Eyelash loss – causes and remedies

Why do eyelashes fall out? Actually, the list of reasons is quite long. The most common of these is improper care, so the use of improperly selected cosmetics or undergoing invasive treatments that deteriorate the condition of eyelashes. It might also happen that eyelash loss is a symptom of a disease. Why do eyelashes fall out and what are the remedies? What is more effective: castor oil or eyelash serum?

Why do eyelashes fall out?

The most common causes are:

  • inflammation of the margins of the eyelids, conjunctiva and hair follicles,
  • eye diseases,
  • eye surgery,
  • allergy to cosmetics or contact lenses,
  • thyroid insufficiency,
  • alopecia areata,
  • demodicosis (parasitic disease),
  • hormonal imbalance (for example, with menopause),
  • chemotherapy,
  • taking certain drugs,
  • serious vitamin deficiencies,
  • use of improperly selected cosmetics,
  • some beauty treatments,
  • free radicals (caused by cigarettes, environmental pollution, etc.),
  • external factors (frost, sun, wind, rapid temperature changes, etc.),
  • bad habits (for example, skipping make-up removal before going to sleep).

Generally, eyelash loss is a natural phenomenon provided that we don’t lose more than three lashes a day. If the eyelashes literally fall off your eyes, seek medical advice. Excessive eyelash loss may be a symptom of a serious disease, but it might just as well indicate other causes, such as:

1. Use of improper cosmetics

A difficult to remove cosmetics, especially waterproof mascara, can significantly deteriorate the condition of your eyelashes. Why? It is because it is hard to remove it without intensive rubbing of the eye.

2. Facial treatments

Invasive treatments, such as eyelash extensions, are another reason why your eyelashes fall out. It happens mostly when such treatments are done too often or in an improper way. In order to reduce the risk, it’s good to give your eyelashes some time for regeneration.

Regular use of an eyelash curler can also make your eyelashes fragile and cause their loss. For this reason, use it carefully and never after the application of mascara.

3. Atmospheric agents

Unfavourable weather, especially frost, sun, wind and rapid temperature changes, can also have a destructive effect on the condition of eyelashes. To prevent this, regularly moisturise them. For this purpose use an eyelash serum or a moisturising lipstick. Every time you buy a new cosmetic, do a patch test before the first use.

Eyelash loss – remedies

Some women believe that trimming lashes will make them grow longer and thicker. Unfortunately, such features as the length and colour of eyelashes are genetically determined, so we have no influence on them.

Castor oil

Castor oil is an old and recommended way to improve the condition of eyelashes. Why is it effective? It is mainly because it has intensely moisturising properties. For this reason, it is good to apply it on eyelashes every day after the evening make-up removal. Castor oil can be applied with a special eyelash brush or with the use of a clean mascara brush (first it should be washed in soapy water and then dried). The condition of your eyelashes should improve after a few weeks of such treatment.

Eyelash and eyebrow serum

The ready-made formulas that enhance growth and regenerate usually have a gel consistency so the application is simple. They are recommended for women who have their eyelashes extended, use the eyelash curler or have undergone chemotherapy. Such products are available in drugstores or pharmacies. The ones found in pharmacies are usually safer as they don’t contain ingredients that irritate the eyes and the skin around. The most important in serums is composition – it’s best if it’s rich in cucumber, pomegranate or pumpkin seeds extracts, green tea, vitamins A and B12.

Moisturising lipstick (!)

Not many people know that a simple moisturising lipstick can be used for their eyelashes as well. The best would be colourless and odourless ones. Both the form and the method of application don’t matter; you can use your finger, a cotton pad or a clean mascara brush. The lipstick moisturises and polishes the eyelashes, thus improved their condition and appearance.

Gentle make-up removal

Actually, we should start with this. Skilfully performed make-up removal should reduce the problem of excessive eyelash loss to some extent. The most important rule of eye make-up removal is: never rub your eyes with the cotton pad. Instead, it should be soaked in some make-up remover and delicately pressed to the eye. After a while, mascara dissolves so you can wipe it off. This process will be more efficient if we use the right make-up remover. The right, then which one? Oily. The best choice is a two-phase make-up remover.