NuLIDS was honored to be included in the first Skinnovation Leadership Summit put on by San Diego based skincare company, Skin Authority. With over 100 leaders in attendance and 50 professionals achieving Skin Immunity Expert Certification, it was an amazing step forward in our joining together to make a more beautiful, well world through our collective power of touch!  

Keynote speakers included Celeste Hilling, CEO of Skin Authority, Ahmed Al Qahtani, MD, PhD, Brooke Campbell, ND, Ilia Dickey, CEO of Centerpeace, Keri Parker of NuLIDS and Raquel Lopez of MediCreations. 

The main topic of discussion woven through the summit was around immunity and skin health. Topics ranged from gut health to the importance of Vitamin D to new innovations and technology in skincare and wellness. 

NuLIDS presented on the importance of eyelid and eyelash hygiene, and the immune health of the eye. 

The eye limits its inflammatory immune response so that vision isn’t harmed by swelling and other tissue change. (Other sites with immune privilege include the brain, testes, placenta and fetus.) Certain activities can impact eye defense and result in conditions like Dry Eye or more intense eye disease such as Macular Degeneration. 

In a 2021 study, 50% of the US population experiences Dry Eye. Key takeaways and contributing factors include:

• Digital Device Overexposure- prevents eyes from blinking reducing lubricating with protective nourishment 
• Medication– such as antihistamines, antihypertensives, decongestants, diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, and some antidepressants.
• Make up and cosmetic eye products-certain toxic ingredients in mascara, eyeliners, glues used around eye, etc
• Use of certain eye drops – such as glaucoma drops, or due to toxicity from the preservative in many proprietary eye drops.

• Skin disease which affects the eyelids – such as eczema or acne rosacea
• Meibomian gland dysfunction – Meibomian glands are found in the eye. They produce an oily substance called meibum, which stops tears from evaporating from the surface of the eye. The gland may become dysfunctional, usually associated with age, and hormonal factors.
• Vitamin deficiencies – Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and zinc, are especially important for good eye health.
• Prolonged use of contact lenses – Leaving contact lenses in situ for too long can cause dry eyes.
• Chronic herpes infection in the eye – Chronic herpes infection is thought to damage the nerve supply to the lacrimal duct and reduce tear production.
• Menopause – Hormone deficiency.
• Auto-immune conditions – In Sjogren syndrome, the body produces antibodies that destroy the lacrimal glands. Other autoimmune conditions also affect the eyes such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, and SLE.
• Environmental factors – Airborne particles of heavy metals, urban dust,  cigarette smoke, pollution, chemical fumes, and low humidity