Why are my eyelashes falling out?

The lifespan of an eyelash is relatively short and does not exceed three months. It is therefore normal, as part of the hair growth cycle, for an eyelash to fall out so that it can be replaced by another. However, in the event of more extensive shedding, it is important to investigate the underlying cause of the problem.

Eyelash loss: A possible medical cause.

Certain dermatological or ocular conditions may be involved. Inflammatory diseases of the skin or of the hair follicle can disrupt the anchoring of the eyelash within its follicle. In the case of alopecia areata, for example, an autoimmune reaction targets the hair follicles and leads to local inflammation that may interrupt eyelash growth. Infections may also be implicated: certain fungal infections, such as Tinea blepharociliaris, affect the eyelash follicles and can cause them to fall out. In other situations, eyelash loss may occur secondarily to intensive medical treatments, notably chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which disrupt rapidly dividing cells, including those of the hair follicle.

Eyelash loss: A potential internal cause.

Internal imbalances can also weaken the eyelashes. Hair follicles are particularly sensitive to the body’s nutritional status. An inadequate diet or deficiencies in essential micronutrients, particularly iron, zinc, or vitamins A or C, can impair the quality of the keratin produced and disrupt the eyelash growth cycle. Stress is also frequently mentioned. Although it does not act directly on the eyelashes, significant stress can alter hormonal balance and promote the premature entry of follicles into the shedding phase.

Note : These internal causes remain relatively hypothetical. They are based mainly on extrapolations from the mechanisms involved in scalp hair loss, as described in in vitro studies and statistical analyses. To date, these mechanisms have not been clearly confirmed by clinical observations specifically concerning eyelashes.

Eyelash loss: Potential involvement of the ageing process.

Ageing may also be involved in the thinning of the eyelashes. As we grow older, the activity of the hair follicles tends to progressively decline. Several biological mechanisms are implicated. On the one hand, the anagen phase of the hair cycle may become shorter, which limits the period during which the eyelash grows and leads to shorter and sometimes fewer lashes. On the other hand, ageing is accompanied by a reduction in the activity of follicular stem cells, which are essential for follicle renewal and the production of new keratin fibres.

Moreover, oxidative stress increases with age and can damage the hair follicle, particularly the keratinocytes and dermal papilla cells that regulate hair growth. Hormonal changes, especially the decline in sex hormones such as oestrogens after the menopause, can also alter the dynamics of the hair cycle and contribute to a slowing of regrowth.

Eyelash loss: Certain behaviours are to blame.

Finally, certain everyday habits or cosmetic practices can weaken the eyelashes. A make-up removal routine that is too vigorous, repeated rubbing or the use of irritating products can damage the follicles or break the lashes at their base. Eyelash extensions, which are very popular for enhancing the eyes, can also play a role. This technique consists of attaching synthetic fibres to the natural lashes using an adhesive. A survey carried out among 140 users of eyelash extensions showed that more than half of the participants experienced irritation or burning during application, and 60% reported discomfort after the procedure. In addition, a majority observed thinning or discolouration of their lashes after the extensions were removed.

The weight of extensions, exposure to glues, and repeated handling are all factors that can weaken the eyelashes and promote their loss.

When eyelash loss becomes abnormal, the first step is to identify and address the underlying causative factor.

If the loss is linked to a dermatological condition, an infection, or a systemic disease, medical management may be required. These situations are, however, relatively rare. More often, eyelash loss is associated with everyday habits or imbalances within the body. Make sure you follow a varied and balanced diet, enabling the body to obtain all the nutrients it needs. If you are unsure, it is preferable to avoid self‑medication. Discuss your concerns with your doctor so that they can determine whether or not you are suffering from a deficiency.

Another important point in combating eyelash loss is: to handle the eyelids gently. Overly rigorous make-up removal, repeated rubbing of the eyes, or the use of irritating products can weaken the eyelashes and accelerate their loss. Remove your make-up gently, without pressing too hard or rubbing your eyes, and use mild products. It may also be helpful to take breaks from certain cosmetic practices, such as eyelash extensions or the frequent use of false eyelashes, to allow the lashes time to renew themselves under optimal conditions.

It is better not to disrupt the natural regrowth cycle of the eyelashes in the event of sudden loss. Although it may be tempting to resort to having false eyelashes applied in a salon, the substances used to attach them may further weaken this already highly sensitive area around the eye contour. Whatever the underlying cause of eyelash loss, the lashes will grow back, at their own pace, and the eyes will regain their usual appearance. If such episodes start to occur regularly, then consulting a doctor may prove necessary.

When should you consult a doctor about eyelash loss?

It is generally not necessary to seek medical advice at the slightest sign of eyelash loss. If you notice a few eyelashes on your pillow one morning — for example seven or eight — this does not necessarily indicate that there is a problem. In the absence of other associated signs, such as hair loss or loss of body hair in other areas, or general symptoms, there is no cause for concern. This observation may simply correspond to the normal end of the life cycle of certain eyelashes, be promoted by a period of stress, or be due to rubbing related to your sleeping position during the night.

However, it is still useful to remain attentive to how things evolve. If eyelash loss seems to continue in an unusual way over the following days — for example, if you regularly notice more than five eyelashes lost per day for several consecutive days — or if other signs appear, it may then be appropriate to seek the opinion of a healthcare professional in order to investigate the cause.

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