Your Eyelashes During Chemo

Facts

Eyelashes are a key staple to every makeup look and beauty enthusiast. Lashes have always been known to make your eyes pop and stand out from the crowd.  They help keep dirt or substances from entering your eye and aid in preventing infections.  Eyelashes also help prevent eye moisture from evaporating.  Needless to say, eyelashes are a true necessity for every person at any age. 

Losing Eyelashes During Chemotherapy

Like your hair and eyebrows, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy can cause the complete or partial loss of your eyelashes. This temporary side effect can change your facial features and cause your eyes to become extremely sensitive.

Your lashes need some extra TLC and babying during chemo and the recovery period, which varies from patient to patient. It’s important not to put any extra stress on lashes.

Tips for Thicker Eyelashes During Chemo

Even if you don't lose your eyelashes during chemo, you will likely find that they'll be pretty delicate. Those who do lose them will often find that the regrown lashes are fine, prone to breakage, or visibly sparse.

To help minimize the loss of your lashes makeup artists suggest:

• Refrain from rubbing your eyes (or patting your lashes to see if they are still there).

• Use a cotton ball and a natural eye makeup remover to gently wipe any makeup from your eyes.

• Avoid heavy mascaras, especially waterproof ones or those that require warm water to remove. These can be too harsh on delicate lashes.

• Mascara can give volume to your thinning eyelashes, as well as make them look thicker. Use non-waterproof mascara as it is easier to take off and reduces the risk of an eye infection.

• Another option is to accentuate eyes with liner or shadow.

• From the start of your cancer treatments, use a new mascara and change it every month as the tube is the perfect environment for bacteria as it contains animal fats. Wash your mascara brush once a week with water and soap.

• It’s probably best to refrain from using eyelash extensions during chemotherapy, and several weeks after your last treatment, as your lashes are still susceptible to the effects of the drugs. Ideally, you’ll want to wait until your natural lashes are less fragile. Ask your doctor about using natural oils on your lashes to help nourish the follicles back to health.

Be patient, beautiful! Your eyelashes will grow back and get stronger over time, and you’ll be flaunting long, luscious lashes once again.

Share with us in the comment box eyelash tricks that worked for you during and after chemotherapy treatment.