If you’ve ever looked for quick beauty hacks, you’ve probably encountered the claim that Vaseline can help your lashes grow longer and thicker. It’s one of those tips that’s been passed down over time, but does it actually work? We’ve all heard stories about how Vaseline helps with skin hydration and wound healing, but what about your eyelashes? In this article, we’ll answer the question “Does vaseline help your lashes grow?”, explore the science behind Vaseline and how it can influence lash growth.
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What is Vaseline, and How Does It Work?
But before getting into whether Vaseline can help your lashes grow, we must take a minute to understand exactly what this product is. Vaseline refers to the brand name of a substance called petroleum jelly – a product or by-product resulting from oil refinement. It is thick and greasy, and for over 150 years it has been used for moisturizing skin, protecting wounds, and preventing moisture loss.
Part of why Vaseline remains a staple in popularity is because it forms a barrier that effectively locks in moisture. So, it is thus commonly used for treating dry skin, chapped lips, and minor cuts. Additionally, it is generally highly recommended to ward off and cure diaper rash.
The thought behind using Vaseline for lashes is similar: it provides a barrier for the moisture not to get lost by allowing the lashes to be healthy and not letting them break.
The Claim: Vaseline for Lash Growth
As a matter of fact, the notion of Vaseline making your lashes grow longer has become so vividly spread. Countless beauty enthusiasts and social media influencers swear by the benefits that it holds for their lashes, with some even claiming that through regular application, you may experience longer, thicker lashes.
Using logic, it would indeed make much sense to think that keeping your lashes moisturized would prevent drying out and brittleness that may lead to lash breakage. In theory, healthy lashes are less likely to fall out, and therefore the result would be fuller-looking lashes.
Another assumption this myth makes is that Vaseline contains some sort of special ingredient that encourages hair growth. Well, that isn’t exactly correct. While it might have the added effect of moisturizing your lashes too, it contains no active ingredient inside that would help enhance directly the growth of hair follicles.
Does Vaseline actually help your lashes grow?
Short answer is no. Although Vaseline might help in keeping your lashes moist and healthy, it doesn’t possess some sort of magical power that promotes growth. Like all types of hair, eyelashes have a natural growth cycle highly influenced by genetics rather than topical treatment, age, and hormonal changes. There is simply no scientific evidence supporting the claim that Vaseline can make one’s lashes grow faster or longer.
Vaseline simply keeps the lashes moist. Once the lashes are dry, they can get brittle, break easily, and that might make them appear much shorter. Vaseline prevents moisture loss, hence reducing the chances of breakage that could improve the appearance of such lashes. However, it has to be borne in mind that by doing this, one is more concerned about their health rather than increasing their growth rate.
You might not actually notice any growth, but your lashes may soften and look more hydrated. Healthier lashes – which are less likely to break – can make your lashes seem fuller, which could lead you to believe your lashes are longer. Vaseline may promote the appearance of better lashes, but it’s not going to help speed up the actual process involved in growing your lashes.
Also Read: Does Crying Make Your Lashes Longer?
Risks Involved in Applying Vaseline to Lashes
Although Vaseline can be taken as not harmful by many people, there are certain associated risks in applying the product near the lashes. The main reason behind all of this is its thickness.
Because petroleum jelly is so very greasy, it might not be removed entirely and thus accumulate around the eyes and eyelashes over time. Thus, in case a certain residue remains, it will block the pores in the skin around the eyes, which can get inflamed or even infected.
The other risk would be the chances of getting Vaseline in your eyes. And each time that happens, your sight starts blurring because of its greasy nature. Although it will hardly cause any permanent damage, that discomfort should be rather avoided.
Vaseline must also be handled very carefully on the lashes in case you wear lenses. It could leave a residue or film if it reaches the lenses, which would cause some discomfort. You should always be very careful to remove excess Vaseline before putting on your contact lenses.
Last but not least, Vaseline simply isn’t for everyone. Some individuals could develop sensitivity or allergic reactions to the petroleum jelly, which can be a real irritant. If any redness, swelling, or discomfort presents itself after applying Vaseline, discontinue use.
How to Apply Vaseline to Your Lashes Safely
If you’re going to give it a shot on your lashes, you definitely need to do it right in order to minimize the associated risks. Here is how it is done:
- Cleanse your lashes: Most importantly, clear your lashes of makeup. This would usually be in the form of mascara. You may try a light makeup remover or micellar water.
- Application with a clean applicator: Apply the Vaseline with a clean spoolie brush or even a cotton swab and avoid using your fingers, as this may introduce bacteria.
