Eyelashes not only protect the eyes from dust and irritants, they are also symbols of beauty and youthfulness. In order to protect your lashes from prematurely falling out, learn what contributes to loss of lashes. If lashes or hair seem to be falling out at a rate that is abnormal, contact your doctor to assess what the contributing factors may be.
Friction
Rubbing the eye moves irritants to the edge of the eye where they can be removed, but this friction also contributes to eyelash loss. In order to avoid losing lashes through friction, you can instead promote tearing by opening and closing the irritated eye until tears help wash away the irritant naturally.
Dieting
Fad diets are often lacking in vital nutrients which promote optimal health. Inadequate nutrition is a common source of thinning eyelashes. Keep your eyelashes full and healthy through adequate intake of foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
Trichotillomania
According to mental health expert Carla Wills-Brandon, a psychological condition called trichotillomania is defined as the compulsive pulling of hair on all areas of the body, including eyelashes. Signs include thinning or absent eyebrows, eyelashes or patches of baldness. If you or someone you know seems to be experiencing an unconscious or conscious desire to pull or pluck body hair on a regular basis, it is advisable to contact a mental health caregiver to assess what stressors are contributing to this compulsion.
Makeup
The use of eyeliners, mascaras and eyeshadow can increase stress to the follicles where eyelashes emerge. These types of makeup can also increase dryness in the eye area, which may promote brittle eyelash conditions, making them more likely to fall out. Gentle makeup removal is essential to avoid excessive eyelash loss.
Reduced Light
In the winter months or in northern climates, far-infrared rays are not as abundant. Natural far-infrared rays are essential to healthy lashes. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, it is common to experience lash thinning in areas where far-infrared rays are reduced.
References
- "Natural Mental Health"; Carla Wills-Brandon; 2007
- "Dr. Andrew Weil's Guide to Optimum Health"; Andrew Weil; 2005
- "Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
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