Everything about eyelashes: Growth, problems & care

1. The eyelash growth cycle and its phases
2. Everything about eyelash care
3. How to get longer and fuller eyelashes
4. Common eyelash problems and their solutions
5. Information about DIY eyelash serums and petroleum jelly
6. Frequently asked questions about eyelashes

Do you already know a lot about eyelashes and want to learn more about eyelash serums? Then read our guide below.

• The eyelash growth cycle consists of the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases, with the cycle lasting 4-11 months on average.
• Eyelash care consists of preventing damage, nourishing/hydrating eyelashes, and stimulating hair growth.
• Eyelash growth can only be stimulated with an eyelash growth serum containing a prostaglandin analogue.
• Many causes of eyelash loss can be tackled by getting plenty of rest, avoiding rubbing and waterproof mascaras, and using a nourishing serum.
• Vaseline and DIY eyelash serums are nourishing and moisturizing but do not stimulate hair growth.

Eyelashes have their own growth cycle, just like the hair on your head. Each eyelash hair grows, rests, and eventually falls out before a new cycle begins. The complete cycle lasts an average of four to eleven months.

It is possible, but only to a limited extent. Eyelashes only grow faster and longer with the use of an eyelash serum containing a prostaglandin analogue, because this ingredient prolongs the growth phase of the eyelash. It also enlarges the hair follicle.

Healthy eyelashes start with careful care. Just like skin and hair, your eyelashes also need attention, protection, and nourishment. By preventing damage and providing targeted support, you promote natural growth and achieve fuller, longer eyelashes.

Every day, your eyelashes are exposed to makeup, friction, and environmental factors. A gentle approach is essential to prevent breakage and loss.

• Remove makeup gently: Use a soft, oil-free eye makeup remover and avoid rubbing.
• Do not use old or clumpy mascara, as this can weigh down or break your eyelashes.
• Avoid excessive use of eyelash curlers, as this can cause damage, especially on dry eyelashes.
• Avoid excessive use of waterproof mascaras, as these can make your eyelashes brittle and fragile with prolonged use.

Well-hydrated eyelashes are less fragile and break less easily. Just like skin, this fine hair type benefits from nourishment from both inside and outside.

• Apply nourishing oils, such as castor oil or almond oil, as a natural moisturizer.
• Eat nutrients that support hair growth, such as biotin, vitamin E, zinc, and omega 3.
• Use a high-quality volumizing mascara.

Do you want to really grow or lengthen your eyelashes? Then targeted stimulation is needed.

Use an eyelash growth serum:

Only serums with active ingredients can stimulate eyelash hair growth. Choose formulas containing prostaglandin analogues. An example of this is our:

Prostaglandin analogues:

These serums make your eyelashes stronger, healthier, and protect them from breakage, but above all, they provide more length and volume. They have been proven to extend the growth phase of your eyelashes by mimicking a signal substance produced naturally by the body. Clinical research confirms that this results in longer and fuller eyelashes (Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs Volume 26, 2017). Both specialists and consumers agree that prostaglandin analogues are most effective for longer eyelashes, but they do warn of possible side effects such as irritation or slight discoloration of the lash line (Pubmed).

Peptides and botanical extracts:

Serums containing peptides or botanical extracts mainly have a conditioning effect: they make eyelashes stronger and healthier, moisturize them, and protect them from breakage. Although they do not prolong the growth phase like prostaglandin analogues, some people still experience fuller or stronger eyelashes. These milder serums are particularly suitable for daily maintenance, especially for sensitive eyes, and are valued for their conditioning effect. The effect on growth is generally considered to be less powerful (Pubmed).

[See our tips for full eyelashes, long eyelashes]

There are several ways to achieve fuller eyelashes. Unlike length, you can improve volume with:

• A conditioning eyelash serum.
• Castor oil also works well to nourish eyelashes and reduce breakage.
• An eyelash growth serum.

Conditioning serums make eyelashes stronger and thicker by retaining moisture and preventing breakage. A hair growth-stimulating serum can make eyelashes fuller due to its hair growth-stimulating effect.

It is quite normal to notice that your eyelashes are becoming thinner, falling out, or breaking off from time to time. There can be various causes for this, and fortunately, in many cases, you can do something about it. Common causes:

Long-term stress can affect hair growth and sometimes cause additional eyelash loss. This is because high levels of cortisol have a negative effect on proteoglycans (a protein crucial for cell signal transmission around the hair follicle).

Over the years, eyelashes often become thinner and grow back more slowly. This is a normal process.

Rubbing vigorously or sleeping with mascara on causes breakage and hair loss. Using an intense or aggressive facial cleanser can also cause irritation and hair loss.

Treatments such as chemotherapy or certain medications can cause temporary eyelash loss. This is often because chemotherapy attacks rapidly dividing cells and other medications can disrupt the growth cycle of the hair follicle. Eyelash loss often stops when medication is discontinued.

Pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid problems, for example, affect your hair cycle, including that of your eyelashes. It is therefore important to know whether your hormone levels are normal during eyelash loss.

It is important to take action if you experience eyelash loss or have damaged eyelashes. This applies to both men and women. Below are a number of important steps you can take:

It is best to avoid waterproof mascara if you notice that your eyelashes are becoming weaker. These mascaras are difficult to remove and make your eyelashes more brittle. This is because the substances that give them their waterproof properties are difficult to remove and increase the risk of brittleness.

A good alternative to waterproof mascara is tubing mascara. It is water-resistant, hypoallergenic, and easy to remove with warm water, which means less stress on your eyelashes and healthier lashes. Tubing mascara also prevents smudging and flaking, stays on for a long time, and is ideal for sensitive eyes.

Avoid rubbing your eyes. Rubbing damages the hair follicles and causes eyelashes to fall out more easily. This is not something that happens all at once, but it can accumulate over time. It is therefore important to find out why you rub your eyes so much. Often it has to do with an allergy/irritation, dry eyes, or long screen time.

Use a nourishing eyelash serum. Choose a serum that suits your needs (growth stimulation or care). Good care strengthens existing eyelashes and can reduce eyelash loss. If you are healthy, get enough sleep, and eat a varied diet, this is the best thing you can do to get longer and fuller eyelashes.

Always remove makeup gently and completely. Use a mild remover and, if necessary, leave a cotton pad with remover on your eye for a moment so that the mascara comes off without rubbing.

• Ensure you get enough sleep and relaxation. Your hair follicles recover best during rest.
• Eat a varied and healthy diet. Nutrients such as biotin, vitamin E, and omega 3 are important for strong eyelashes.

Have you suddenly noticed significant eyelash loss, bald spots, or other eye problems? Consult a doctor or dermatologist to rule out any underlying issues.

The internet is full of tips for beautiful eyelashes. But do Vaseline or home remedies really work?

• Vaseline on your eyelashes makes them softer, but does not make them grow faster.
• Eyelash serums with oil and DIY serums can moisturize, but don't expect miracles without scientific proof.