- Application in a thin layer: You really do not need to slather Vaseline on your lashes. A thin layer can coat them without the excess building up.
- Not on the lash line: Do not let Vaseline reach the skin at the bottom of your lashes to avoid congestion of pores and irritation. Apply Vaseline only to your lashes.
- Take it off well: Remove the Vaseline before going to bed to avoid irritation due to leftovers. Take any gentle makeup remover or cleaning oil to be sure it is all washed off.
- Be gentle with your eyes: As earlier stated, Vaseline in the eyes can blur your vision, so be a little more cautious during its application and removal.
Alternatives to Vaseline for Lash Growth
Those seeking more effective methods to enhance lash growth may want to consider options other than Vaseline. Here are a few alternatives that have recently gotten greater popularity:
Castor Oil
It is rated among the most common natural remedies for hair and lash growth.
Castor oil is a thick consistency that consists of ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic acid is said to stimulate circulation to the hair follicle and promote hair growth.
People generally report great results with this consistency applied to their lashes. It can be used by applying a little on your lashes at the end of the day with a clean spoolie or cotton swab. This is safe and also inexpensive to add into lash care.
Lash Serums
Lash serums are comprised of specific ingredients aimed at providing nutrition and stimulating the growth of eyelashes. Most of these contain biotin, peptides, and other growth factors that work to strengthen the lashes and grow new ones.
Unlike Vaseline, some serums have shown their results just after a few weeks of application, hence being more specific to the solution. They may be a little more costly but lash serums generally ensure much better efficiency in guaranteeing the health of your lashes.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is so packed with nutrition that it can be widely used for lash care. It acts to strengthen the lashes, thereby not allowing breakages, by giving them what they need in the form of nutrition.
Application of vitamin E oil is relatively quite easy as you can simply dip a cotton swab or spoolie into it, then apply to the lashes.
While this does not exactly boost growth, the nutrition will make the lashes healthier and full of life.
Biotin and Supplements
Biotin is normally taken as the vitamin for growing hair, and many people started taking this vitamin to have better hair and lashes. These supplements packed with biotin will strengthen the lashes and save the lashes from breakage over time.
Healthy Diet
What you eat also has an effect on how healthy your lashes are. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly those that are known to encourage hair growth, will help grow and strengthen your lashes.
Those containing biotin, such as eggs, nuts, and leafy greens, prove especially helpful in the process. It’s also important to drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated and to put forth healthy hair.
Lash Extensions and Mascara
If you’re in a rush for an immediate solution, then false lashes or just a great mascara will make them look full and a lot longer. Of course, neither one is going to make your lashes grow, but it will give your lashes a good boost out of the box. You can get false lashes from a professional, but adding mascara to your everyday makeup routine is pretty easy and not very expensive.
Conclusion
So, does Vaseline help your lashes grow? The short answer – no. While Vaseline can definitely keep your lashes moisturized and not let them break or turn brittle, it doesn’t contain any properties that actually trigger lash growth. It does make your lashes look a little bit fuller and healthier because it cuts out dryness, but it won’t enhance their actual growth process.
However, for products that precisely target lash growth, alternatives would be castor oil or lash serums. These options offer other ingredients to help in nurturing and enhancing healthy-looking lash growth. That said, keeping your lashes hydrated with Vaseline may have benefits regarding overall lash health, but it isn’t some kind of magic that will help make those lashes longer.
Remember, everyone’s lashes grow at their own pace, and what works for one person might not work for another. So, if you’re feeling curious about how your lashes could benefit from these treatments, go ahead and give it a try — but keep your expectations realistic. At the end of the day, healthy, hydrated lashes are always a good look, no matter how long they are
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vaseline remove makeup from the eyes?
Yes, Vaseline works as a remover of makeup due to its oily consistency. But be very careful not to get it in your eyes and clean off well before sleeping.
How long does Vaseline take to make your lashes grow?
Vaseline won’t accelerate growth on your lashes. It may help keep them moisturized, so they would prevent breaking and yes, they could appear longer, but it does nothing to affect the growth rate.
Does Vaseline make your lashes fall off?
If Vaseline is not cleaned thoroughly, or an irritation takes place for the user, that could be another lash loss reason. Always be careful and clean your lashes at the end of the day.
Can I use Vaseline with mascara?
Using Vaseline with mascara is possible, but it can cause smudging and clumping. If you want to use both of them together, then applying Vaseline first then waiting for its absorption before applying mascara is the best thing to do.
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