Say goodbye to eyelash extensions and lash lifts—it’s time to get to the root of the problem. If you’re struggling with thin, brittle eyelashes, you’re in the right place. Regardless of your age, there are a few tried and true ways to promote healthier lash growth without resorting to false lashes. From moisturizing your eyelashes with a growth serum to adjusting your makeup routine, there are plenty of effective ways to make your lashes grow longer and thicker. For instance, since wearing heavy coats of mascara on a daily basis can harm your lashes making them prone to breakage, you can try wearing natural-looking lash extensions at home. They harm and pressure your natural lashes less than waterproof mascara in the long run and can boost your look in a few minutes. Continue reading for all the best tips for healthy eyelashes over 40.
Understanding the Eyelash Growth Cycle
Just like your hair, your eyelashes go through three phases in their growth cycle: anagen, catagen, and telogen. In the anagen (active growth) phase, your eyelash is attached to the dermal papilla, which feeds your lashes essential nutrients to help them grow. Next, in the catagen phase, your hair follicles shrink and detach from the blood supply, which causes eyelashes to stop growing. In this transitional phase, eyelashes remain the same length they were in the anagen phase. If an eyelash falls out during this stage, the follicle will not begin the anagen phase until the catagen phase is complete. During the telogen phase, the eyelashes will naturally shed in order to return to the growth phase.
Why Does Eyelash Growth Change with Age?
If you notice your eyelashes are thinning with age, you’re not alone. As we age, our eyelash follicles can slow, or even stop growing new lashes. Menopausal hormone fluctuations may disrupt the hair growth cycle of your eyelashes. During menopause, your estrogen levels drop, giving rise to testosterone, a hormone known to shrink and destroy hair follicles. Increased levels of testosterone may lead to thinning eyelashes and eyelash loss. Genetics, an imbalanced diet and poor beauty habits can also be culprits of unhealthy eyelashes in your 40s.
Tips for Healthy Eyelash Growth Over 40
Let’s be honest, long lashes make us look and feel good. Why settle for short and stubby eyelashes when you can achieve long, luscious ones? Below you will find the best tips for healthy eyelash growth over 40.
Invest in an Eyelash Growth Serum
A lash serum is a growth-enhancing formula that promotes healthy lash growth. A lash serum, like the Superpower Lash Growth Serum from Better Not Younger, nourishes lashes to revive and strengthen follicles, giving the appearance of thicker lashes. This lash growth serum is packed with peptides, vitamins and nutrients to support beautifully conditioned lashes.
When you are choosing an eyelash serum, look for ingredients like pumpkin seed extract, biotin and hyaluronic acid. Pumpkin seed extract is rich in amino acids and vitamins A and C, which may improve the thickness of your eyelashes. Biotin will strengthen your lash follicles and smooth lash appearance. Lastly, hyaluronic acid boosts water retention and keeps lashes from becoming brittle.
Comb Your Lashes
An eyelash brush is a handy tool to help support healthier lashes. Many make-up artists and lash experts swear by the benefits of brushing your lashes. Gently combing your lashes may help spread natural oils to nourish your lashes and stimulate growth.
Practice Healthy Beauty Habits
The golden rule of any healthy beauty regimen is removing all traces of makeup before bed. Sleeping with mascara on is a big no-no, as it may cause stiffness and break lashes. It is essential to be gentle while washing your face to remove your makeup to avoid lash loss. Using an all-natural makeup remover, free of harsh chemicals, will also serve your lashes well.
As far as mascara goes, change out your mascara every couple of months. If you hold onto your mascara for too long you may risk transmitting bacteria into or around your eye, which could cause an eye infection or lash loss.
Consume a Healthy Diet
Don’t overlook the importance of a healthy diet to promote healthy lash growth. Vitamin deficiencies and poor diet choices may contribute to lash thinning. Implement foods like eggs, salmon, nuts, and fruits and vegetables into your diet to fortify strong lash growth. Eggs are high in protein, which helps your body produce amino acids and strengthen lash follicles. Salmon is rich in omega-3s and vitamins D and B, which may prevent lash shedding and breakage. Additionally, nuts are great sources of vitamin E. Vitamin E plays a large role in the process of delivering blood and oxygen to hair follicles. It helps improve blood flow to stimulate lash growth. Lastly, consume fruits and vegetables high in vitamins A and C. These vitamins are known to support the body’s collagen production, which may benefit eyelash health.
Conclusion
With a few adjustments to your beauty regimen, it is possible to grow your healthiest lashes yet. Stack your lash-care routine with a natural eyelash growth serum to increase your lash density and support healthier long-term eyelash growth. You can also comb your lashes routinely, adopt gentle beauty habits and prioritize a healthy diet for strong eyelash growth over 40.