Why Your Eyelashes Keep Falling Out and How to Encourage Growth

It might be unsettling to find a stray eyelash on your cheek or pillow and wonder if those lost hairs will ever grow back. However, eyelashes undergo a normal cycle of shedding and regrowth that occurs every six to 10 weeks, just like the hair on your head. 

Let's see in detail why this happens and what can be done in order to stop it.

Table of Content

• Is Loss of Eyelashes Common?

• Medical Disorders That Lead to Lash Loss

• How to encourage the growth of eyelashes

• Bottomline

Is Loss of Eyelashes Common?

Typically, one to five eyelashes fall out per day. Madarosis, or more rapid lash loss, may occasionally be a symptom of a serious health condition affecting the eye or another part of the body. Many things, including using the wrong products, being under a lot of stress, and improperly removing fake eyelashes, can cause eyelash hair loss. However, it might also indicate a more serious systemic health problem.

Every person is born with a specific amount of hair follicles, and every eyelash is designed to develop to a specific length before falling off. This is a phase in a typical cycle that has the three stages listed below:

1. THE ANAGEN STAGE (ACTIVE GROWTH)

The first stage called the anagen phase, which lasts for roughly 30 to 45 days, is when the lashes are actively growing. Your lashes are in phase 40% of the time. Until they reach a particular length, each eyelash will continue to grow until it stops.

2. THE CATAGEN STAGE (TRANSITION PHASE)

During the second phase of the lash cycle, referred to as Catagen, the lash reaches its optimal length, stops growing, and the follicle shrinks. For two to three weeks, this phase lasts. In the event that a lash should fall out while in catagen, it won't begin to grow back until this phase is through.

3. THE TELOGEN PHASE (RESTING PHASE)

The Telogen phase, which lasts 3–4 months, is the resting/shedding phase. During this time, new hair begins to emerge from the hair follicle, and the old hair finally falls out. This means that when your eyelashes naturally fall out, they are only making a place for new ones, so there is no need to be frightened. Every day, a few lashes should fall out since they are all in various stages of the lash cycle. For lashes to repair properly, it takes 4 to 8 weeks.

To keep your lashes in top shape, we suggest following these routines:

•  Each day, properly remove your makeup 

• Don't use waterproof makeup  

• Include a lash serum in your daily routine

• Take care not to pull, tug, or smear your lashes.

Medical Disorders That Lead to Lash Loss

1. Alopecia: This autoimmune condition, which can cause hair loss on the scalp, body, or face, including the eyelashes, leads the body to attack its own hair follicles. Depending on your age, where you are losing hair, and how much hair you have lost, there are different alopecia treatments available. In general, therapeutic options include corticosteroid injections or topical medicines.

2. Thyroid disease: The thyroid is a neck gland that regulates hormones and is crucial for the growth and upkeep of hair follicles, according to Green. Loss of hair, including eyelashes, can be a symptom of any thyroid disorder, including hyperthyroidism (too many hormones) and hypothyroidism (too few hormones). Depending on the type of thyroid issue you have, you may need medication or surgery for treatment.

3. Cosmetics Irritation: Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to cosmetics components like mascara or artificial eyelash glue. Eyelashes may lose growth due to inflammation brought on by an allergic reaction. Eyelash loss can also occur if you rub or scratch itchy, makeup-irritated eyes.

4. Blepharitis: The eyelids and eyelashes will be inflamed as a result of this disorder. According to Green, it may also lead to eyelash loss or aberrant development and make your eyes red, itchy, and inflamed. Although there is no known treatment for this illness, utilizing eye drops or applying a warm compress can help reduce symptoms.

How to encourage the growth of eyelashes

Although eyelashes often regrow on their own, there are certain strategies to encourage growth and hasten the process. These consist of:

1. Careprost: This prescription drug for eyelash growth has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Applying Careprost along the lash line of the upper eyelid causes the hair development cycle to be prolonged, resulting in longer, thicker, and more numerous eyelashes. There are certain side effects, such as dry and itchy eyes, so go to a board-certified dermatologist or ophthalmologist to determine if this treatment is right for you.

2. Eyelash serums: You can purchase over-the-counter eyelash serums at drug shops that make comparable promises, even though Careprost is the only serum for growth that the FDA has currently approved. Before using an eyelash serum, speak with a dermatologist or ophthalmologist. They can review the ingredients and lead you toward the safest and most effective options.

3. Be careful around your eyes: According to Green, applying mascara and eyelash glue often could damage or block your eyelash follicles as well as dry up your eyelash hair. An excessive amount of rubbing or pulling on your eyelids could physically strain your eyelashes and cause them to fall out. Make sure to wash your face gently around your eyes, and utilize as little eyelash care merchandise as you can.

Bottomline

The majority of the time, eyelashes will regrow on their own. While the occasional loss of an eyelash is natural, certain medical disorders, such as thyroid disease, can result in excessive lash loss. A dermatologist can help you establish if you have an underlying medical problem that is causing hair loss if you are noticing an excessive loss of eyelashes.