It’s no lie that pretty much everyone wants long, full eyelashes. Instagram feeds are flooded with influencers showing off their perfect set of lashes. Most of the time, people get the lashes of their dreams with eyelash extensions. Lash extensions are a quick fix that give you results immediately, but they can be pretty expensive and require a lot of upkeep. They are definitely a big commitment just for longer lashes; however, if you are desperately wishing for longer, fuller and stronger lashes without breaking the bank or consuming your time, eyelash serums are the perfect alternative to lash extensions.
Do They Work?
According to Dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, eyelash serums first hydrate the surface of the lashes to volumize them, and then they help to either “directly stimulate the hair follicles or help create an optimal environment for hair follicle growth.” Lash serums increase both your lashes’ life cycle and growth during their growing phase. There are lots of lash serums on the market — that you’ve probably seen advertised all over your Instagram feed — that help promote the overall health of your lashes, but technically there’s only one serum that has been FDA-approved to actually grow your lashes: Latisse.
How Long Does it Take?
The benefit of using lash serums instead of extensions or fake lashes is that they enhance your natural lashes. You won’t feel like you have unnatural, fake lashes sitting on your eyelids and won’t have to keep replacing them with new sets. Lash serums only help your real lashes grow — the catch is that it takes a long time to work. With extensions and fake lashes, the results are immediate. When it comes to using eyelash serums, patience is key. Assuming you are using a formula that actually works, most people won’t see results for at least one month — or three to four months for some people. In order to see results, it’s important that you diligently apply the serum onto your lash lines every single day. With time, you’ll begin seeing results.
Are They Safe?
Generally, yes. Eyelash serums are safe to use. If you decide to try a serum, be aware of any unusual reactions to the product and call your doctor if you notice any redness, itchiness or burning in your eyes. The wide variety of over-the-counter lash serums all claim to give you healthier lashes, but again, the brand Latisse is the only lash serum that is actually FDA-approved to help your lashes grow.
Latisse
Latisse’s website describes it as, “an FDA-approved treatment to grow eyelashes for people with inadequate or not enough lashes.” It contains an ingredient called bimatoprost that lengthens the growth phase of your lashes. Latisse is only available by prescription, so it can’t just be bought anywhere over-the-counter. After discussing it with your doctor and getting a prescription, Latisee claims that you’ll see longer and fuller lashes after four months of daily use.
How to Apply
Check out this Youtube video for tips on how to apply your lash serum.
