How to Properly Drain a Chalazion During Puberty

Chalazia during puberty are very common, and often frustrating. Rapid hormonal changes and new habits like makeup use can disrupt the natural balance of the eyelids, making blockages more likely.

Why this happens during puberty
Hormones increase oil production throughout the body, including the meibomian glands in the eyelids. This oil is often thicker and more waxy, which makes it easier to clog the glands. At the same time, makeup use, incomplete removal, and frequent eye touching can introduce debris that further blocks the gland openings.

Worth Mentioning. Makeup habits matter
During puberty, makeup is often a new routine, but it can contribute to chalazia if not managed properly:

• Always remove eye makeup completely before bed
• Avoid heavy or oil-based products along the lash line
• Replace old or contaminated makeup regularly
• Keep brushes and tools clean

 

 

 

Why Teens Get Chalazia

Chalazia are especially common during the teen years because the eyelids are going through changes very similar to the skin. Think of it as acne of the oil glands, but along the lash line.

Hormonal changes increase oil production
Puberty triggers a surge in hormones (especially androgens) that stimulate oil glands throughout the body, including the meibomian glands in the eyelids. This leads to more oil production, but the oil is often thicker and more prone to clogging, making blockages more likely.

Glands are still maturing
Teen eyelid glands are not fully developed yet. This means the structure and function of the glands may not efficiently handle increased oil output. The result is overflow + poor drainage, where oil sits in the gland instead of flowing smoothly into the tear film.

Makeup and contact lenses introduce buildup
New habits play a big role:

• Makeup (especially eyeliner and mascara) can block gland openings if not removed properly
• Contact lenses can contribute to dryness and increased eye touching
• Hands, tools, and products can introduce debris, bacteria, and residue along the lash line

All of this adds to the congestion at the gland openings.

The acne parallel
This combination, excess oil, immature glands, and external buildup—mirrors what happens in acne:

• Oil + debris → clogged pore (or gland)
• Inflammation → swelling
• Blockage → visible bump (chalazion)

 

 

How to Properly Drain a Chalazion

Just 3 Steps. Follow these steps once a day before bedtime. Teenagers don't like to listen, but they must use a 10X lighted magnifying mirror to do this detailed work for accuracy and safety. If your teenager is irresponsible or not trust worthy - this eye care routine can be done with adult supervision only.

1) ROLL the heat to soften meibomian oil glands. Work the chalazion towards the eyelid margin with the roller. 

2) Use 1 drop of cleansing oil on the head of the brush. SCRUB the exit site and/or the eyelid margin to allow debris to release and unclog. Always use a 10X lighted magnifying mirror to do this detailed work.

3) ROLL the heat again if needed to work out chalazion debris after the SCRUB step. 

4) Always WASH off all that debris with the foaming cleanser. This step also completes the double cleanse for a healthy eyelid skin barrier. 

 

 

Recommended Eye Care Routine

Using the We Love Eyes MGD Cleansing System consistently helps teens (and anyone prone to chalazia) stay ahead of buildup, breakouts, and recurring eyelid issues. Think of it as daily maintenance for your oil glands, just like skincare for acne-prone skin.

Targets oil buildup
During puberty, oil production increases, and that includes the eyelids. This system helps break down excess, thickened oils sitting at the gland openings before they harden and cause blockages. Keeping oil moving is key to preventing chalazia from forming in the first place.

Removes debris from makeup and contact lenses
Makeup residue, mascara, eyeliner, and even contact lens use can leave behind microscopic debris along the lash line. This buildup can clog glands and trap bacteria. Targeted cleansing lifts away this debris, keeping the eyelid margin clean and clear.

Supports healthy gland function
With regular use, the system helps maintain open, functioning meibomian glands. Clean openings allow oils to flow properly into the tear film, which supports eye comfort, reduces dryness, and minimizes inflammation. Healthy glands = lower risk of recurrence.

How to stay consistent
Use once daily, ideally at night, to remove the day’s buildup. Consistency is what keeps glands clear and functioning, skipping days allows oil and debris to accumulate again.

 

Prevention Tips

Preventing chalazia, especially during the teen years, comes down to managing buildup and keeping the eyelid oil glands functioning smoothly. Small daily habits make a big difference.

Remove eye makeup thoroughly
Eye makeup, especially eyeliner and mascara, can easily clog the tiny openings of the meibomian glands. If it’s not fully removed, residue builds up overnight and hardens with natural oils. See my Eye Makeup Removal System here.

• Always cleanse the lash line, not just the surface of the skin
• Pay extra attention to eyeliner along the waterline
• Avoid waterproof mascara if possible because it's very difficult to remove, even for adults
• Never sleep in eye makeup

Clean lids = open glands.

Clean contacts properly
Contact lenses can contribute to dryness and increase how often you touch your eyes, both of which raise the risk of irritation and buildup.

• Wash hands before handling lenses
• Clean and store lenses as directed (I prefer Clear Care, not multi-purpose solutions)
• Replace lenses and cases as directed by the lens type and eye care professional
• Daily contact lenses are the most ideal type of contact lens

Good contact hygiene helps reduce debris and bacteria around the eyelids.

 

TL;DR

Puberty-related hormones increase oil production, leading to chalazia. Proper cleansing and consistent use of the MGD Cleansing System helps treat and prevent them.

FAQ

Q: Is this like acne?
Yes. Chalazia during puberty are very similar to acne, but they affect the meibomian glands in the eyelids instead of pores in the skin. Hormonal changes trigger oil overproduction, and if the glands become clogged, inflammation and bumps (chalazia) can form. Think of it as “acne of the eyelids.”

Q: Can makeup cause chalazia?
Absolutely. Makeup, especially eyeliner, mascara, or heavy eye products, can block gland openings if not thoroughly removed. Residue mixes with natural oils, creating sticky buildup that increases the risk of a chalazion. Removing makeup completely at the end of the day is critical for preventing blockages.

Q: How often should teens clean their eyelids?
Daily. Consistent eyelid hygiene keeps oil flowing, removes debris from makeup and contact lenses, and prevents inflammation. Even a quick nightly cleansing routine is far more effective than sporadic efforts, helping glands stay healthy and reducing the chance of recurring chalazia.

 

 

Hi, I’m Dr. Tanya Gill, optometrist and founder of We Love Eyes. I started We Love Eyes in 2014 while trying to help one of my (stubborn) patients with contact lens discomfort. In 2016, I had 3 products. Fast forward to today – We Love Eyes has almost 30 SKUs. It’s been an amazing journey. Explore my life’s work at weloveeyes.com. Check out my BLEPHARITIS COLLECTION section to find healthy eye care products for your eye problem. I also have a ton of content at TIKTOK See the profile page and see the playlist CHALAZION DRAINING playlist. xo

 

 

 

 

 

WELCOME to my 5 part series: Chalazion at Many Ages. 

No matter what age - a CHALAZION in no fun and always frustrating. I feel super passionate about the eyelid margin and all the potential eye problems that come from an unhealthy one. With the right eye care routine, patience and work - you can properly drain your chalazion in the comfort of your own home. Do this with confidence and know that you are not alone in this! I did all the hard work. Now you can enjoy the spoils.

 

CHILD (includes video)- click here

TEENAGER (includes video) - click here

PREGNANCY / NURSING (includes video) - click here

MENOPAUSE (includes video) - click here

ELDERLY (includes video) - click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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