If you want to achieve longer, fuller lashes, you may be thinking about getting extensions or scouring the beauty counter for the best mascaras. However, if don’t want to pay the high maintenance price of extensions and don’t think a mascara can deliver the results you want, you should consider another alternative: lash serums.
Here is more information on lash serums and what to look for in a lash serum before you make your choice.
What are Lash Serums?
Lash serums are products that are applied to the base of your lashes on a daily basis to help promote growth. Unlike mascaras, they do not have color and will not instantly make your lashes look darker or longer. Instead, they will help your lashes grow thicker, darker, and longer over time. There are a variety of over-the-counter lash serums you can try as well as a prescription lash serum that has been proven to make lashes longer and thicker.
Who Should Use Lash Serums?
Anyone can use a lash serum if they want longer, darker, or thicker eyelashes. However, if you want to use a prescription lash serum like Latisse, your healthcare professional will usually require that you be over 18 years of age, do not have any eye conditions, and are not on any medications that could interact with the active ingredient in the serum.
Common Ingredients in Over-the-Counter Lash Serums
If you choose an over-the-counter lash serum that is sold in drug stores or in specialty beauty stores, you will likely see some or all of these ingredients:
Biotin. This ingredient helps stimulate hair growth and is a common supplement for those who want to have thicker or longer hair.
Panthenol. Made from Vitamin B5, this ingredient moisturizes the lash follicle to keep it healthy and to promote growth.
Peptides. This ingredient has been proven to reduce breakage and to also help create longer, thicker lashes over time.
Natural oils like castor, Vitamin E, or jojoba to make lashes look fuller.
Aloe leaf juice. This is rich in antioxidants and provides a soothing antioxidant effect for the lashes.
Prescription Lash Serum Ingredient
While natural ingredients in a lash serum can be plenty for some people to achieve results, others may need a little bit more to help get the lashes they want. The prescription lash serum Latisse is a common choice for those who want to go this route. The active ingredient in Latisse is bimatoprost. This is the active ingredient in the glaucoma medicine Lumigan and was used in the eyelash serum Latisse after glaucoma patients noticed the side effect of their medication was making their lashes thicker and longer. If you’re interested in using Latisse as your lash serum, talk to your dermatologist or other healthcare provider about a prescription.
Choosing the Right Lash Serum
Once you know more about what common ingredients are in lash serums, you can decide whether you’d like to go the natural route or choose a prescription lash serum that has been clinically proven to promote growth. If you decide to use a prescription serum, ask your healthcare professional if you are a good candidate and if they would be willing to write you a prescription.
