Look around and you’ll find many web sites and other sources offering advice about how to make eyelashes grow faster once they’ve fallen out or thinned for one reason or another. You might be wondering if growing longer lashes is even possible. The answer varies depending on the circumstances.
First, it’s important to understand that your eyelashes including their length, color and fullness depend to a great extent on the DNA you have and the genetics of your family. In other words, for the most part what you were born with is the type of lashes you will have for the rest of your life.
Why Do Eyelashes Fall Out?
Eyelashes do fall out naturally and they have a growing cycle similar to the hair on our head. In addition, there are many possible medical reasons for thin or sparse eyelashes. Be aware that a complex health disorder is always a possibility so if you’re concerned about sudden loss of lashes, schedule a visit with your doctor right away.
Also note that certain medications, an infection, sties or ingrown eyelashes can cause hair loss. Additional possibilities include allergies and other irritations of the eyes. To learn more, this article covers 5 common reasons for eyelashes falling out or thinning. With the right treatment your lashes should grow back.
Ways To Help Eyelashes Grow Back
Sometimes it can be a simple as making a few diet and lifestyle changes. Eyelash thinning can be reversed easily with proper care when this is the case. Remember that your body needs rest and nutrition. If you’re stressed and fail to eat right it can slow down hair growth or even cause your hair to fall out.
According to several sources, there are a few vitamins that can help with eyelash growth and health. Biotin is widely recognized as being important for hair growth. It’s found in egg yolks, brewers yeast, bananas, sardines, as well as certain nuts and grains.
In addition, Vitamin A (also known as beta-carotene) maintains healthy hair so it can grow easily. Antioxidants like Vitamin C help with normal hair development and can help prevent both drying and splitting. Vitamin E works to increase circulation. Be sure to eat plenty of green leafy vegetables, avocados and citrus fruits to naturally stock up on these helpful vitamins. The B vitamins and vitamin D strengthen the hair’s resistance to damage. This is helpful because lashes tend to become brittle from wearing eye makeup such as mascara on a regular basis.
Other helpful vitamins include zinc, selenium and iodine (from kelp) which helps with thyroid and hormone levels that can affect the retention and production of hair growth. Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids like flax seed, fish and olive oil help reduce inflammation, add moisture and shine and also help your hair grow thicker and fuller.
Use Care When Removing Eye Makeup
Wash away eye makeup gently using eye makeup remover or a gentle, moisturizing cleanser to avoid lash breakage. Several times a week brush the lashes using an eyelash comb or a clean mascara brush to stimulate the hair follicles. This works in a similar manner to brushing the hair on your head regularly.
Massaging your eye lids will also help with stimulating the follicles. Remember to be very gentle. Nightly before going to bed apply olive oil or vitamin E oil to your lashes. You can use a cotton ball, Q-tip, eyelash comb or a clean mascara brush. Leave on all night if possible. If not, 5 to 15 minutes will also help. Wash away with lukewarm water and gently pat dry to prevent follicle blockage.
Finally, certain mascaras have vitamins and other ingredients designed to promote growth. Prescription Latisse is another popular option although it can get expensive and there are some potential side effects to be aware of. Your doctor can provide details and a prescription if you decide to go this route. Over-the-counter eyelash conditioners and enhancers can be good options as they tend to be more natural and affordable.
Extensions are popular with some although they can also be expensive and refills are needed regularly. More extreme measures include surgical repair similar to hair transplant. New treatment options are always being researched and if this interests you, your doctor can provide more information and help you determine if medical treatment is right for you.
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