#126: Castor Oil for Healthy Lashes
Many of my patients have started asking me about using something using castor oil on their eyelashes. They want to know if it is safe to use and if it is okay for dry eyes? Castor oil is used to condition the lashes. Eyelashes are like other hairs on your body. They do better when they are conditioned just like the hair on your head.
We coat our eyelashes with mascara all day. Many mascara brands, especially waterproof formulas, are drying to the lashes. Then, we remove the mascara, but rarely do we put anything on the lashes to nourish and strengthen them. This would be like washing your hair without ever using conditioner. You can imagine how your hair would get dry and brittle.
The same thing happens to our eyelashes. Coating the lashes with mascara and removing the mascara with makeup remover, can be very drying to the eyelash. Utilizing a conditioner will keep the lashes less brittle and eventually they will become stronger and appear longer. This happens because the lashes are no longer brittle and they don't break off easily.
Does Castor oil actually grow lashes? The jury is still out on this one, but it does make the lashes longer and stronger. It may appear to grow lashes because your lashes are no longer breaking off. It keeps them moisturized instead of brittle and gives them the opportunity to stay strong for longer periods of time which may result in increased length.
Is using Castor Oil safe for your dry eyes? I'd like to say yes, it is safe. But, I do have a few rules for you to follow when using the castor oil.
#1) Keep It Clean
Start with clean lids before applying any castor oil. Remove your eye makeup. If you don't have a favorite eye makeup remover, download the eye Makeup Remover Guide here.
My favorite eye makeup remover is from Eyes Are The Story called Refreshing Towelettes. They come in a little individually wrapped package. They are easy to carry with you when you're on the go.
If you are not wearing makeup, you'll still need to cleanse your eye with a lid and lash cleanser. I recommend Zocular in this case. If you aren't currently using a specific lid cleanser, check out this blog to find the perfect one for you.
#2) Keep It Out of the Eye Itself
Apply the castor oil to your eyelashes only. Do not get it in your eyes. It doesn't belong there. Use a disposable mascara wand or a Q-tip to apply the castor oil to your lashes. You can get a pack of disposable mascara wands at a beauty supply store or on Amazon. It costs just pennies to always have a clean wand to use.
Only apply the castor oil to the lashes before bedtime. In the morning, be sure to cleanse your lids and lashes again. Again, I recommend using Zocular Foaming Lid and Lash Cleanser.
#3) Replace the Wand
Replace the wand regularly, at least once a month, to ensure that it's staying clean. You do not want to re-infest your lashes with bacteria. There are bacteria that live on our lids and lashes. Once you touch the wand to the lashes, the bacteria will get into the mascara wand. Replacing the tube monthly will prevent the overgrowth of bacteria.
#4) Check for Allergic Reaction
Make sure you're not allergic to castor oil first. Do a spot test by placing a bit of the Castor oil on your wrist to check for irritation. If it doesn't turn red after 24 hours, you're safe to go ahead.
Also, be quick to discontinue the use of castor oil if anything strange is happening. Since it makes your lashes stronger and perhaps longer, watch for them growing in new places or in the wrong direction.
CONCLUSION
Castor oil will moisturize your lashes. In turn, your lashes won't be brittle and break off. They will become stronger, and perhaps they will be longer because they are no longer breaking.
I recommend using an organic version of the oil and use it sparingly. Keep your lids and lashes clean before applying the oil by removing your makeup and cleansing your lids. Replace the mascara with each use to prevent bacterial overgrowth. And, discontinue use if you develop a strange reaction.
Remember, always start with clean lashes. You don't want to apply the oil over your day old mascara. If you don't yet have a favorite makeup remover for your sensitive eyes, download the guide here. Stay tuned for next week where I will share my favorite product for healthy lashes with you.
