Can you sleep with false eyelashes on? Everyone loves false eyelashes! They help to accentuate your eyes while adding that natural beauty. But proper maintenance is also important.
The question is, can you sleep with false eyelashes on? The short answer to that is no. There are many health conditions that can be caused by sleeping with false eyelashes, so it is definitely not recommended.
What Can Happen if You Leave False Eyelashes Overnight?
Besides false eyelashes causing an incredible amount of damage to your natural eyelashes if you leave them in overnight, there are also a number of different health issues that can be caused by wearing them for an extended period of time. Eyelid contact dermatitis and Keratoconjunctivitis are two major health concerns.
Eyelid contact dermatitis is a condition that affects the skin around the eyes. This can cause symptoms such as redness, dryness, and itchiness. Your eyelids can also become red and scaly. If left untreated, your eyelids can become thickened with increased skin markings.
Keratoconjunctivitis can be caused by formaldehyde, an ingredient commonly used in eyelash glue. Symptoms include swollen eyelids, discharge, and stickiness. You may also experience blurring of vision, which is definitely something you would want to try and avoid.
False eyelashes are also known to trap in dirt, leaving your eyes vulnerable to infection. It’s important to constantly maintain and clean them to prevent that from happening.
What are the Side Effects of False Eyelashes?
Besides developing eyelid contact dermatitis and Keratoconjunctivitis, there are also other harmful side effects of wearing false eyelashes over an extended period of time, especially overnight. You can develop an allergic reaction to the eyeglass glue and possibly lose your natural eyelashes altogether. When someone develops an allergic reaction to their eyeglass glue, they tend to rub and pull on their lashes. This is referred to as madarosis.
You may also develop what is known as Staphylococcus (aka Staph infection). This is the most common type of bacteria that lives on the eyelash. Staphylococcus can cause puffy and sore eyes, which can develop into crust and flakes around the eyelid border.
False eyelashes in general can also contain extra bacteria that can cause eye infections such as pink eye and styes. When you sleep with false eyelashes on, you increase the risk for infections.
How To Protect False Eyelashes While You Sleep
Before going to sleep, it’s important to always remove your false eyelashes. Sleeping with your eyelashes can not only cause damage but also harm the lifespan of your lashes.
However, sometimes accidents happen. If you find yourself forgetting to remove them before passing out, there are things you can do to help to protect them, along with your eyelids. Sleeping on your back, using silk pillowcases, and wearing an eye mask are all ways you can help prevent damage.
Sleeping on your back will help you to avoid squashing your lashes against your pillows, bed sheets, or comforter. Wearing a contoured face mask helps to protect against your lashes as well.
They don’t touch the area around your eyelids as much and they also help to reduce friction caused by sleep. Purchase a mask that is comfortable to your face so that you get the best night’s sleep possible.
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase will help to prevent the drying and snagging of your lashes. Cotton bedding absorbs moisture which makes bacteria easier to grow in. Silk is also ultra-soft and cozy, so it’s a win-win situation.
Ways to Prevent an Allergic Reaction to Fake Eyelashes
Sleeping with fake eyelashes on can be risky business. As you sleep you move around, causing your eyes to rub against your pillows or blankets. Since false eyelashes are made from sensitive materials, you risk doing damage to them by tearing or ripping them overnight.
In order to avoid destroying them, it’s advised to take them out before heading to bed. They are an investment and should be treated as such. If they are maintained and taken care of properly, you will extend their life and also keep your eyes safe from infection.
How to Keep Your False Eyelashes Looking Fresh
Besides taking your eyelashes off before bed, there are other ways you can help them stay fresh and healthy. Always wash your eyelids daily with mild soap and water. Since eyelid glands naturally moisten your eyelashes, avoid conditioners and lotions unless your natural eyelashes feel dry.
Maintaining a healthy diet is also key. This includes consuming vitamin A, iron, niacin, and biotin. These nutrients will ensure your eyelashes and eyelids stay healthy.
Can Sleeping with Fake Eyelashes Cause Damage to Your Natural Lashes?
Sleeping with fake eyelashes can cause damage to your natural lashes. The tension and eyelash glue can cause traction alopecia. Traction alopecia is a form of hair loss. This is caused by prolonged tension on the hair shaft.
Tossing and turning while you sleep causes a pulling force on your natural eyelashes. Since your false eyelashes add extra weight to your natural lashes, the excessive weight will damage your hair follicles over time.
Many brands sell false eyelashes that come with jewels, gems, rhinestones, etc. This causes even more damage to your natural eyelashes, especially if you wear them overnight. The excess weight from these embellishments adds extra weight which causes unnecessary tension. When adding sleep in the mix, this could lead to traction alopecia.
Safe Alternatives to False Eyelashes
False eyelashes are fun, but they should only be worn for short-term occasions. If you truly love the look and feel of them, you can try eyelash extensions instead. Fake eyelashes are made of heavier materials that do damage long term, but eyelash extensions don’t cause the same type of damage. Not only can you wear eyelash extensions for extended periods of time, but you can also sleep in them, making them the perfect alternative.
You can also opt for a mascara that can closely mimic the look of false eyelashes. Many beauty companies today are trying to compete with the false eyelash industry and they have come up with a variety of products that can help you to achieve this look. It’s a safer alternative for a short-term look.
Conclusion
For the night out on the town or a special occasion, false eyelashes are definitely the way to go. Not only do they enhance their eyes, but they are stylish and fun. They are low maintenance, easy to apply and remove.
However, they are not good for the long term and also cause damage if you sleep in them. Removing your false eyelashes before bed will not only help to save your natural lashes and eyelids from damage, but it will help to preserve your false lashes for long-term use. It will also help to prevent harmful bacteria which lead to infection.
The most common health risks to sleeping with your false eyelashes include damage to your natural lashes, allergic reactions, eye infections, and injuries. False eyelashes are a luxury, but not worth the risks involved if you don’t properly maintain them.
