I couldn’t listen to something my pal throughout the brunch desk was saying. I used to be too distracted by the lengthy, enviable, Bambi-like eyelashes fluttering earlier than me. “I hope this is OK to ask, but your eyelashes… are they”—however earlier than I may end she whispered it like a secret, “Latisse.” Since its FDA approval in 2008, the Allergan product has been the gold commonplace for a way to get longer eyelashes. (I’ll always remember these Brook Shields commercials.)
“Latisse’s active ingredient is bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analog, which has been shown in clinical studies to make eyelashes grow longer, thicker, and darker,” shares board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. “It works by lengthening the time the follicle stays in the growth phase.”
But even 15 years later, Latisse continues to be solely accessible with a prescription. So for anybody searching for alternate options, we requested Dr. King how to get longer eyelashes. In return, she answered with all the information, secrets and techniques, merchandise, serums, therapies, and pure cures.
Featured picture by Teal Thomsen.
The Best Lash Growth Serums
Hands down, the best choice is Latisse. But in case you’re wanting to attempt one thing over-the-counter, eyelash serums from manufacturers like GrandeLASH and Dr. Lara Devgan usually earn rave evaluations.
Another Over-the-Counter Lash Growth Option
Though Dr. King usually warns towards over-the-counter cosmetics marketed as rising the size and fullness of eyebrows and lashes (their efficacy has not been critically evaluated), if you’re utilizing a product, ensure to apply them to a utterly cleansed lash line with an equally clear brush.
“Latisse provides disposable single-use applicator brushes because this is the safest way to ensure minimum risk of bacterial or fungal contamination and infection,” Dr. King notes.
The dermatologist does level out one other promising possibility, although the potential unintended effects might outweigh the beneficial properties.
Based on a 2012 Journal of Dermatology study, “Rogaine appears to modestly increase eyebrow growth and is comparable to Latisse,” says Dr. King, who notes that a subsequent study concluded that Rogaine may be a protected and efficient remedy for brows.
“However, Rogaine often causes irritation when applied to the scalp, and the eyelid skin area is generally more sensitive, so this is also possible when used for the eyelashes,” she provides. “Side effects from applying Rogaine to the eyebrow area include burning, dryness, itchiness, redness, and scaling.”
Go The All-Natural Route
Looking to avoid chemicals and the Sephora fuss altogether? A potential eyelash growth aid can likely be found somewhere in your home. Vitamin-dense products like aloe vera gels, olive oil, and green tea can reportedly assist develop robust, lengthy lashes, whereas moisturizing brokers like shea butter and coconut oil nourish strands and forestall breakage.
But essentially the most outstanding house treatment for exciting eyelash progress is castor oil. And whereas no research have been ready to show castor oil causes hair progress, it definitely can’t harm.
“Castor oil is not damaging to the hair and can provide some conditioning that improves the flexibility of the hair fiber. Castor oil has also been shown in a study to increase hair luster,” shares Dr. King.
Consider a Lash Lift or Perm
The trendy treatment has all the permanence of eyelash extensions without damaging adhesives. Plus, it cuts down on the use of potentially damaging curling devices. (Even Camille is a lash lift regular.)
Protect Your Eyelashes
It doesn’t matter how much attention and care (or money) you put into your lashes if you aren’t taking preventative measures to keep them healthy.
- Remove mascara before bed so lashes don’t break off onto your pillow.
- Speaking of pillows, consider a silk pillowcase for less lash-compromising friction.
- Limit the use of false eyelashes or eyelash extensions since adhesives may weaken lashes and cause breakage.
- Regularly brush out your eyelashes to distribute natural oils.
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of protein, iron, and biotin.
- Try a solid hair growth supplement (that extends to brows and eyelashes). Nutrifol is nutritionist-approved.
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