Keep your fabulous eyelashes healthy and full.
I have used eyelash extensions for about 3 years, and my eyelashes are thinning and falling out easily. I even have a little bald spot on one eye. I am going to let the extensions fall out and not replace them but, instead, focus on helping grow and maintain my own natural eyelashes. I plan to use latisse to help re-grow my natural eyelashes. 1) I'm also wondering if I should apply coconut or olive oil to my eyelash (which are currently stubs) to condition them. Is this a good idea, or is there something better to do? 2) Also, is there a nourishing mascara that would help? 3) would it damage my fragile lashes to use magnetic eyelashes maybe twice a week? Thank you!
The eyelash world is getting surprisingly complicated!! The desire for good eyelashes that are easy maintenance is totally understandable! We all would like that, right?
Some things to think about:
- Your natural state of eyelashes is mostly related to genes and your overall health. If you’re getting chemo, for example, they won’t grow well temporarily.
- We have these very important glands along the rims of the eye – both upper and lower. They help lubricate the eyes, the eyelashes and prevent dry eye.
- Dry eye problems are increasing with experts not exactly sure why. But……there is a link to too many chemical irritants in eyelash extension glue, make-up, perhaps make remover pads, etc.
- We want healthy beautiful eyelashes, and eyes!!
Keep your eyelashes healthy:
- Most patients can use Latisse very safely to grow and maintain healthy eyelashes. (I have no financial interest in Latisse.) It has been used for 25+ years to treat glaucoma and for many years now to grow eyelashes. We have had a very few patients who develop irritation to it (red & itchy), and they can’t use it anymore.
- Don’t use the fake, cheaper products that market they are like Latisse. The quality control and base isn’t the same and you don’t want these around your eyes.
- Eyelash extensions are a problem. They seem to go well for several years ……and then our patients start losing eyelashes or can’t grow their own well. Or worse, develop temporary or permanent dry eye problems. Be very careful everyone, if you love these. Watch for signs carefully of dry eye, or irritation from the glues. If you notice this – STOP!
- You can try adding a “hair growth” vitamin with biotin.
What doesn’t work:
- Trying to oil the eyelashes themselves won’t help with regrowth.
- Mascara doesn’t help because it doesn’t nourish the roots. It’s safe to use though, as long as it doesn’t irritate you. Try to keep it 1-2 mm away from the glands at the base of the lashes.
- I haven’t seen these magnetic lashes…..we’ll look at them. Thank you! 🙂
Hope this helps,
Dr. Brandith Irwin
Founder, SkinTour
Director, Madison Skin & Laser Center
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