The eyelashes protect the eyes from dust, sand, and debris. Apart from acting as a protective barrier to your eyes, they also give an instant lift to your eye makeup. Sometimes, various factors – be it advancing age or an underlying medical condition like hypotrichosis – can cause the lashes to fall out and become thin (1). If you are trying to grow longer lashes naturally, there are some science-backed home remedies that may work for you.
1. Home Remedies by Castor Oil
Ricinoleic acid is the major component of castor oil and makes up about 90% of it (1). This acid has shown potential in helping with hair loss (2). Thus, it may also be an alternative option for maintaining the thickness of your lashes.
However, a clinical case shows that the high viscosity of castor oil may result in hair matting and extreme dryness (3). Hence, consult your dermatologist before you try this remedy.
What To Do: You will need 1 teaspoon of cold-pressed castor oil and a few cotton swabs. Before applying castor oil, cleanse your eyelashes thoroughly with water and pat them dry with a mild cleanser. Dip the cotton swab in cold-pressed castor oil and apply it along your upper and lower lash lines. Avoid getting the oil into your eyes. Keep the oil on overnight and wash it off the next morning.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is used for hair care due to its penetrating effect, which helps prevent loss of hair proteins (4). Hence, it may also be used to treat thinning and damaged eyelashes and aid their regrowth.
However, be careful while using coconut oil as it may leave an oily film on your lashes that weighs them down (5).
What To Do: You will need 1 teaspoon of cold-pressed coconut oil and a bunch of cotton swabs. Before applying the oil, cleanse your lashes with mild soap and water before patting them dry. Dip a cotton swab in coconut oil and apply it along your upper and lower lash lines. Avoid getting the oil into your eyes. Leave the oil on overnight. Rinse it off the following morning.
3. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce the oxidative damage causing an increase in hair loss. It also contains tocotrienol compounds that may help increase the number of hair strands (6). Hence, it may contribute to longer eyelashes.
What To Do: Vitamin E can be applied topically to your lashes. It is even safe to ingest as an oral supplement. But before taking the supplements, talk to your doctor for the correct dosage.
Also Read: 7 Health Benefits of Eating Cucumber
