Can your medications, vitamins or stress impact your lash retention?

The answer is a resounding 'yes'!

I attended The Lash Social UK 2019 on Sunday 26th April 2019. Its always great to meet others who are in the same industry and to learn new things.

We had a really interesting session with Miranda Harpey from the UK Lash Institute on medications and how they can impact on retention of your lashes.

Obviously there are lots of reasons for poor retention but this was specifically about medications, vitamins and certain medical conditions.

I learnt a lot and wanted to share this with you.

For healthy lashes to grow they require the correct minerals, nutrients and vitamins, these are delivered to the hair follicle via the blood supply.

If you take any medications, vitamins or drugs these will impact upon the hair follicle and change cell formation within 23 hours. This change in cell formation could cause any number of issues with the lashes. Growth could be hindered, promote growth or loose lashes quicker.

Vitamins A & C

Promotes production of sebum, which means skin and hair can become a lot more oily and consequently worse retention.

Vitamin B

This is good for our lashes, it stimulates the follicles and lashes.

Cannabis

Causes hormonal changes in the body. Slows down lash growth and the production of our lashes. Smoking also does the same.

Pregnancy & The Contraceptive Pill

Oestrogen is required for strong lashes. High levels of oestrogen during pregnancy or whilst taking the pill help create long, strong lashes.

Medical conditions;

Under active / Over active Thyroid

Lashes are less stimulated, the baby lashes grow very slowly and can lead to poor retention.

Uncontrolled Diabetes

Glucose is a natural nutrient to the lash. When diabetes is not under control it can lead to starvation of glucose to the lash follicle. This causes really weak lashes and if the lashes are thin, adding an extension can cause them to snap off. If this is an issue then should not have lash extensions.

Autoimmune Diseases e.g. MS, Crohns, Coeliac, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Colitis.

These diseases cause metabolic changes that can weaken the lashes. If you are suffering a flare up the retention of lashes is not going to be great.

Stress

If you are under any stress (this can include undergoing an operation that puts stress on the body) then your body goes in to fight or flight mode and sends all nutrients and minerals are sent to the organs that matter. This is not your lashes or hair. The body sends messages to the follicles and puts them in to shutdown.

It can take up to 6 month return to normal and to regain strong, healthy lashes.

Age

As we age our metabolism slows down and slows down the delivery of nutrients to the hair follicles. This means the follicles are less stimulated, growth slows down and the lashes are shorter and thinner.

So as you see there are many, many reasons why retention of eyelash extensions can be impacted.

A huge thank you to Miranda Tarpey for sharing this with us and helping us gain insight on potential reasons our eyelash extension retention being amazing or poor.

Thank you reading.

Laura x