This is why you need to clean your lash extensions every day Blepharitis: what is it, and can you wear eyelash extensions with it?

Have you ever experienced itching or irritation whilst wearing lash extensions that comes and goes, or a gritty feeling that happens for no apparent reason? Or perhaps, you clean your lashes a couple of times a week/sporadically, but your lash stylist still asks you at your infill appointments if you are cleaning them at all? Or maybe, you don’t clean them (very naughty!) – because it’s never really been something you’ve thought about much before?

You may have what is known as Blepharitis.

I’m going to delve into this common condition a little bit and how it interacts with lash extensions – and most importantly, how you can prevent it. As yes – sigh of relief – in most cases, you can still wear lash extensions!

I’ve been kindly assisted by Paola Pham, Optometrist (B. Optometry UNSW) at EyeQ Optometrists for this article, who has given her expert advice in the area and answered my many questions. She’s also familiar with lash extensions and knows exactly how they work.

Blepharitis is an eyelid condition where the eyelid becomes inflamed and irritated, and dandruff-like flakes can form on the lids, near the base of the eyelashes. One of the main causes is not cleaning your eyelids properly.

According to Paola, the most common symptoms of Blepharitis are “itchy, swollen, puffy lid margins. The eyes might feel gritty, with a burning/stinging sensation and quite watery. The eyelashes can get crusty and stuck together. If it is not managed in a timely manner, the whole eyelid can become very tender, swollen and red”.

This doesn’t sound nice at all!

“There is a natural amount of bacteria that lives on the eyelashes and eyelids, but when the lashes or eyelids aren’t cleaned properly, the bacteria grows excessively and causes an infection, which is called Blepharitis. It can also arise when the little glands (Meibomian Glands) at the edge of lids become blocked with makeup, natural oils from your skin or use of eye creams too close to the eyelid margin,” said Paola.

And how exactly do eyelash extensions relate to this? Well, when one is wearing lashes, there is a tendency to leave them alone so as not to disturb them, and the eyelids therefore sometimes don’t get the attention they need in terms of proper cleaning/friction. The lash extensions themselves aren’t causing it; however, the lack of sufficient cleansing and build-up of skin, oil and other nasties are. If you are wearing extensions long term, prone to Blepharitis and not cleaning your eyelids very well, then there is the perfect storm for this condition to flare up.

Certain people can be more prone to the condition – according to Paola, Blepharitis is generally more prevalent amongst “more mature age groups and in individuals with skin conditions such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis”.

However, the big question for all of us lash addicts out there – is – can you still wear eyelash extensions if you are prone to blepharitis?

“Absolutely!” said Paola – however, she recommends doing a patch test with your lash technician first and choosing a clinic that uses the best quality glue and lashes, in a hygienic environment.

Most importantly, there are special steps you can take if you are prone to Blepharitis – but really, everyone who wears lash extensions should be taking these steps to keep them clean, as it can develop over time.

“For people prone to Blepharitis, be extra diligent in following the recommended cleaning regimen and maintenance instructions for your lash extensions. Keeping the eyelids clean is key, using the foaming cleanser daily and brushing the lashes help keep any excess oil and bacteria from building up. Practicing good eyelid hygiene is paramount, e.g., not touching or picking at the eyelashes, minimizing eye rubbing, always washing hands prior to inserting contact lenses or applying makeup” Paola advises.

If you do experience any of these issues following lash extensions, or the eyelids start to feel very itchy and look swollen, Paola recommends seeing an Optometrist or GP for proper diagnosis and treatment, and “always speak with your lash consultant as well as your eyecare provider to co-manage the best resolution”.

How does one know if they are experiencing Blepharitis, or an allergic reaction?

It can be a little tricky to distinguish the two, as they both cause swollen eyelids, however, in most cases, an allergic reaction would occur quite suddenly (within 24 hours of the lash application) and be more severe. Medical advice should be sought for a proper diagnosis.

“In most cases, the allergic reaction is caused by the glue, or the adhesive tape used during the application process” and that “generally, there is more redness, stinging and pain than Blepharitis” said Paola.

An allergic reaction is quite different, in that unfortunately the only way to manage it is to avoid or remove the allergen completely – so unlike Blepharitis, you can’t manage it and continue to wear lash extensions if you are allergic to them (at Lady Lash, we’re currently investigating some entirely new application processes that involve very different adhesive base ingredients – so will hopefully have a solution for this soon). But for now, if you think you may have experienced an allergic reaction to lash extensions previously, but are unsure, it is very important to have a patch test first before trying them again, and generally, removing the lash extensions is best if you are indeed allergic.

For everyday maintenance cleansing of lash extensions, we recommend LashGame Foaming Cleanser – a product we stock in all of our salons – or can be purchased directly online too. It’s non-stinging, easy to use and very compatible with lash extensions. Paola says this product is great for general lid/lash cleansing, however suggests that if you have experienced Blepharitis before/are prone to it, a medicated solution may be best, and recommends: Ocusoft Lid Scrub Plus which are eyelid cleansing wipes that remove excess oils, dead skin, debris and other contaminants from the eyelids. It is a mild non-irritation cleanser, specifically designed to prevent an outbreak and provide relief from symptoms associated with Blepharitis. Sterilid Eyelid Cleanser is another great option specifically developed for this condition.

So, in a nutshell – yes, you can wear eyelash extensions if you are prone to Blepharitis, but it must be well-managed (daily cleansing and absolutely no sleeping in makeup, ever, ever again!). The reason we at Lady Lash bang on so much about cleaning your lashes every single day with a proper lash cleanser is to avoid this condition – as it can be super irritating and can mean you won’t enjoy your lash extensions all that much – and it’s our ultimate goal here to ensure that you love your lashes and they are completely comfortable to wear long term.

With special thanks to Paola Pham, Optometrist at EyeQ Optometrists

Disclaimer: This article and the opinions stated within it pertain to a general condition, and do not constitute individual medical advice, nor should be substituted for seeking individual medical advice. If you have concerns about your eye health, you should seek advice from your medical professional.