India, May 7 -- Sliding on a soft eye mask before bed may feel like the ultimate sleep ritual. It blocks light, feels calming against the eyelids and can help create a cosy, cocoon-like environment for rest. But if worn every night, especially for six to eight hours at a stretch, a sleep mask can also create what dermatologist Dr Anindita Sarkar calls a "microenvironment of warmth and occlusion" around the eyes. That matters because the skin around the eyes is among the thinnest and most delicate on the face. When fabric, sweat, skincare and elastic pressure come together overnight, irritation can show up quickly. Dr Sarkar breaks down the implications of wearing a sleep mask to bed. Those with sensitive skin, chronic eczema or a history of eyelid dermatitis need to be extra cautious. Dr Sarkar notes that some users may also develop milia, small white cysts that form when keratin gets trapped beneath the skin. Heavy night creams paired with a tightly sealed mask can increase this risk. Not necessarily. The fix is not always to give up the mask, but to choose better and clean better. Go for breathable fabrics like silk or soft cotton, avoid scented or latex-based options, and make sure the fit is snug but not tight....