I’m an eye doctor and a common makeup mistake is ruining your lashes & causing breakage – my tips will promote growth
AN eye doctor has shared a common makeup mistake that’s ruining your lashes.
Her science-backed tips help promote lash growth and protect the follicles from damage.
Dr. Jennifer Tsai, an optometrist, stressed the importance of investing in eye-safe health and beauty cosmetics.
“Eye-safe cosmetics are formulated specifically for the eyes and rigorously tested to ensure they are gentle and non-irritating,” she explained.
“Our eyes are particularly sensitive to allergens and eye-safe cosmetics are formulated with ingredients less likely to cause sensitivity or allergic reactions.”
For those looking to hasten their lash growth with serums and treatments, Tsai advised them to pay attention to the basics first.
“It starts with protecting your lashes and brows from damage. Avoid rubbing your eyes and be cautious when using eyelash curlers to prevent breakage,” she said.
“Avoid waterproof mascara which can be difficult to remove and use gentle micellar-based makeup remover (like Lumify Eye Illumination’s Micellar Cleansing Water) to prevent pulling on your lashes.”
Makeup fans, the expert said, should consider the ease of removal when it comes to their mascara.
“Using waterproof mascara regularly can lead to lash breakage due to the harsh ingredients and difficulty with removal,” she said.
Cutting the lashes to promote growth, she added, was a common myth.
“Trimming the lashes does not directly promote lash or brow growth and can actually cause eye irritation due to the blunt ends,” she said.
When she is shopping for lash treatments, she is intentional about avoiding harmful ingredients to the eyes.
“Start with reading product labels and choose cosmetics specifically labeled as safe for use around the eyes,” she said.
“You would be surprised to see what you find that is used in cosmetic products! Start with products labeled safe for sensitive eyes, such as Lumify Eye Illuminations Nourishing Lash & Brow Serum.
Tsai explained that she avoids growth serums that contain prostaglandins and instead looks for those formulated with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and biotin instead.
Using waterproof mascara regularly can lead to lash breakage due to the harsh ingredients and difficulty with removal.
Jennifer Tsai
Her laundry list of red-flag ingredients includes parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances, and alcohol.
“These ingredients can be irritating to the skin and may cause allergic reactions or other adverse effects,” she explained.
“Prostaglandin analogs are a class of medications commonly used to treat glaucoma and also to promote lash growth, however, long-term use can lead to a potential side effect of orbital fat loss or a sunken eye appearance,” she added.
“It’s important to note that not everyone who uses prostaglandin analogs will experience orbital fat loss and the degree of fat loss can vary among individuals.
“Factors such as the duration of use, the specific medication used, and individual predispositions may influence the likelihood and severity of this side effect.”
When testing a new lash serum or eye cream, the expert recommended starting slow and patch-testing before upping the application frequency.
Above all, she stressed that great lashes and great results take time.
“Be patient! Lash and brow serums typically take time to show results, with noticeable improvements often occurring after several weeks of consistent use,” Tsai said.
“Be patient and consistent with your application routine and avoid expecting instant results.”
