Is there anything I can do for my eyelashes?

I have had several people ask me if there is anything they can do to get fuller lashes, more lashes, or longer lashes. The truth of the matter is that you cannot have more lashes than what you were born with. There are things you can do to prevent lash loss or to help perk up the growth of the lashes you have. You can refrain from using mascara whenever possible, use a lash conditioner, use a moisturizing eye cream, try Latisse, and refrain from pulling and rubbing. 


LET'S ELABORATE:


Mascara dries out the lashes, period end of discussion. Long wear mascara and waterproof mascara dry the lashes out more than your standard formula (in that order). I know it is not feasible to go without all the time (believe me I have family with no lashes) and there are times or circumstances which call for long wear and waterproof (dancing, wedding, funeral, swimming, amusement park, allergies, etc.). Some mascara has collegen or vitamin E to help keep the lashes thick and moisturized, steer towards those. There are also some formulas that use beeswax as the bonding agent verses alcohol. But in truth the more drying the product, the longer the bond to your lashes (meaning the less likely it is to give you raccoon eyes). There are evasive actions you can take to help limit the damage these products do. Which brings us to the next point...


Lash Conditioners* should be used by all (especially if you smoke, sun bake, or use mascara often) every single night! Lash Conditioners do the same thing that conditioners for the hair do, they condition, duh! Basically it helps to keep your lashes soft, supple, strong, and less prone to breaking. Yes, your lashes can break just like your hair. Lashes are hair, my friend, made of protein and susceptible to damage from smoke, heat, cold, and product build up.


You: "So should I like, wash my lashes er something?"
Me: "No fool!" *slap*


Never wash the eyes!!! There are precious few ways for the eyes to get the protective moisture they need (since there are little to no pores in the eye area). Only ever use eye makeup remover, petroleum gel, or cream! And never rub or pull the eye area, you damage the lashes and skin!!! Once lashes fall out naturally they take a few months to grow back....if you rub or pull a lash out....well who knows how long it will take or if it even will grow back! (Have I scared you? Good!) Since we are talking about the eyes......


 *If you cannot find or afford a lash conditioner then use Vaseline, Aquaphor, or something equivalient. Apply with a Q-Tip from the midway point of the lash up (you do not want the prodcut to get in your eye).


Moisturizing Eye Creams are essential for every adult person! Not only do your eyes need the moister for smooth makeup application (uh oh just lost the non-makeup wearing dudes) but it helps slow the aging process and keeps the surface follicles around the lashes strong (aka filled with collagen and elastin which keeps the skin from sagging and letting go of the lash). Moisturize friends, moisturize!!!


Latisse, does it work? Yes and no. For some people it will help extend the growth cycle of the lashes (the ones you have) so that they are longer, it can also help boost the thickness and make them a little darker (at the price of potentially staining your eyelid). But it does not work for everyone, and there are quite a few side effects and drug interactions so you should speak with you Medical Doctor (MD) before choosing this option. There have been a few cases reported where the person who used it had more lashes fall out, though I would assume that is a more rare reaction (but I couldn't tell you for sure). The bottom line is that it will not help you grow new lashes, it will only help extend the ones you have, maybe.


There are alternative tonics to Latisse. Peter Thomas Roth sells one that I have heard good things about, but again...it may or may not work.


THE BOTTOM LINE:


You have all the lashes you will ever have when you are born. You can loose more over time, through damage to the hair follicle that holds the lash, or through breakage. Nothing can give you more lashes except false lashes (which I do not recommend using often due to the glue drying out and damaging the existing lashes). You can use liner and mascara to give the appearance of more lashes but you must not be lazy. Remove the products before bed  as recommended above and apply an eye cream and a lash conditioner after.


If the reason you have no lashes is due to medication or chemotherapy then these things may not help you. Speak with your MD if it is due to medication or if you think you have an underlying condition (like hypothyroidism) that is causes the lashes to dry out, break, and/or fall out. If it is due to chemotherapy then speak with your MD about the chances of the lashes returning. I believe that it depends on the dose and time you are on chemo, but I am not an MD so I cannot be sure. I have had clients who went through chemo and they got all their hair and lashes back. Since they valued them more then ever they took really good care of themselves and ended up with more lush hair and lashes.


So, just like everything else in life, there is no easy way out. A little TLC and you will improve and sustain what you have. Look for the quick fix and you will do more damage (and won't have any lashes by the time you hit 45)!


Hope you guys found this informative. Keep the questions coming!


~Ko