Is Mascara Bad for Eyelashes?

It would seem like the ultimate catch-22, you wear mascara because your eyelashes are thin and short, but then your constant mascara use cause them to become thinner and shorter! Many people wonder if it there is truth to the common belief that mascara use can actually harm your eyelashes. Like most things in life, the answer is not black or white, but somewhere in between. Whether mascara is harmful to your eyelashes depends on how often you use it, how you use it, and what kind you use.

Constant Use

Using mascara everyday may cause harm to your eyelashes for common sense reasons. The physical act of application may cause more eyelashes to fall out than usual, and constantly coating your lashes with a product may cause them to dry out or the follicles to become clogged. Also, many eye makeup removers may cause further drying, and the wiping action may cause more lashes to break or fall out. Giving your eyelashes momentary breaks between mascara use will allow them to strengthen and lengthen. You should notice the effects next time you wear makeup.

Application and Removal

Many people do not use enough care when applying mascara. You do not want to double pump the bottle, as this allows more air and the possibility of contamination to enter, which may lead to eyelash irritation or infection. Also, you should never share mascara or use mascara that you have had for longer than four months. You should be very gentle when applying mascara, and for some with darker lashes or extra sensitivities, it works to just coat the tips of the lashes. If you curl your lashes, do it before applying mascara to prevent breakage. Don?t apply too much or many coats, as heavy layers may weaken the lashes and cause them to fall out more easily. Never sleep with your mascara on, this can cause irritation of your eyes and possible infection and lash loss. Be very gentle while removing mascara and always use a hypoallergenic makeup remover with added emollients.

Type

Check out the ingredients of your mascara. Many contain petroleum based ingredients that can actually prevent or slow the growth in the follicles along your eyelids. One of the most common cause of eyelash loss is allergic reactions to ingredients in mascara. You should choose a hypoallergenic formula. Waterproof mascaras usually contain a chemical called dimethicone copolyol that binds to the lashes and causes difficulties in removal, which may result in greater lash loss. Most experts recommend that you only use waterproof mascaras when it is absolutely necessary. Avoid mascaras with ingredients that you can?t recognize, or research the unfamiliar terms. Some ingredients like triethanolamine, methylparaben, or propylene glycol can irritate the eyes. While they may be more expensive, choosing all natural mascaras may be gentler on your eyes and help you avoid the chemicals and preservatives found in many traditional brands. Choose mascaras that contain moisturizers or conditioners to protect the lashes. Another option is to use a product that has a base coat to condition lashes and protect them from the second coat of mascara.