There’s nothing that quite makes you feel like a glam movie star than peeking out of a set of luxuriously lush lashes. While it’s fun to simulate them with a pair of false lashes, it’s even more satisfying to use what you’ve got to create eye-opening beauty that’s both natural and noticeable. You’ll be happy to know that there are some natural and safe steps you can take (and things you can avoid) to coax out your inner siren. Here are our top picks for getting those lashes long and luscious.
Why Are My Lashes Lacking?
First, let’s look at what could be causing you to have less-than-luxe lashes. You probably won’t be surprised to hear that they’re yet another casualty of the aging process. Just like with your hair, you may experience thinning lashes over time. In fact, lashes are structurally the same as hair, built of proteins like keratin.
If you find yourself asking, “Why are my eyelashes falling out?” you may have also accelerated the process of loss or breakage by using expired makeup, rubbing your eyes excessively, or applying falsies. These three actions can cause you to lose eyelashes over time. And if you notice that you’re losing a lot all at once (seeing lashes on your pillow each morning), it’s time to talk to your doctor to make sure there isn’t another cause of loss. The good news is that there are fixes for these issues.
The Best Ways to Stimulate Lash Growth, Naturally
Here are the most effective ways to help grow your own lashes naturally and effectively:
Comb Your Eyelashes
It’s something we don’t think about much, but the simple act of brushing your lashes can make a difference in both their health and their appearance. Brushing helps keep them strong and prevents breakage by gently moving your natural nourishing oils to your lashes, breaking up any clumps to keep them long and luscious looking.
Clean Your Fringe with Care
For longer, stronger lashes, it’s important to handle them gently by using a mild makeup remover and mascaras that come off easily (save the waterproof for weddings and other emotional moments!). Eye makeup, mucus (yes, that), and oil can stick in those lashes and invite bacteria, so you’ll want to thoroughly clean the area every evening. When you wash your eyelids, use a super light touch as well.
You’ll also want to avoid lash curlers, which pull your lashes and cause breakage. The same goes for falsies since their adhesives can be damaging your lashes over time. Try not to rub or tug at your eyes either, especially when you’re feeling tired. These tips can go a long way in keeping your lashes looking their best.
Drink Green Tea
You don’t need us to tell you that green tea’s antioxidants and anti-inflammatories have many incredible health benefits. For your eyelashes, these properties and the caffeine work with panthenol to soothe eyelids, hydrate lashes, and stimulate growth. Green tea’s effects are almost immediate; you can use a cotton ball to soak some cool tea and place it right on your lashes for a mini spa treatment that loves your lashes too.
Feed Your Lashes
You can also try some vitamins and fatty acids that build keratin and promote growth by hydrating and fighting inflammation. Biotin (vitamin B7) is a great pick since it fights hair loss with anti-inflammatory power. You can also take Omega-3 fatty acids supplements for this same reason. While it’s best to get these from the source from whole foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (flaxseed, salmon, tuna, eggs, yogurt, oatmeal, brussel sprouts, spinach, walnuts, and more) a supplement also works well. Try pairing collagen with biotin for good results too.
Use Vitamin E Oil
We’ve used vitamin E for the hair on our head, and it works just as well for our eyelashes, either topically or ingested through foods or supplements. One study followed alopecia sufferers that took tocotrienol supplements (part of the vitamin E family, with antioxidants), and reported lash growth. All the more reason to load up on wheat germ oil, almonds, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, avocados, peanut butter, and fish, among others. An added benefit? Vitamin E also protects and promotes the effects of Omega-3 (see “Feed Your Lashes” above).
Try Gels and Oils
There are a number of hydrating products that moisturize your eyelashes, reduce breakage, and encourage growth—especially after the stresses of lash curlers, adhesives, and mascara. Castor oil, also used as a laxative, is highly effective at moisturizing (just don’t use it if you’re pregnant). With its ricinoleic acid and vitamin E, it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. You can apply it directly, as it penetrates and holds moisture in your lashes, protecting them even further from dryness. Coconut oil and aloe vera gel also promote lash growth by providing nourishment and protecting against breaking. These can help condition your hair and enhance flexibility, naturally.
Apply a Serum
Just like with your skin, serums are highly effective at helping your lashes too. There are a number of available serums, and we’re partial to LATISSE® for eyelashes, which features bimatoprost, an ingredient that lengthens the time the hair follicles remain in the growth stage, ultimately making eyelashes grow thicker, longer, and darker over time. Known widely as the “gold standard,” Dr. Beverly Fischer and her team at the Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery have seen great success with LATISSE eyelash serum. It takes about sixteen weeks to reach full results and can be maintained with regular treatments. You can apply the treatment with a clean brush twice daily; it comes with single-use applicators to ensure effectiveness and help avoid fungal or bacterial infection or contamination. The results are stunning!
Lashes can be life-changing. So properly caring for the ones you have is an important part of any healthy beauty routine. Using these steps will ensure that your lashes are longer, fuller, and best of all, healthier. And that’s something to bat a beautiful eyelash at.
To learn more about how LATISSE can help you achieve your favorite lash look, talk to Dr. Beverly Fischer and her team today. They would be happy to help you get the long, luscious lashes you’ve always wanted.
