Can You Prevent Glasses From Leaving Red Marks On Your Nose?

Glasses are an easy, cost-effective way to correct your vision. Whether you’re squeamish about contacts, you like to alternate between contacts and glasses, or you simply prefer glasses, one thing many glasses wearers have in common is the annoying red marks they can leave on your nose. Said red marks can take makeup and skincare off and can even be downright painful, depending on the cause.

Fortunately, you don’t have to grin and bear it. Depending on the cause, you may be able to prevent your glasses from leaving red marks on your nose.

Should Glasses Leave Red Marks On Your Nose?

In many cases, if your glasses are leaving red marks on your nose, this means that they don’t first properly and need to be adjusted. If your red marks are accompanied by pain or discomfort, definitely have them adjusted, as glasses should not be painful to wear.

However, this is not always the case. If you are someone who wears makeup, you may notice red marks on your nose even if your glasses fit correctly. If you have any concerns about the red marks your glasses are leaving on your nose, it’s best to talk to your optician. 

Common Reasons Why Your Glasses Leave Red Marks On Your Nose

#1. They Do Not Sit Properly

If you have nose bridge pain from your glasses, this can be because they are not sitting properly. You will want to have them adjusted so that they fit correctly. If you have pain behind your ears in addition to red marks on your nose, this is likely because your glasses are too small for your face.

#2. They Are Heavy

If you have red marks on your nose that disappear overnight, they are likely light pressure marks. This can mean that your glasses are just heavy. Picking a lighter frame can resolve the problem. Heavy frames can also leave indents on your nose.

#3. They Are Not Made Properly

If your glasses are giving you headaches from eye strain in addition to red marks, this means that either you need to adjust to them, as can happen when people first start wearing glasses. It can also mean that your glasses are not made properly to the prescription. 

#4. You Are Having An Allergic Reaction

Another reason why your glasses can leave red marks on your nose is if you are allergic to the material the nose pads are made of. Nose pads are typically made of plastic or silicone. If you have an allergic reaction, your optician will work with you to find a solution that works for you.

This could also happen if you don’t clean your glasses’ nose pads on a regular basis. Oil, dirt, and bacteria can build up on them, leading to adverse reactions. 

#5. They Do Not Fit Correctly

If your red marks are indents, this likely means that your glasses don’t fit correctly and need to be adjusted. The bridge width could be too narrow or the frame could not be correct for you. The weight may not be evenly distributed. The nose pads may sit too high or too low on your nose bridge.

Adjusting your glasses is something that needs to be done by a professional, as trying to adjust them yourself can cause damage to the frame. They can adjust the pads to either a different type or to distribute the weight more evenly. They can also adjust the frame or recommend a new frame. 

#6. It’s The Nose Pad Material

Harder plastic materials are more likely to leave marks than silicone. If the material of your nose pads is causing the red marks, you can talk about this with your optician.

How To Prevent Red Marks On Your Nose With Makeup

Even if your glasses are a perfect fit, they can still leave red marks on your nose from taking your makeup off. There are a few things that you can try in order to prevent this. 

• Apply eyeshadow primer to your nose, let it dry, then powder it.
• Soak your beauty sponge in long-lasting setting spray, pack setting powder over concealer/foundation, then brush off once set – aka, bake your nose.
• Put a mattifying primer around the sides of your nose and powder your foundation, as creating more dryness prevents slippage.
• Use blotting sheets to help with oil, then powder.
• Wipe down the nose pads of your glasses, then lightly dust with setting powder.
• Use less makeup in that area. Apply from the outside of the face in.

Are You Struggling With Your Glasses?

Wolcott Optical is here to help! We can ensure that your glasses fit correctly and that the frame is right for you. Contact us today with any questions you may have about the fit of your glasses or any problems you’re experiencing.