Can Sleep Masks Damage Your Eyelashes?

August 19, 2021
Marisa Petrarca
By: Marisa Petrarca | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
Beauty Q&A: Are Sleep Masks Bad for Your Eyelashes?
Whether it's removing fake eyelashes the right way or making sure to apply a strengthening serum every night, giving my lashes the TLC they deserve is always top of mind. But one night, as I casually pulled my sleep mask down over my eyes, I started wondering if the fabric or friction from it could be causing harm to my otherwise healthy eyelashes. To help us all rest a little easier, I reached out to eyelash expert Faith Kim from Lashfood. Ahead, she’s sharing if a sleep mask can damage eyelashes. 

Can a Sleep Mask Damage Eyelashes? 

Although sleep masks may help you get some shut-eye, we’re sad to report that they could also actually be damaging your eyelashes. "Sleep masks may cause lashes to grow crisscrossed as they are pressed down throughout the night,” says Kim. “For example, some people who sleep on their side may notice that their right lashes grow sideways or inwards.”  But if you simply can’t go to sleep without a mask, Kim recommends sleeping on your back. This will help relieve some of the pressure on your lashes. Changing your sleeping habits certainly isn’t an easy transition, but it will ensure that your lashes will stay safe throughout the night. 

Our Favorite Products for Strengthening Lashes 

For extra protection with or without an eye mask, Kim recommends applying a lash enhancer that will strengthen, nourish and hydrate your eyelashes. “Keep a lash serum on your nightstand and apply it like eyeliner before bed,” Kim explains. This will help ensure that your lashes stay strong, no matter how often you use your sleep mask.


Photo: Chaunte Vaughn; Designer: Hannah Packer

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