Q1: Why should I clean eyelash extensions?

Nature's intention of having our eyelashes are to catch any dust and debris we may come in contact with, so our eyes are safe. During the procedure of eyelash extension, when your lash technician adds a strand of eyelash extensions to your natural lashes, she doesn't apply it directly on your skin but 1-2 mm away from your lash line (applying lash glue directly to the skin can cause burns or glue allergy). Over time, this gap between the lash line and lash extensions can collect excess oil from the skin, makeup debris, and dirt which will make your eyelash line more responsive to bacterial growth. That's why cleaning your lashes and eyelids regularly with a lash cleanser is so important.

Q2: What happens if I don't clean lash extensions?

One of the most common eye disorders related to eyelash extension is blepharitis. Blepharitis usually is associated with an overgrowth of bacteria that live along the base of the eyelashes.Over time, these bacterias multiply and create a structure called biofilm. If your eyelashes are not cleaned properly, soon this biofilm becomes a toxic environment — like the plaque that forms on your teeth! Then, these parasitic eyelash mites called Demodex who love to feed on the biofilm, can overpopulate in between your eyelashes, causing the painful eyelids inflammation. Bacterias in the biofilm also produce substances called exotoxins that worsening the inflammation of oil-secreting glands in the eyelids. That results in a swollen eyelid and also causes (and worsens) dry eye discomfort.

Symptoms of blepharitis

Primary symptoms of blepharitis are:

• Red eyes
• Irritated and watery eyes
• Itchy eyelids
• Burning or stinging eyes
• Flaking and crusting at the base of the eyelashes
• A gritty feeling in the eyes
• The sensation of having a foreign object in the eye

If the flaking or crusting and the symptoms seem concentrated especially around the lower eyelid, these are the best indications that you may have blepharitis. Symptoms of blepharitis are often more noticeable in the mornings, so check your eyes as soon as you wake up in the mornings.

Q3: How to treat blepharitis

Treatment of blepharitis should begin with a visit to your eye doctor to determine the cause of your eyelid inflammation. Your doctor will examine your eyes and eyelids to evaluate whether you have blepharitis and decide which type of treatment is most appropriate in your case. Typically, blepharitis treatment includes:

• eyelid scrubs
• in-office procedure
• medicated eye drops or ointments.

Q4: Do I need to clean my lashes daily?

Yes. It is important that you clean, nourish, and protect your lashes daily. The DORA eyelash cleanser is designed to cleanse off all debris, remove makeup, and kill bacteria without drying out the skin and breaking down the lash adhesive.

Q5: Can I use baby shampoo for cleaning eyelashes?

No. While baby shampoo is gentle, it is not specifically designed to clean the eye area, and extensive use will harm our fragile skin around the eye and strip it of its natural oils needed for healthy skin, hair, and follicles. Also, many baby shampoos also have artificial colors and mineral oils that over time can break the integrity of the adhesive, causing lashes to have shorter retention. In short, using baby shampoo as a lash cleanser is not recommended.

Q6: How to choose the right lash extension cleanser?

It is necessary to know that some cleansing products may contain ingredients that can weaken the bond of your lash extensions and cause them to shed prematurely. Therefore, the first step is to use formulas that are made specifically for lash extensions.