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It’s not just you, it feels like everyone loves XL lashes these days – whether it’s achieved with layers of lengthening mascara, ribbon lashes or professional lash extensions. We love the look, but as with any makeup, daily maintenance is key to avoiding infection.
TikTok has recently brought eyelash mites to our attention, and we can’t stop thinking about them. The #lashmites hashtag is now viewed more than 3.5 million times on the platform, with users uploading videos explaining what they are and their experience working with them.
Before we ditch our favorite mascara and vow never to lengthen it again, we asked three lash experts to explain exactly what eyelash mites are, whether they’re a cause for concern, and how we can keep our lids mites-free.
What are eyelash mites?
Eyelash mites (the correct term is Demodex) are tiny bugs that live in the follicles of eyelashes, explains Karolina Swiderska, an eyelash technician at Lash in London. “[They] resemble head lice, but are much smaller,” she added.
Before you panic, though, they usually don’t cause problems, says Janelle Davison, an optometrist and member of the 20/20 Beauty Vision team. In fact, she says they can actually help remove dead skin by consuming it. While, yes, it sounds gross, the good news is that eyelash mites are really not scary unless there is an overgrowth.
What Causes Eyelash Mites?
As mentioned earlier, having a healthy amount of eyelash mites helps keep your eyelashes and eyelids healthy. However, overgrowth can be caused by several factors.
First, Pam Theriot, OD, optometrist and member of the 20/20 Cosmetic Vision Panel says age is an important factor: “[Overgrowth] was observed in 84% of the general population over the age of 60 and 100% of the general population 70 ‘ she shared. On the other hand, under 16s are very rare.
While age is inevitable, there are other factors that can be controlled. Theriot and Davison recommend changing mascara and liquid eyeliner every three months, powder eyeshadow once a year, and sharpening eyeliner regularly. Plus, they say to remove eye makeup every night, avoid expired eye products, and clean makeup brushes and cotton pads regularly—and whatever you do, don’t share eye makeup.
When it comes to grafting lashes, it’s not the actual lash extensions that cause the lash mites infestation, it’s just not cleaning them properly. By the way, Swiderska explains that it’s a common misconception that extensions can’t get wet — which often leads to poor hygiene. If kept clean all the time, not only would the risk of infection be very low, but the equipment would actually last longer, she said.
How do you know if you have eyelash mites?
Common symptoms when you grow too large are crusting around the edges of the eyelids, redness at the inner edges, eye irritation and itching, especially at the base of the eyelashes, Theriot said. In extreme cases, the entire eye area can become inflamed, leaving a crusty residue around the base of the lashes, says Swiderska.
What’s the best way to prevent attracting eyelash mites?
Thankfully, it’s easy to prevent lash mites from overgrowing—all you need to do is keep your lashes hygienic. “Whether a person wears eyelashes or not, the eye area should be thoroughly cleaned daily to remove sebum, dust, and dead skin cells,” says Swiderska. For best results, she recommends cleansing the eye area twice a day to prevent infection.
What’s the best way to get rid of eyelash mites?
All experts recommend seeing an ophthalmologist or optician once you notice an overgrowth. “They’ll be able to examine your eyes and make sure they’re giving the correct diagnosis and ideal treatment based on the severity of the condition,” explains Swiderska.
Theriot further explained that in-office treatments are the most effective way to get rid of mites, and the two best treatments on the market are the IPL treatment, which studies have shown to significantly reduce demodex mites, and the Zest Zocular treatment, which gently removes mites . Exfoliates the eyelid.
Moral of the story: Just take care of your lashes.
