Lashes and Brows

For years I have been absolutely obsessed with lashes and brows. I have been following trends and medical and weird home remedies. What I've learned over the years is that no matter what we do, we are all born with a set number of lashes. About 220 between the upper and lower lash line. We cannot increase this number, no matter how much money we spend or how diligent we are with application of serums or taking of vitamins. What we do have control over is the length, condition and thickness of the lashes. Loss of lashes and brows is a big concern. Some lash and brow loss is from normal aging and health or hormone related conditions, while some loss can be attributed to poor care like lack of cleaning, wearing mascara that is drying and damaging to lashes, over plucking/tweezing and in some cases a behavioral health condition called Trichotillomania which involves compulsive plucking of hairs of the scalp, eyebrows/lashes and sometimes other areas of the body.

Ok, so what have I tried? Every lash serum and conditioner under the sun, hair growth vitamins, special massages of the lids, exfoliation, no mascara for months, and the combination of many of these. I know what your thinking and yes, I am a little extra. I hear admission is the 1st step. LOL.

Here's some clarification in the sea of serums and conditioners. There are lash and brow enhancers or conditioners and lash and brow growth serums. Growth serums most commonly will have prostaglandin analogues. Prostaglandins: synthetic molecules used alone or combined to reduce intraocular pressure in people who have glaucoma or high intraocular pressure. They're also found in beta blockers for heart conditions. Prostaglandin analogues added to lash growth serums is due to cases of increased eyelash growth (mainly length) in people using glaucoma medication. The most well known product being LATISSE ® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03%. Side effects can be skin darkening were the product is applied, a change in the natural eye colour from light to dark, allergic reactions and irritation of the affected skin, irregular eyelash growth.

Ok, so why prostaglandins and prostaglandin analogues? Prostaglandins appear to take follicles that are in the telogen (resting) phase and induce the anagen (growing) phase. This means that the hairs grow for a longer length of time before they shed naturally allowing them to grow past their normal length. LATISSE ® is the only lash growth serum containing a prescription prostoglandin. Other serums containing prostoglandin analogues do not contain the same percentage therefore, results may vary.

Many people are choosing to use serums that do not contain these prostoglandin analogues due to the varying side effects and results.

Lash conditioners are exactly what they sound like. They are intended to improve the condition of the lashes and or brows. Some ingredients that have shown improvement in lash appearance and health are peptides, vitamins, moisturizers and certain essential oils and extracts. They can show improvement in the condition of the lashes, health of the follicles, and prevent premature shedding, therefore allowing lashes to grow longer and healthier. These products are usually well tolerated although with all products used on the lash line, there can be irritation if it weeps into the eye.

How to choose what's right for you? Look at the results/side effects/cost/long term effects and decide from there.

If you're still confused, contact me. I can speak with you more on the topic. If you decide a more natural approach is for you, my 4 Love of Lashes lash and brow wow product is your amazing. It's double sided tube has a liner brush for applying along the lash line, as well as a mascara wand for applying to the brows and lashes. This product is unique in so many ways. It's ingredients support lash health, growth and condition while having no artificial fragrance, parabens, gluten free, vegan and cruelty free. It's a whopping 16oz (the average lash serum and conditioner is 2oz) lasting for at least 6 months!

Give it try! I know you'll love it.