Eyelashes help to enhance the beauty of the eyes, acting as an elegant border to the splendour and exquisiteness of the optical organs. Many women wish to extend the length of their eyelashes, or opt for fake eyelashes to make theirs seam longer and more flourishing. That being said, it is an unfortunate circumstance that eyelashes may fall out over the course of our lives. Eyelashes falling out can be caused by numerous reasons, most of which are nothing to be concerned about, and the eyelashes will surely grow back with times, but some can be serious health complications. This article will detail the reasons as to why this may happen, as well as ways to prevent it.

My Eyelashes Are Falling Out, Why?

1. Natural Hair Loss

Eyelashes, like most hair on the body, can fall out naturally. In most instances, the hair that falls out will regrow, unless it was caused by a degenerative condition. To help prevent this, try to not rub your eyes so much, and never touch your eyes with dirty hands.

2. Allergic Reaction to Mascara

When using mascara, it is possible for you to have an allergic reaction to the chemicals within the product, leading to your eyelashes' falling out. If you have allergies to dust or other airborne materials, it may be wise to avoid the use of mascara. This kind of product can also lead to the development of dermatitis and conjunctivitis, caused by the contact with allergens from the mascara with the eyes.

3. Eyelid Inflammation (Blepharitis)

When bacteria that is found on the skin begins to grow excessively around the eyes, it can cause the eyelids to become inflamed, and lead to eyelashes' dropping out, as well as itchiness and redness of the area. The condition has no known cure, although it can be prevented by practicing good hygiene, especially around the eyes and on the eyelids).

4. Hair Loss Due to Menopause

As women go through menopause, their oestrogen levels begin to drop. This, in turn, affects the production and growth of hair, and leads to the damage of hair follicles.

5. Medication

Numerous medications have been thought to lead to hair loss, including eyelashes falling out. These medications include anti-acne medication (such as isotretinoin), as well as some anti-clotting, anti-cholesterol, thyroid balancing and blood pressure medications.

6. Medical Treatment (Chemotherapy)

A common side effect to chemotherapy is hair loss, and undergoing this treatment may cause you to lose your eyelashes, along with other areas of hair, for a short term or long term basis. This is because chemotherapy has a direct effect on an individual's hair follicles.

7. Skin Conditions

There are some skin conditions, such as eczema, that can affect the eyes and lead to intense feelings of itchiness in the area. This can lead to unwanted rubbing of the eyes and cause eyelashes to become weakened and fall out.

8. Vellus Hair (Hypotrichosis)

Hypotrichosis is a condition that causes long, thick strands of hair to be replaced by what is known as vellus hair. Vellus hair is short, thin, brittle hair that is often visible via close examination. This condition can lead to healthy eyelashes' falling out, being replaced by vellus hair.

9. Hair Loss Condition (Alopecia Areata)

This condition causes hair loss on various areas of the body, including the eyelashes. The hair loss is caused by the immune system attacking hair follicles, causing them to eventually fall out. There is currently no known cure to this condition, but there are numerous treatment methods aimed at helping decrease the quantity of hair loss.

10. Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a psychological condition which causes those with the impulse control disorder to pull out their own hair, including their eyebrows. The condition usually develops at an adolescent age, and often will subdue as the individual grows older, but this is not always the case, some adults may pull their hair out as a result of this condition.

11. Thyroid Problems

Both overactive and underactive thyroids can lead to the falling out of eyelashes. Underactive thyroids produce symptoms like dry skin and intolerance to cold, in this instance, eyelashes become scarce as the hair becomes thin, brittle and dry. On the other hand, overactive thyroids can lead to hair breaking off or falling out, leaving bald patches. This can happen in both the eyelashes and the eyebrows.

12. Other Reasons Your Eyelashes are Falling Out

Other reasons for this occurrence include harsh environments, changes in hormonal levels (such as is the case in pregnancy or menopause), accidental pulling, and/or trauma.

Can I Prevent Eyelashes Falling Out?

Thankfully, there are many ways in which can help stop your eyelashes from dropping out. The tips below may assist you if you are experiencing this unwanted hair loss:

1. Regularly Remove Eye Makeup

It is always advisable to remove any eye makeup, like mascara, each night before going to bed, to avoid any unwanted breakage. Remember that simply washing your face and eyes with water will likely not be sufficient, as most eye makeup is manufactured to be waterproof. Instead, opt for eye makeup remover (or olive oil, if you wish to go for the natural option) to remove the makeup from your eyes. When removing the makeup, especially the mascara, it is important not to tug your eyelashes. Instead, apply the remover to a clean cotton ball and gently rub your lashes. Ensure that you switch cotton balls when you switch to the other eyes, to avoid the spreading of possible impurities and ensure good hygiene.

2. Avoid the Use of Eyelash Curlers

When people use eyelash curlers, they are often tugging at their eyelashes, which can cause damage and cause them to fall out. One more fact about eyelash curlers is it can be a breeding ground for bacteria, and you can see why the use of curlers should be avoided.

3. Avoid Over-Exposure to Sunlight

The sun expels UV rays which can be harmful to us when we are over-exposed. Our eyelashes help to protect our eyes from the sun's rays, but they can also be damaged by them. Therefore, you should try to limit the amount of time you spend in the sun, or wear sunglasses or a cap to ensure that your lashes are shaded.

4. Avoid Forcefully Pulling Out Your Eyelashes

We may inadvertently pull or tug at our eyelashes throughout the day, either when you're putting on makeup or rubbing your eyes. This will likely make your eyelashes being forcefully removed, so avoid it whenever possible.

5. Natural Remedies to Stop Eyelashes Falling Out

You can also try many natural remedies that are available to help prevent eyelashes falling out, including:

• Green tea. Green tea has been utilised for many years due to its numerous benefits to health. It has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, and it is even to assist with hair growth (including eyelashes).
• Olive oil. Olive oil is full of health benefits, because it's packed full of vitamins and makes for a rather effective antioxidant, making it beneficial to the skin and growth of hair.
• Petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly has numerous uses from dry skin to toenail fungus, and it is also believed to help eyelashes grow longer and fuller when applied to them.

6. Eat Healthy

Many vitamins and minerals help to promote the natural growth of healthy hair, and so you should try to incorporate them into your diet. Also, try eating foods rich in protein as well as containing essential fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, soybeans and nuts.

If you have eyelashes falling out and want to make up for the losses, you can apply false eyelashes occasionally following the steps as the video shows: