Since relocating to a new city, I've noticed a change in the overall look and feel of my lashes. While they've always been thick, coarse, and the slightest bit unruly, I've been experiencing some major dryness, leading to a loss in volume here and there. Once the cold months finally hit, I began to notice just how frequently I would absent-mindedly rub my irritated eyes in hopes of relieving some of the discomfort. Plus, eye drops could only do so much.
It wasn't until I finally asked an ophthalmologist for instructions on how to revive them (and revamp my skincare and makeup routines) that I recognized the need to pay at least three times more attention to my lash health. Wondering what needed to happen for me to get my healthy lashes back? Keep scrolling for tips and tricks on promoting lash health straight from an ophthalmologist and expert-approved product recommendations to help you get started.
Signs of Unhealthy Lashes
So you've noticed a change in the texture and appearance of your lashes… Now what? It's time to get down to business and discover what could have contributed to a decline in their health. Ashley Brissette MD, MSc, FRCSC, shares a few signs to look out for that could clue us into what is happening under the surface. "Common things to look for which may be a sign of unhealthy lashes include thinning or sparse lashes, which could suggest nutritional deficiencies, hormonal concerns, or a potential reaction to cosmetic products. Excessive lash breakage or brittleness might be linked to harsh or improper makeup-removal methods," she says.
This is why she recommends the double-cleanse method to promote lash health. To double-cleanse, begin with a gentle makeup-melting balm, then follow with an eyelid cleanser designed to remove any residual product. Gradual or sudden lash loss can also be associated with conditions like blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid) and traction alopecia, which Brissette sees in people who repeatedly wear eyelash extensions.
Brissette also highlights a consistently inflamed lash line that is red or itchy as indicative of an infection, inflammation, or allergy, and any lashes growing in the wrong direction can indicate poor follicle health or improper application of lash serum.
What Impacts Lash Health?
If any of these symptoms worsen or persist, Brissette recommends consulting an ophthalmologist to address the root cause and prevent further complications. Now that you know what to be on the lookout for, Brissette is breaking it down further by identifying what factors could lead to poor lash health. She highlights makeup products as one thing that majorly impacts how your lashes will look and feel. "Waterproof mascaras, while great for long-lasting wear, can be drying and harder to remove, which may lead to lash breakage. Heavy application of mascara or layering multiple coats can also weigh lashes down and cause them to clump together," Brissette says.
Eye makeup removers formulated with harsh chemicals may also irritate the skin around the eyes, impacting lash growth and integrity. By double-cleansing, you can combat the dirt and debris that get caught in your lashes throughout the day. "Our lashes function to trap all the dust, pollen, and pollution in our environments and prevent it from getting into the eyes, which is why it's important to wash your eyelids and lashes daily with an eyelid cleanser," she continues. "If you don't, all that debris sits there and irritates the eyes and lids, causing them to look and feel terrible." With that being said, our environments contribute to the health of our eyes.
Finding the Right Products
Shopping for the best products to address your unique concerns can be challenging without knowing what to look for, but luckily, Brissette told me how to select the best makeup, lash serum, and cleanser to support the health of my lashes without breaking the bank. For eye makeup, she recommends selecting a product that has been ophthalmologist tested and removing the makeup properly from your lashes by double-cleansing with a makeup-melting balm and a cleanser.
Brissette also recommends using an eye-safe lash serum to keep the skin hydrated and promote natural growth, avoiding formulas with prostaglandins. "Although they work, they have a lot of side effects, including irritation, darkening of the skin, dry eye, and—worst of all—fat atrophy around the eyes (sunken-in eyes). I recommend lash serums that are peptide based with moisturizing ingredients," she explains.
Next, always have an eyelid cleanser on hand. "A daily cleanser will get rid of all the pollutant debris that affects the health of our lashes and will hydrate the lashes, preventing breakage and loss," she explains.
Below, discover expert-approved picks for the best lash health–boosting products on the market that are safe for sensitive skin, easy to use, and highly effective. With the help of this superstar lineup, you'll have long, healthy lashes in no time.
1. Eyelid Cleansers
This foaming eyelid cleanser has a nonirritating formula that gently and effectively removes oil, pollen, makeup residue, and more from the skin. Not only is it safe for daily use, but the cleanser is also designed to address mild to moderate eyelid irritation.
Customer Review: "I was having issues with allergy to my lash extensions, as well as allergy to all the cleaning foams I had tried. An optometrist recommended this to me to help gently cleanse my lashes and get all the bacteria off. I can't go without it now! I use it almost daily with lash brushes and rinse with water before drying. No allergies since!"
Key Ingredients: polysaccharide complex, okra extracts
Unhealthy lashes can often feel dry and itchy, but this exfoliating foam by Zocular can soothe and restore the eyes with an ophthalmologist-developed formula combining a blend of natural botanicals with activated polysaccharide complex.
Customer Review: "It's gentle on the eyes and helps keep my lashes clean. Lightly massage over eyes and leave on for a bit before rinsing works best."
Key Ingredient: hypochlorous acid
The Lid & Lash Cleansing Spray uses 0.01% hypochlorous acid, a substance your body naturally produces, to gently remove debris on the lids and lashes without irritating or drying the sensitive skin around your eyes for flawless results.
Customer Review: "I love this product. It is a simple thing to put into my morning and night routine that has made such a difference in my dry eye. I will continue to LOVE this product. Highly recommend."
2. Serums
Key Ingredients: trehalose, biotin, vitamin E, Tri-Flora Complex (ginseng, gleditsia, white nettle)
This physician-developed mask repairs and restores lash and brow health using scientifically advanced tube technology with nutrient-rich ingredients. Plus, it's hypoallergenic, oil-free, and nonirritating.
Customer Review: "I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this item, but let me tell you this is the real deal. My were sparse and unruly. But after a few weeks using this 3-3x a week, the hair has become quite soft, and there's some new growth and thickness."
Key Ingredients: peptides, biotin, panthenol
For anyone looking for something to restore brittle lashes, it's important to choose a serum that's gentle on the skin and lashes. This one can be used nightly to condition and nourish while jump-starting the natural growth cycle.
Customer Review: "I love this serum and it starts working in days! I get so many compliments on my lashes asking if they are fake. This is my second bottle and I plan on buying more."
Key Ingredients: Mythical Plant Complex (witch hazel, apple, nettle, horse chestnut, Saint-John's-wort), silk proteins, peptides
This eyelash-enhancing and pigmentation-boosting serum is the result of 75 years of what Talika describes as "pioneering expertise." It has a natural, fast-acting formula that strengthens and promotes longer-looking lashes.
Customer Review: "I've recently removed my eyelash extensions after 2 years and let me tell you, my natural lashes were almost non-existent. One week of using this product morning and night, and I'm absolutely blown away by the results. For the first time in years I'm loving my natural lashes!"
3. Lash Conditioners
Key Ingredients: BioPeptin Complex, amino acids, B vitamins, ginseng
RevitaLash's physician-developed and cruelty-free eyelash conditioner addresses signs of eyelash aging with advanced technology to strengthen lashes and protect against breakage. It also uses time-release technology for ingredient absorption.
Customer Review: "This is good eyelash serum. While I have not used it long enough to see a significant difference, I have seen growth. It also does not burn or cause redness around the eye area."
Key Ingredients: glycerin, algae extract, beeswax
If you've been on the hunt for a product that conditions and lengthens the lashes in seconds, your search is over. This Jane Iredale favorite creates the appearance of fuller, thicker lashes in just one coat of its nutrient-rich formula.
Customer Review: "I have been using this lash conditioner for many years. It is wonderful as it thickens and lengthens my lashes. Mascara goes on easily. I use it every day."
Key Ingredients: nanopeptide complex, biotin, panthenol
Another conditioning and priming product I love is this option from LashFood. Its formula plumps and nourishes natural lashes with thickening microfibers, a nanopeptide complex, and collagen for long, strong lashes.
Customer Review: "I love how this is such a multitasker and it helps build lash volume and length under any mascara without getting clumpy."
4. Mascaras
Brissette favors mascaras from Clinique because they're ophthalmologist tested and suitable for sensitive eyes. The brand's High Impact Mascara creates definition, length, and volume with intense, long-lasting pigment.
Customer Review: "I have been using this brand of mascara for a long time. I have very sensitive eyes and have to be careful of my product line. Clinique is the best brand for sensitive eyes. I tried using one of their other mascaras but had a reaction to it. Love this one!"
Key Ingredients: jojoba esters, castor oil
The 2-in-1 Extreme Length Clean Mascara revives dry, spindly lashes with a double-sided wand for immediate length and volume. It's also gentle on the eyes thanks to a formula infused with moisturizing jojoba esters and nourishing castor oil.
Customer Review: "I love the primer with this mascara! I have long lashes but when I use this mascara I get so many comments about how long my lashes are. I feel good about using a natural product on my eyes as well."
Here's another Clinique option Brissette has given her seal of approval. Like the High Impact Mascara, this one uses an ophthalmologist-tested formula to curl, lift, and lengthen the lashes with a weightless gel formula using polythermal technology.
Customer Review: "Without harsh chemicals, this mascara protects and defines your eyes. The formula and its its shaped brush both lengthen and plump your lashes. The results are dramatic!"
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