Are Tears Good for Your Skin

Are Tears Good for Your Skin? A Closer Look at Crying and Skincare

It’s something we’ve all done whether it’s from laughter, heartbreak or the ending of a really good film. But while crying is undeniably emotional, it also has some curious effects on the skin. You may have heard that tears are good for your skin, but is there any truth to the idea? Or is it just another skincare myth wrapped in a poetic moment?

The relationship between tears and skin is more complex than it first seems. While they may have some temporary soothing effects, too many tears—especially when paired with rubbing, wiping or stress—can actually cause irritation. Let’s explore what tears are made of, how they interact with your skin and whether crying is helping or hindering your glow.

What Are Tears Made Of?

Tears aren’t just salty water. They’re actually made up of three key components: water for hydration, mucus for spreadability and oils to prevent evaporation. Together, these layers help keep the eyes lubricated, protected from infection and functioning properly.

There are three types of tears. Basal tears are the ones your eyes produce constantly to stay moist. Reflex tears are triggered by irritants like smoke or onions. And emotional tears—the ones you shed when crying—contain additional proteins and hormones linked to stress relief and emotional processing.

So in theory, yes tears do carry substances that could momentarily hydrate or cleanse the skin around the eyes. But it’s not quite as beneficial as it sounds.

Can Tears Benefit the Skin?

Tears contain enzymes and a small amount of natural antibacterial agents, which might offer a very mild cleansing effect. And in moments of emotional crying, some people notice that their skin looks slightly dewier or flushed this is usually due to increased blood flow, not the tears themselves.

There’s also a short-term moisturising effect from the water content in tears. However, this quickly evaporates, often leaving the skin drier than before. In short, any skin benefit is fleeting at best.

The Downside of Crying for Skin

While the act of crying itself isn't harmful, what comes with it can be. The salt in tears can dry out your skin, particularly in the delicate eye area. Prolonged crying may leave the skin red, tight or sensitive. It’s also common to experience puffiness due to the increased blood flow and fluid retention around the eyes.

Rubbing your face or eyes while crying adds further stress to the skin. This friction can weaken the skin barrier, cause micro-tears and even lead to temporary inflammation. If you’re wearing makeup, this adds another layer of irritation as cosmetics and tears mix and run over your face.

Over time, frequent crying combined with poor aftercare could contribute to dark circles, fine lines or skin sensitivity especially if you’re not gentle with your skin during or after emotional moments.

How to Care for Skin After Crying

If you’ve had a tearful episode, a little skin TLC can go a long way. Start by gently blotting the area with a soft tissue no rubbing or dragging. Wash your face with cool water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to remove any salt or residue.

Afterwards, apply a calming eye cream or moisturiser with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile or hyaluronic acid. A cold compress or chilled eye mask can help reduce puffiness and redness around the eyes.

If your skin feels dry or irritated the next day, keep your routine simple hydrate, protect and let it rest.

Emotional Wellbeing and Skin Health

Interestingly, crying does have some indirect benefits for skin. Emotional stress that’s bottled up can lead to flare-ups of skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis or acne. Crying offers emotional release, which may help reduce that stress and support better skin health in the long run.

So, while tears themselves aren’t a miracle skincare ingredient, the act of crying could still be part of a bigger picture of wellbeing. Sometimes, letting it all out is exactly what your body and your skin needs.

Final Thoughts: Tears Are Natural, Not Magical

Tears won’t transform your complexion or replace your skincare routine, but they’re not harmful either unless they’re paired with too much rubbing or neglect. In moderation, crying is part of being human, and your skin can handle the occasional emotional wave with no lasting effects.

As always, be kind to your skin (and yourself) after a cry. Hydrate, comfort and rest and if in doubt, let your skincare routine bring a little calm after the storm.