There could be a reason why you’re losing more eyelashes than usual at the moment
A doctor has shed light on why people might notice they’re losing more eyelashes lately. If you keep finding lashes on your face or your pillow, it doesn’t mean you ought to worry. In fact, it’s pretty common.
Dr. Allison V. Coombs, director of oculofacial plastic surgery at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital and Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, told The Post it’s currently “eyelash-shedding season.” It’s worth noting it’s not an official term, but “lash-shedding season” is reportedly associated with the change of seasons.
Dr Coombs said: “Similar to how we shed more hair in the spring and fall, our eyelashes go through a similar cycle —unofficially known as ‘lash-shedding season.'”
In the United Kingdom, spring arrives in March and ends in May, with the equinox normally falling around March 20 in the Northern Hemisphere. There is a lack of data to explain “lash-shedding season”, but it’s often believed that the shedding is caused by environmental factors. These could include changes in temperature and humidity.
Allergens in the air could also play a role. Speaking to Tyla about seasonal lash loss, Ana Carolina Goncalves, the superintendent pharmacist at pharmica.co.uk, commented: “Spring brings a rise in pollen levels, which can irritate the eyes and dry out the skin around them.
“This irritation can weaken the follicles that hold eyelashes in place – and combined with rubbing the eyes due to discomfort, lashes may fall out more frequently.”
The expert continued: “During spring, people often switch to products like cosmetics containing SPF. For those with sensitive skin, these changes can sometimes lead to irritation or allergic reactions, increasing the likelihood of eyelash loss.”
Eyelashes aren’t just there for looks; they serve an important protective function for our eyes. Dr Coombs explained: “Eyelashes act as a physical barrier, helping to keep particles, dust and debris out of the eyes.
“They also serve a sensory function – when touched, lashes trigger a reflexive blink that helps shield the eye from potential injury.”
Shedding a few lashes is quite normal, and experts typically don’t see it as a cause for alarm if you lose fewer than five lashes daily. However, you should always speak to a qualified medical professional if you have any health concerns.
According to Dr Coombs, experiencing more significant lash loss or accompanying symptoms might be a red flag for underlying health problems needing attention.
She recommends booking an eye examination if you notice bald patches along the lash line, multiple lashes dropping out at once, lash loss next to moles, dark freckles or eyelid growths, or if your lashes become brittle and crusty.
She pointed out these symptoms could sometimes indicate conditions such as skin cancer or blepharitis. Blepharitis causes swollen, itchy eyelids, which the NHS says is not usually serious. Symptoms of blepharitis include sore eyelids, itchy eyes, and flakes or crusts around the roots of the eyelashes.
