MAINTAIN THE HEALTH OF YOUR EYELASHES

Eyelashes are somewhat of an understatement when it comes to the amount of time and effort that women put into making themselves beautiful. Women pull, rub, curl, pluck and apply mascara to their eyelashes daily. And yet unlike our hair we don't really take care of our eyelashes. In addition our eyelashes are exposed to environmental irritants, pollution and smoke. All of this exposure will lead to thinner and fewer eyelashes.

Eyelashes develop relatively early after conception, about 7-8 weeks on an embryo. This is also the length of time that an eyelash will take to regrow if one falls out or is plucked out. Eyelashes like eyebrows are designed to protect the eye from debris. Because of their sensitivity, if something touches the eyelashes, they provide a warning that something is very close to the eye itself. Instinctively once something touches the eyelashes the eye will close to prevent harm from coming to the eye. Although, the purpose of eyelashes is to protect the eye, the eyelashes are viewed as a beauty accessory more than anything.

Although everyone has them, women more than men care about how their eyelashes look, how long they are and how thick they are. Men could care less about their own eyelashes unless they are causing them pain or they have an eyelash disorder. It is rare to hear about eyelash disorders or diseases unless you have one, know someone who has one or work in the medical field. Eyelash disorders or diseases can arise from irritation, cosmetics, inflammation, drugs or toxins, mites or system disorders. 

The most common eyelash disorders include madarosis the loss of eyelashes, distichiasis an abnormal growth of lashes, trichiasis ingrown eyelashes, or demodex folliculorum a mite that lives harmlessly in the eyelash and other hair follicles. Dermatologists, ophthalmologists and endocrinologists are the doctors who can diagnose and treat eyelash disorders.

Although eyelashes are small in their size and appearance, the amount of time cleaning, cleansing or conditioning eyelashes is minuscule compared to other parts of the body. Alternatively, when it comes time to beautify it is the eyelashes that are used to accentuate the eyes and the face. Thicker, longer lashes are one of many criteria that women use to determine their femininity and beauty. Eyelash size and thickness is determined genetically, however throughout the years cosmetic and beauty companies have been manufacturing products to enhance the eyelash appearance.

Mascara, eyeliner, eye putty, and eye shadow are just some of the essential cosmetic products that women use on a daily basis to enhance their appearance. Eyelash extensions are also available to increase the thickness and length of your eyelashes. False eyelashes were invented in the early twentieth century and gained popularity in the 1960's. Now false eyelashes are available in all shapes, sizes, colors and quality. However, false eyelashes can only enhance your appearance for short periods of time. Permanent eyelash extensions and transplants have been gaining in popularity since the early 90's but can be quite costly depending upon the area and location of where you live. Allergan, a pharmaceutical company created the first eyelash growth solution in 2009 called Latisse. This product must be prescribed by a doctor and can cause discoloration of the pigments in your eyes. Even though, Latisse has already had a great number of users with testimonials that confirm and praise the product. However due to its immaturity in the market it is hard to tell whether this product will work consistently to increase the length, thickness and color of eyelashes.

Even if you choose not to wear false eyelashes, get eyelash extensions or use Latisse to grow your eyelashes, proper lash maintenance should be considered. Even if you don't wear make up, your eyelashes are exposed to the external environment. It is important to protect your lashes from the damage of overheating, over drying, free radicals and environment stresses. Providing your body and eyelashes with the proper nutrition can reduce the signs of breakage and nourish the follicles. Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that replenishes and nourishes the skin and hair. Vitamin E treatments can be used to enhance the strength of eyelashes. Also primers and conditioners should be used in conjunction with your makeup regimen. Avoid lash primers that have dyes, fumes or fragrances that can irritate the eye. Look for products that include healing agents such as anti-inflammatories that can sooth and strengthen your eyelashes.

Graduated with a BA in exercise science and have worked in the medical field since. My focus is alternative medicine however all aspects of health interest me. Check out my health website!