If you weren't born with magically long lashes, you know that sometimes even the thickest, most voluminous lashes aremascarait can still make your lashes look a bit sad and dull. And if you've tried all the long lashes alternatives (see:eyelash extensions,Wimpernlifting,falsehoodsthat works), you might be ready to literally get to the root of your problem and figure out howto growYour lashes, don't just fake the length.
And that's why I'm here. Because there's actually a whole world of serums and conditioners out there to help hydrate, enhance and even lengthen your lashes - you just need to know which ingredients really work (remember, weThey aretalking about his damn eyes after all). And to help you I haveIlyse Habermann, MD, assistant professor of ophthalmology at NYU Langoneeverything you need to know about safe eyelash growth(including the shit you definitely want to avoid).
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What helps your eyelashes grow?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to get extra longeyelash, let's go back to the basics that you probably never learned, k? The growth cycle of your lashes consists of three phases: catagen (the resting phase when your lashes are simply cooling off), telogen (the shedding phase where your lashes fall naturally), and anagen (the growth phase when they , you know, they fall out). already). , to grow).
Since your eyelashes are hanging or falling out most of the time, it is understandable that it takes a second for your eyelashes to grow. In fact, says Dr. habermanIt can take three months for your eyelashes to grow naturally.. But since I know you're impatient and want your lashes to grow overnight, you'll be glad to knowANDa way to prolong the growth phase.
How can I grow my eyelashes naturally?
There are many natural ingredients (see:castor oil,Vitamin E, Ecoconut beer) that help hydrate and condition your lashes, but don'ttechnicianLet Them Grow "Eyelash conditioners can help strengthen your lashes, keep them from breaking, or slightly inflate them to make them a little thicker," says Dr. Habermann, butthey don't really make them grow anymore. Womp.
So all those coconut, castor and olive oil home remedies? When it comes to lash growth, don't expect miracles - all you'll see is a little more shine and strength. In fact, there is only one FDA-approved eyelash growth serum (Latisse, which, DW, I'll be right back) so if you're really trying to get thicker, longer lashes, your best bet is to get a prescription.
However, there's nothing wrong with adding conditioners and natural oils to your lash routine. Sure, they might not make your eyelashes grow, but they do.it couldHelp create a strong, healthy foundation that promotes overall eyelash growth. These bbs are a good place to start:
4 natural eyelash serums to try RN
What is the best eyelash growth serum?
If you've ever watched TV or opened a magazine, you've probably heard of a product calledLatisse,TThe only FDA approved eyelash growth serum on the market. It was originally formulated as an eye drop to treat glaucoma (high pressure inside the eye), but doctors quickly noticed another unintended benefit: its ability to grow lashes longer and thicker.
After some iterations and refinements of the ingredients, Latisse was born, which uses the active ingredient called Bimatoprost to help your existing lashes grow.stimulate new hair growth in four to six weeks. Pretty cool huh? The only minor hurdle is that it's only available by prescription, so you'll have to go to a doctor or dermatologist to get it.
Which brings me to your next thought:OK, but what about those random eyelash serums my girlfriend's cousin keeps trying to sell me on Facebook and Instagram?E,hum, This way….
Do over-the-counter eyelash growth serums work?
Not to further complicate a topic that is already complicated enough, but this question is loaded. If your friends used OTClate plaguesEswearIf you have longer, thicker eyelashes, chances are you are using a product that contains an ingredient similar to bimatoprost.
„Some over-the-counter eyelash serums contain similar growth ingredients, such as: B. Isopropylcloprostenate, but these aren't regulated or approved by the FDA," says Dr. Haberman. Just because you can buy them from your mom's best friend doesn't mean these eyelash serums are completely harmless. As with any medication, there are side effects to consider before painting the entire eye with the material, so always read reviews and ask your doctor or dermatologist first.
4 eyelash serums worth your money
Are eyelash serums safe?
Yes, no and maybe. There's a good reason (well, reasons actually)Plural) why you need a prescription to get your hands on Latisse: It's a real drug (for glaucoma!), which means the doctor needs to make sure it doesn't interfere with or negatively affect other medications you're taking that affect your eyes .
And you know all those rumors about changing your eye color using an eyelash serum? Yes, this is a possibility when using a growth ingredient formula. according to Dr Haberman,If the serum comes into contact with the eyes, people with lighter eyes may notice a change in iris color after repeated exposure. In other words, your baby blues can turn brown if you don't apply the product carefully, thin and thin.justfor your lash lines.
Other Risks: A Growth Serummay also cause skin discoloration and/or irritation and swelling of the eyelids if it comes into contact with the eyes. Of course, like all side effects, these are possibilities, not guarantees - some people can use eyelash conditioners without a problem, but it's still a good reminder to always read the ingredients list and consult your doctor first.
What should I avoid when growing eyelashes?
When growing eyelashes, you should avoid anything that could snag or damage the hair. So, you know, all the usual things that can damage your eyelashes: false eyelashes, eyelash curlers, and not washing your face.
What? Yes.False eyelashesit might be tempting to play with it while waiting for growth, but due to the glue and weight,They can actually cause your lashes to break or even fall out, especially if you remove them.. Meanwhile, overly aggressive with aeyelash linerit can also damage eyelashes, causing breakage and mechanical trauma. If you don't remove makeup, some people can develop an inflammation around the eyelashes called blepharitis (yikes), which, if left untreated, can lead to eyelash loss.
So is it possible to grow eyelashes?
When avoiding false eyelashes, be kind to the eyelash curler,Remove eye makeupStrengthen your current eyelashes every night with a care serum,EThen see your doctor to get a prescription for a growth serum.Yes, it really is possible to grow longer eyelashes.. But you have to be consistent and patient: these treatments take months to work, and once you stop, so does the growth, so it's up to you to decide if all the work is really worth it.
Rubin Buddemeyer
Ruby was Cosmopolitan's beauty editor, covering both print and digital beauty. Her work has appeared in The Zoe Report, Fashionista and StyleCaster. keep following herInstagram.
Brooke Shunatona
Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.