Does Vaseline Help Your Eyelashes Grow?
Vaseline is one of the most versatile products out there. Some people tend to dab a little Vaseline on just about anything, and believe it can work wonders. What about eyelashes? Can this magical petroleum jelly actually help your eyelashes to grow?
There may be a shred of truth to this. Read on as we dispel some common myths about Vaseline and its impact on your eyelashes.
What Is Vaseline?
If you’ve never heard of Vaseline, it’s time to crawl out from the rock under which you’ve been living. Seriously though, this ubiquitous jelly-like product can be found in just about every medicine cabinet and on every diaper changing table in the country.
Vaseline is manufactured entirely of 100% pure white petrolatum. It has been a commonly used product in many American homes for over a century!
Vaseline is a name brand of petroleum jelly that has become somewhat synonymous with the product, however, there are numerous kinds available. Some may contain other substances such as water or fragrance.
Some of the benefits of Vaseline include:
- Making wounds heal more quickly: The thick substance forms a strong barrier that protects wounds.
- Seals in moisture: Technically, Vaseline doesn’t moisturize. It actually seals in the moisture your skin has naturally.
- Treats skin conditions: Because of its thick, moisturizing formula, it is often been used as a remedy for all kinds of dry skin conditions, including eczema.
- Minimizes scars: Using this ingredient on cuts and scrapes can minimize scarring.
Of course, this isn’t a miracle product. There are some things Vaseline can’t do. Because it is so thick, it’s not the best product for treating something like acne, since it has the potential to clog pores.
What Can Vaseline Do for My Lashes?
Many people believe that petroleum jelly can make eyelashes grow longer, thicker, and stronger and that the jelly's moisturizing characteristics can keep the sensitive skin around the eyelid smooth and supple.
Vaseline contains a number of moisturizing emollients that can moisturize the skin and condition the hair follicles. Because of this, the jelly is often used as a lip balm, and many people believe it can help individual lashes grow stronger and healthier by sealing in moisture and strengthening the cells of the individual hairs themselves.
Creates a Thicker Appearance
Whether Vaseline physically makes the lashes thicker is up for debate, but one thing that is certain is that they absolutely make the lashes appear as though they are thicker.
The thick ointment, when applied to the lashes, bonds with the hair and makes each individual lash look more voluminous, adding to the lashes’ overall appearance. You can even apply it to your brows with a clean finger to create the same effect!
Provides Moisture
Vaseline provides moisture in two ways. One, it creates a barrier that seals in the natural moisture that already exists in hair and skin. Two, it pairs with other products and adds to their effectiveness.
However, since Vaseline is an occlusive substance, it has a tendency to sit on top of the skin (or hair) after it is applied. It does penetrate the outer layer of the skin, but because it is so thick and sits on top of the skin and/or hair, it is not effective to use it on the eyelids before applying eye makeup.
How Do I Apply Vaseline on My Lashes?
Here’s how to apply Vaseline to your eyelashes:
- Start with clean hands: Make sure that you wash your hands before beginning the process, to ensure that you don’t get any bacteria into your eyes.
- Clean your eyes: Use whatever method you would normally use to clean your eyelids and lashes, getting rid of any eye makeup residue, dirt, and oil.
- Use a swab: Put a very small amount of Vaseline onto the tip of a cotton swab. Apply to the upper lashes and along the lower lash line. Remember, a little goes a long way! You do not want to use a heavy amount of Vaseline.
- Blink and scrunch: Using the other end of the cotton swab, spread the Vaseline over the lashes by blinking and scrunching up your eyes, holding your lashes against the cotton swab.
- Brush it through: Using a spoolie or clean mascara wand, brush through the lashes to separate them.
Keep in mind that although Vaseline is safe for your eyes, it can feel a little uncomfortable because it’s so thick. If you do happen to get any in your eyes during the application process, it may temporarily blur your vision. Don’t panic! Just use some eye drops and that should clear the ointment away.
Can Vaseline Make My Lashes Grow?
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Vaseline will not actually make your eyelashes grow longer. All it can really do is create the illusion of longer, thicker lashes, the same way that mascara can.
Vaseline on the lashes is a great option for holding in moisture and for a natural look on days you don’t want to wear mascara, but it won’t provide any lasting results in terms of lash length. For that, you will have to look to other more specialized products.
What Helps Lashes Grow?
There are options that you can add to your lash care routine that are clinically proven to grow lashes longer and promote hair growth in general. Sugarlash PRO’s PLUMP solution contains hyaluronic acid which has been shown to increase hair growth and density as well as probiotics for the ultimate boost in your lash game.
It’s not just vanity that makes longer lashes more desirable. Longer lashes also provide many health benefits, including:
- Making the eyes look bigger which adds to an overall healthy and youthful appearance
- Enhancing your natural eye shape to boost your confidence
- Adding a touch of femininity to your look
- Bringing out the color of your eyes specifically the limbal ring which studies have indicated also adds to a healthier appearance
- Keeping dust and dirt particles out of your eyes
We believe it’s always worth it to research methods to not only make your lashes appear longer but also grow longer as well!
Regular Cleansing
It may sound super simple, but just having a regular cleansing routine will help your lashes to stay healthy, and grow strong.
The most important step to eyelash care is making sure that they are clean and healthy. We recommend investing in a gentle cleanser designed for eyelashes. This will stave off any potential infections which could cause the lashes to shed prematurely.
If you are also using Vaseline on those lashes as well, it is extra important to maintain a diligent cleansing routine. While relatively harmless, Vaseline’s thick formula means that it can get into the tear ducts and potentially cause infections or irritations if the eyes and lashes are not properly cleaned.
Lash Serums
Eyelash growth serums are gaining popularity quickly, and it’s not hard to see why. They are surprisingly effective in growing longer lashes and without any major upkeep. The only thing you have to do is remember to apply the serum daily.
While there are many options for over-the-counter lash serums, there is also a prescription formula called Latisse (generic name bimatoprost), which is the only FDA-approved product for lengthening lashes.
These serums all work in the same way: they extend the lifespan of your existing lashes. Eyelashes have what’s called a natural shed cycle. This means that when left alone, they will grow to a certain length and then eventually will just fall out naturally.
However, when one of these serums is applied, it stretches out the amount of time in the normal shed cycle. Rather than falling out, the lashes will just keep growing. Of course, they will fall out eventually, but not until after they have grown much longer than they would have on their own.
Lash Extensions
If you think it might be a pain to remember to apply lash serum or Vaseline every day, or if you’re sick of curling lashes and applying mascara, you may want to consider the possibility of getting eyelash extensions.
This is becoming a very popular beauty treatment, mostly because of its amazing results and its daily ease of care. Those who have lash extensions wake up straight out of bed with gorgeous lashes and don’t have to do a thing to them. No curling, no mascara, nothing! This is the main benefit of lash extensions.
The beautiful thing about lash extensions is that they are also completely customizable to be the volume and length that you desire. If this is something you’re interested in, look for a certified lash technician near you. A consultation could be just what you need!
Let Those Lashes Grow
If you want to give Vaseline a try on your lashes, it probably won’t hurt. Vaseline can create the illusion of thicker, longer lashes, and can help retain some moisture.
However, it cannot actually make your eyelashes or eyebrows grow longer. For that, you will need to consider other measures such as purchasing a lash serum or investing in some eyelash extensions.
Sources:
Does Using Vaseline on Eyelashes Have Benefits? | Healthline
How to Get Longer Eyelashes | Healthline
What are the Pros and Cons of Putting Vaseline® on Eyelashes? | Beauty Answered
