient to use with a USB port. It is customizable with settings for both heat and time. And, number three, it comes apart easily for washing.
Don't forget to always remove your eye makeup before using a warm compress mask. You don’t want to melt those oil and have them coat your tear film if they are covered in makeup particles. Download the Guide to Makeup Removers for Sensitive Eyes here.
