5 Habits That Can Ruin Your Eyelashes

Our eyes are one of the most distinctive features of our faces, revealing secrets of both our external and internal beauty. Our eyelashes are designed to protect the eyes from dust, pollution, and anything that might obscure our vision. They also serve as an alert system, notifying the eyes of approaching flying insects, which is why our eyes blink when anything foreign comes near them. Additionally, they help retain moisture by reducing tear evaporation.

We all wish for thick and long lashes, and many women turn to cosmetics to enhance their lash length and volume for captivating eyes. Others opt for false eyelashes to achieve a more alluring look. Notably, our lashes don't change their color and won't turn gray with age. However, some of our habits can contribute to eyelash loss, and this article aims to inform you of those habits so you can avoid them.

Remember that the hair of your lashes, like the hair on your head, requires care to become thick and long. Massaging the eyelid and using nourishing oils like coconut oil, castor oil, and aloe vera contributes to eyelash growth and density. Ensure your diet includes vitamins and elements like iron, zinc, and magnesium as they nourish and maintain your lashes for a long time.

1- Using Waterproof Mascara Daily

Removal of this type of mascara is very difficult and requires significant effort, thus straining and weakening the lashes with frequent attempts to remove it, especially if used daily. Try to use this type sparingly to protect your lashes and opt for other types for daily use. Also note that not replacing mascara every six months exposes your eyes to contamination and inflammation due to microbes accumulated on old mascara.

2- Sleeping Without Removing Eye Makeup

Many times, after a long and exhausting day, you might feel too tired to remove mascara from your eyes. Unfortunately, this weakens and breaks the lashes and can lead to various eye diseases. You can place a makeup remover bottle next to your bed to ensure you clean your eyes before sleeping. If you don’t have makeup remover, olive oil can safely substitute as a makeup remover. Simply apply a little on your lashes and wipe it off gently with a cotton pad after a few seconds.

3- Using False Eyelashes Daily

The shorter or sparser your lashes, the more inclined you may be to use false eyelashes. However, it’s advisable to reserve their use for special occasions only. False eyelashes are heavy on the eyelid, and the adhesive blocks the pores, preventing lash follicles from breathing, which stimulates the long-term loss of natural lashes. When removing false lashes, don't yank them off. Instead, dampen them with makeup remover first, let them sit for a minute to soften, and then gently pull them off.

4- Exposing Lashes to Hair Dryer Heat

Sometimes, we don’t realize we’re getting too close to our faces with the hair dryer after a shower. Some people also heat their lash curlers before use. Both habits cause the lashes to dry out and break, so avoid exposing them to hot air.

As for heating the eyelash curler with hot air, we recommend doing this before applying mascara and only for 3 seconds. Mascara drives out moisture from the lashes, so applying a hot curler to dry lashes causes further damage and breakage.

5- Incorrect Eye Cleaning

When cleaning makeup from the eyes, never rub them. Be gentle when removing mascara by using a cotton pad in a downward motion, along the direction of the lashes. Avoid using unidentified or expired products. Coconut oil or olive oil can be used for cleaning since both nourish the lashes and are safe for the eyes.

Always remember to keep your eyes closed while removing makeup to avoid redness or irritation from the products used. Don’t forget that the eye is a very sensitive organ, and the skin around the eye is delicate, so always handle with care while cleaning.

We all wish for thick and long lashes, and many women turn to cosmetics to enhance their lash length and volume for captivating eyes. Others opt for false eyelashes for a more attractive look. However, certain habits can contribute to eyelash loss, and this article aims to inform you of those habits so you can avoid them.