Long lashes are a symbol of femininity. This trait creates the illusion of wide, gazing eyes, enhancing your natural beauty. Unfortunately, not everyone is gifted with beautiful eyelashes that don’t require mascara.
The length and thickness of your lashes depend on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The average person loses one to five eyelashes per day. Bacterial or fungal infections and eye diseases, such as blepharitis, may cause your lashes to fall out and become thinner.
Your lifestyle habits matter, too. For example, sleeping with your eye makeup on can lead to eyelash loss.
Luckily, it’s never too late to revive your lashes. Just like your hair, they regrow at regular intervals. Here are some simple ways to speed up this process and repair damaged eyelashes!
Why Do Eyelashes Fall Out?
As mentioned earlier, it’s normal to lose a few lashes each day. However, if your lashes are falling out excessively, you may need to revamp your diet and beauty routine. In some cases, it may be necessary to see a dermatologist.
Eyelash loss can be a sign of thyroid disease, skin disorders, inflammation, or metabolic problems. Sometimes, it may be due to genetic conditions, such as lid coloboma or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Other medical causes include:
- Alopecia
- Psoriasis
- Lupus
- Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
- Infectious diseases, such as herpes zoster
- Trichotillomania
- Inflammatory conditions
- Hypervitaminosis A
- Heavy metal toxicity
Certain medications, including cholesterol-lowering drugs and blood thinners, may cause eyelash loss, too. This problem can also result from eyelid surgery.
Most times, eyelash loss is related to lifestyle factors. For example, women who use eyelash curlers on a daily basis are more likely to experience this issue.
Another potential cause is stress or trauma. Excessive stress can lead to hair shedding and cause your lashes to fall out. At the same time, it affects their thickness.
If you also have tender or swollen eyelids, you might be dealing with an infection. Reach out to your doctor as soon as possible to prevent complications.
Note that many cosmetic products may cause eyelid inflammation and lash loss. The same goes for poor-quality lash extensions or glue. The best way to avoid these problems is to purchase eyelash extension supplies from trusted brands.
Unless you have a medical condition, it should be relatively easy to restore your eyelashes. Be prepared to tweak your beauty routine and get more nutrients into your diet. Use these tips as a starting point!
Fill Up on Protein
Hair follicles are largely made up of protein. If you’re on a strict diet, you may not be getting enough of this nutrient.
Protein facilitates weight loss and boosts your metabolism while increasing satiety. Therefore, it won’t affect your diet. You just need to choose quality protein sources, such as:
- Lean meat
- Chicken or turkey breast
- Eggs
- Low-fat dairy
- Fatty fish
If you’re a vegan, fill up on soy, tofu, lentils, and chickpeas. Beans, nuts, seeds, and nutritional yeast are rich in protein, too. Firm tofu, for example, has a whopping 22 grams of protein and only 180 calories.
Get More Vitamin E
Certain vitamins and minerals are particularly good for your hair and lashes. Vitamin E, for instance, fights oxidative stress and promotes hair growth.
In one study, alopecia patients who took vitamin E supplements experienced 35% more hair growth compared to the placebo group. The results kicked in within eight months of treatment.
This nutrient can be found in avocados, almonds, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, and other whole foods. Olive oil and fatty fish, such as tuna and salmon, are a great choice, too. Make sure you get at least 15 milligrams of vitamin E per day to reap the benefits.
Eat a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet can help your eyelashes grow faster and keep them from falling out. Your daily meals should provide adequate doses of vitamin A, iron, omega-3s, and B vitamins.
Biotin, for instance, stimulates keratin production, leading to stronger hair and beautiful eyelashes. This B vitamin occurs naturally in whole grains, nuts, and cruciferous veggies. It’s also available in supplement form.
These nutrients are found in whole foods. Take the time to plan your meals and fill up on fresh fruits, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds. Note that dietary supplements cannot compensate for poor nutrition.
Tweak Your Beauty Routine
What you put on your face is just as important as what you eat. The chemicals in beauty products get absorbed into the skin. Some may affect hair growth, cause inflammation, or trigger allergies.
Ideally, opt for organic or hypoallergenic makeup products. Use an eyeshadow palette, eyeliner, and mascara designed for sensitive eyes. To stay on the safe side, avoid any products that contain alcohol and harsh chemicals.
Be gentle when removing your makeup. Common mistakes, such as rubbing too much or too hard, can affect the sensitive area around your eyes and cause your lashes to fall out.
Always remove your makeup before going to sleep. Otherwise, you may end up with an eye infection and broken lashes. If you wear false eyelashes, use a Q-tip moistened with an oil-based cleanser to take them off.
Also, beware that eyelash curlers can do more harm than good. Use them only on special occasions or ditch them altogether.
Get Longer, More Beautiful Eyelashes Naturally
As you can see, it doesn’t take a lot of effort to get longer, more beautiful eyelashes. Watch your diet, fill up on whole foods, and use quality cosmetics. Consider taking biotin supplements and increase your protein intake.
Make sure you see a doctor if your eyelashes are falling out like crazy. Watch out for any signs of inflammation or infection.
So, are you ready to take your beauty routine to a whole new level? You’re in the right place. Browse the rest of our blog for beauty tips, makeup tutorials, product reviews, and much more!