From pharmaceuticals to topicals and serums—a plethora of solutions are now available to increase eyelash growth and volume—with varying levels of efficiency. But what exactly happens when these treatments come in contact with your eyelashes? How do they stimulate growth and increase length? We'll cover the science behind eyelash growth and how eyelash growth serums work so you can make more informed decisions about your lash care routine.
Table of Contents
The Anatomy and Function of the Eyelash
Photo credit: [National Library of Medicine]
The structure of an eyelash is similar to that of a hair follicle on your head, and includes a root and shaft. The root is contained in the dermis, the deepest layer of the eyelid skin. The shaft extends beyond the lid and is the part of the lash you can see. Humans have between 75-80 lashes on the lower eyelids and 90-160 on the upper eyelids.
The lash itself is made of three layers: the medulla, the cortex, and the cuticle. the medulla is the innermost layer which consists of loose cells. The cortex, or middle layer, provides strength and stability and contains the melanin that determines the pigmentation of your lashes. The outer layer, called the cuticle, provides protection to the inner layers.
The main function of the eyelashes is to protect the eyes from dirt, dust, and debris. The lash follicles are connected to two types of glands that secrete substances that are responsible for lubrication. These substances contain antimicrobial properties to protect the eyes against microorganisms.
Eyelash Growth Cycle
Growing longer and thicker eyelashes is all about understanding the natural growth cycle of the eyelashes. The hair growth cycle for eyelashes consists of three stages: the growth phase, the transition phase, and the resting phase. At the end of the resting phase, the lash falls out, and the growth cycle begins again, with the complete cycle lasting anywhere from 4-11 months. The timing of the lash cycle is different for each lash, which is why you typically don't notice your lashes falling out.
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The Anagen Phase (Growth): During the anagen phase, your lashes grow longer and fuller. During this phase, new hairs push out old ones, which fall out naturally. This phase can last from 4-6 weeks and is important for maintaining healthy lash length.
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The Catagen Phase (Transition): Once a lash enters its transition stage, it stops growing and begins to rest before entering its resting stage. Here, the follicle will remain dormant until a new lash begins to push it out and replace it in the next anagen phase. During this time it’s important to make sure you’re taking extra care of your lashes so that new ones can grow in stronger and healthier than before.
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The Telogen Phase (Shedding): In the final stage, the lashes are dormant while a new lash begins to grow inside the follicle and the old lash sheds naturally. This stage can for 3 to 4 months before the next active growth phase begins. About 50% of your eyelashes are in this phase at once.
By understanding the natural lash growth cycle, you can better care for your lashes and enjoy beautiful natural eyelashes and avoid harmful lash extensions.
Factors That Affect Lash Growth
The key to fuller lashes is to have healthy hair follicles. This means providing them with the right nutrients and avoiding harsh chemicals like alcohol-based cleansers that can damage them over time. In addition to properly caring for your natural lashes, there are several other factors that affect lash growth.
Genetics
Genetics plays a significant role in the length and thickness of your lashes, which is why some people have longer or thicker lashes than others.
Diet and Health
Health and nutrition can have a huge impact on your lash growth. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein can provide your body with the essential vitamins and nutrients it needs to keep your lashes strong and prevent eyelash loss.
In addition to eating well and getting plenty of rest, you should also drink lots of water to make sure you stay hydrated. Water helps keep the skin around your eyes moist, which prevents dryness that could lead to brittle lashes and lash breakage.
Age and Hormones
As we age, our hormone production changes, which can contribute to lash loss and cause our lashes to appear thinner and less full.
How Do Eyelash Growth Serums Work?
Eyelash growth serums work by using natural-based ingredients like peptides (the building blocks of protein), plant extracts, vitamins, and minerals to nourish the eyelashes and encourage longer, thicker growth during the anagen phase. Lash serums with high-quality, natural ingredients provide hydration to the eyelashes while acting as a stimulant for hair follicles, resulting in fuller eyelashes.
When using an eyelash growth serum, results can be seen anywhere from three to eight weeks, depending on where you are in your current lash growth cycle when you begin using the serum. Since all your lashes are in a different stage of the growth cycle at any given time, it is important to use eyelash serums consistently over an extended period of time in order to see the best results.
How to Choose The Best Lash Serum
When looking for the best lash serum, it is important to do your research and make sure you are using a serum that is safe and non-irritating for your eyes. Start by looking at the ingredient list. Look for active ingredients like peptides, provitamin B5, and natural ingredients like aloe leaf juice. Avoid serums that contain prostaglandin analogues, which are dangerous and can cause redness, burning, and itching around the eyes. Ingredients like Bimatoprost, Latanoprost, Isopropyl chloroprostenate, and Dechloro Dihydroxy Difluoro Ethylcloprostenolamide are all prostaglandins.
If you want longer and thicker lashes without expense and discomfort of eyelash extensions, use an eyelash serum that contains key ingredients like peptides to increase keratin production and improve the look of your lashes over time. Check out LashLuxury's natural eyelash serum made from a non-irritating and naturally powerful formula that can give you noticeable results in as little as three weeks!
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