Several factors can cause eyelashes to fall out, including natural shedding, trauma, infection, medical conditions, eyelash extensions, overuse of makeup, and poor eyelash hygiene.
What causes eyelashes to fall out?
Natural shedding:
Your eyelashes, much like the hair on our heads, undergo a natural cycle of growth and shedding. Losing a few eyelashes daily is typical as part of this process. On average, each eye sports about 100 to 150 lashes, and it’s usual to shed between one to five lashes a day. However, if you detect an unusual increase in lash loss, it could be linked to one of the factors mentioned below.
Trauma:
Trauma to the eye or eyelid area, such as from an injury or surgery, can cause eyelashes to fall out. This is because the hair follicles that produce eyelashes can be damaged by the trauma, leading to hair loss.
Infection:
Infections, such as blepharitis or a stye (an infection in the gland at the base of the eyelashes), can cause eyelashes to fall out. These infections can cause inflammation and swelling in the eyelid area, damaging the hair follicles and leading to hair loss.
Medical conditions:
Medical issues like thyroid disorders, alopecia, and chemotherapy can lead to eyelash loss. Thyroid disorders disrupt hormone balance, impacting hair growth, including eyelashes. Alopecia, a condition causing hair loss, also affects eyelashes. Chemotherapy, a potent cancer treatment, leads to hair loss, including eyelashes.
Eyelash extensions:
Eyelash extensions can put a lot of pressure on your natural lashes, causing them to fall out prematurely. The extensions are attached to your natural lashes using glue, and if the glue is not applied correctly or if the extensions are not removed properly, they can cause damage to your natural lashes.
Overuse of makeup:
Using too much mascara or other eye makeup or harsh makeup removers can damage your eyelashes and cause them to fall out. Mascara and other eye makeup can dry and weigh down your lashes, causing them to break or fall out. Harsh makeup removers can also strip the natural oils from your lashes, making them brittle and prone to breakage.
Poor eyelash hygiene:
Not properly caring for your eyelashes, such as not removing makeup before bed or not using a gentle eye makeup remover, can lead to damage and loss of eyelashes. Removing all eye makeup before bed is important to prevent build-up and irritation, and use a gentle eye makeup remover to avoid damaging your lashes.
If you are experiencing an excessive eyelash loss, it will be a great idea to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the cause and find an appropriate treatment. They may recommend certain medications or other treatments to help stimulate eyelash growth and prevent further loss. In the meantime, you can use a nourishing lash serum or oil, remove all eye makeup before going to bed and use a gentle eye makeup remover to help keep your lashes healthy and hydrated.
How to prevent eyelash loss?
Follow a healthy lash care routine
Taking good care of your eyelashes can help to keep them healthy and prevent them from falling out. This includes removing all eye makeup before bed, using a gentle eye makeup remover, and applying a nourishing lash serum or oil to help condition and moisturize your lashes.
Avoid using harsh makeup removers
Using too much mascara or other eye makeup, or using products unsuitable for your lashes, can cause them to become dry and flaky, leading to breakage and loss.
Be gentle when removing eye makeup
Be gentle when removing eye makeup, and avoid pulling or tugging on your lashes. Use a cotton pad or a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away eye makeup, being careful not to rub too hard or apply too much pressure.
Avoid applying false lashes extensions too frequently
While or eyelash they can give you the appearance of longer, thicker lashes, they can also put a lot of strain on your natural lashes, causing them to fall out prematurely. If you choose to use false lashes or eyelash extensions, follow the instructions carefully and avoid applying them too frequently.
Avoid using harsh or abrasive products around your eyes
Avoid using harsh or abrasive products around your eyes, such as harsh soaps or face cleansers, as these can cause irritation and dryness, leading to damage and loss of lashes.
Seek treatment for any underlying medical conditions
If you are experiencing an unusual amount of eyelash loss, it is a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the cause and find an appropriate treatment. They may recommend certain medications or other treatments to help stimulate eyelash growth and prevent further loss.
Conclusion:
Maintaining healthy eyelashes and preventing their loss involves understanding various contributing factors. Eyelashes can shed naturally or due to reasons like trauma, infections, medical issues, use of extensions, excessive makeup, or poor hygiene. To safeguard against this, prioritize proper eyelash care. If noticing excessive loss, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable for accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment. Opt for a healthy lash routine, gentle makeup removers, careful makeup removal, avoiding false lashes, and addressing any underlying health concerns.