"The Short Of It" Where did my lashes and brows go?

One of the things I that I hear most often from my clients is, “I hate that my lashes and brows are disappearing” The truth is, that like everything else as we age the hair on our entire body does change.  Unfortunately, that is all predetermined in our genetics. However, when have we ever allowed little old genetics determine our beauty?   

There are so many eyelash/brow growth products now on the market that it can be a bit overwhelming understanding what they claim and, do they do what they claim? To begin to understand their claims it helps to understand that we are born with a certain number of hair follicles. There isn’t a product anywhere that will create new ones. The follicles that we where genetically blessed with have three phases of growth that continues throughout our lifetime. “The growth phase”, “the intermediate phase” or (resting phase) and, “the shedding phase” (where we would tweeze or it falls out.) As we age certain follicles enter into a resting phase and others enter into a growth phase. This is why you will see hair shift from your brow to perhaps your lip or chin.  

The growth cycle of lashes/brows takes on average 4 to 6 weeks to go from growth phase to shedding phase.

Eyelashes/brows like other hair on the body need to be conditioned regularly in order to stay and appear healthy. Of the at least ten OTC growth products that I looked at, they all seem to have primarily conditioning ingredients as their active ingredients. The active ingredients listed were things like pro-vitamin B5 and humectants. If lashes are properly conditioned the breakage will be less frequent. The key process occurring here isn’t actually getting those follicles to grow hair it is keeping the hair longer therefore, creating a fuller, longer look.  Latisse, a prescription one also contained those conditioning ingredients with the addition of a prescription ingredient called bimatoprost sometimes seen labeled as lumigan. This ingredient claims to be the secret weapon. It is a protein molecule when first used to treat glaucoma was accidently discovered to grow lashes. It allows your lashes to stay in the intermediate phase longer and it is this ingredient that you will need a prescription for. I will say, make certain that you read the list of potential side effects and costumer reviews for Latisse. However if you are considering a lash/brow growth enhancer take a good look at the active ingredient list of all the OTC products. They are more recently containing protein molecules as well as the conditioners.   Latisse, along with OTC products on average a cost 100. and up but, you can find price specials on line for the OTC products. You must continue to use them to see and keep getting results.

Overall, If this all seems a bit overwhelming and you’re a little cautious about anything that requires a twice daily use to your eyes and only works while your using it, than look for ways to preserve and enhance what you have. I highly recommend using a good conditioning mascara, one that is not waterproof. Waterproof mascara does take out lashes. Use a water resistant one the will reconstitute itself if you tear up as long as you don’t rub it. Remember it’s about keeping that lash in the intermediate phase for as long as possible.  Water resistant mascara will come off easier preserving your lashes longer.  Sorme’s Extreme Volume is my favorite. Use a gentle eye maker remover that conditions and is not harsh. A good one will add moisture to your lash extending its life by keeping it suppler and not brittle. Eyeliners were designed to enhance the lash line, so, consider using a liner.  Everyone enhances their brows these days. Don’t be afraid of using cosmetics to do so. Use the money to learn proper enhancement technique and invest in good products. You will be way further ahead financially.

Check out my upcoming class at Simplicity

“The Eyes Have It” Eye Makeup Class
At Simplicity Studio Spa with Donna Daacke
Thursday February 9th @ 6:30

www.Simplicity.skincaretherapy.net

Happy new year to everyone and,

Be happy in your skin,

Donna