Learn how eyelash growth serums work their magic
Eyelash growth serums. They promise to give you long, silken lashes that will respond to your mascara and curlers like a dream and bestow that doe-like gaze on you which is envied the world over.
And even though it might seem almost too good to be true at a first glance, healthcare experts, not to mention several delighted beauty gurus too, have actually given a number of them their seal of approval.
But what’s the secret behind this ability to trump Nature and go right beyond those boundaries she’s set herself? In other words, how do eyelash growth serums work?
We must admit that we did find ourselves somewhat curious about the answer to that question and about how those modern day magic potions otherwise known as eyelash growth serums got to accomplish a feat that was nothing short of impressive, which resulted in a little digging to find out.
If you too have ever wondered how they work, there’s no doubt that you’ll love this article which takes a peek at them in closer detail and the transforming effect they have when they’re applied.
The secret behind eyelash serums
Behind every magical formula is a set of secret ingredients that are responsible for achieving the seemingly impossible and eyelash growth serums are no different.
These beauty treatments which have emerged to challenge eyelash extensions on their very own turf, rely on a range of chemicals which work directly on those delicate strands at the tips of our eyelids to transform them into more luxuriant versions of themselves.
We’ve examined some of the most important of them as well as the special qualities which enable them to work miniature miracles on our eyelashes.
Prostaglandins: A family of chemicals that have the power to imitate hormones’ superpowers, they're the reason behind the huge success currently enjoyed by top-of-the-range serums including Enormous Lash, Neulash, Nutraluxe MD Lash and Xlash Eyelash Enhancer.
Examples include latanoprost and travoprost, however the most popular of them happens to be bimatoprost which acts to stimulate hair growth by directly influencing its growth phase by prolonging it. It also coaxes eyelashes from follicles which are reluctant to grow any — a process which may result in fuller lashes.
This prostaglandin also happens to be the active ingredient in Latisse, one of the most popular eye serums on the planet which has not only earned celebrity endorsements (Brooke Shields, Christina Hendricks and Claire Danes are all fans), but is also one of the main drugs prescribed by medical experts to their patients on a quest for longer lashes.
However this wonder serum does come with a few caveats. One such risk is its ability to grow facial hair and another is the allergic reactions it’s capable of provoking in users resulting itchy, swollen eyes. It may also shrink fat cells around the eyes giving them a sunken appearance.
Isopropyl Cloprostenate is also another example of a prostaglandin and is the ingredient of choice for the manufacturers of another popular eyelash serum Rodan & Fields Lash Boost, which has also gained an army of faithful fans — it’s believed to be capable of improving eyelashes in about a month.
It’s worth noting that it comes with a similar range of benefits and caveats as bimatoprost and may present side effects such as redness, swelling and irritation.
Biotin: One of vitamin B’s many incarnations (B7 to be exact), biotin enjoys a reputation for its ability to promote healthy hair, skin and nails (resulting in its being christened vitamin H).
This water-soluble vitamin, which occurs naturally in an extensive range of foods (cheese, egg yolks, lettuce and sweet potatoes, for example), still remains a mystery to experts in terms of the influence it exerts on our hair follicles.
However, it’s believed to be beneficial to keratin, the protein from which our hair, nails and skin are made and is an essential ingredient in eyelash serums such as Body Merry Lash and Brow Elixir as well as Lancer Lash Serum Intense.
Panthenol: A rather intriguing chemical, Panthenol is actually a version of vitamin B5 in the form of an alcohol and already exists in our hair since our strands contain it.
Once absorbed by our skin and hair, it swaps forms becoming provitamin B5 (another member of the vitamin B family, just like Biotin) and a potent moisturizing agent.
Panthenol actually works by forming a layer of moisture on hair strands, increasing their volume and protecting them from losing moisture and breakage.
It can also be found as an ingredient in eyelash serums such as Lancer Lash Serum Intense and Rodan & Fields Enhancement Lash Boost.
Hyaluronic acid: An essential ingredient in beauty products including lotions, hair conditioners, foundation and eyelash serum, hyaluronic acid is actually a naturally occurring substance which can be found in our skin. Its claim to fame lies in its ability to hold approximately 1000 times its weight in water which enables it to keep our skin and hair moisturized. This all essential humectant may be found in eyelash serums such as HydroPeptide Lash Longer Fuller Lusher Eyelash, GrandeLash-MD and RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum.
A perfectly balanced mixture of ingredients
The ingredients mentioned above often show up in the company of each other or additional options which are considered to be especially beneficial to hair health including peptides, keratin, natural oils (soybean or argan), antioxidants, lipids and plant extracts. They help make eyelash growth serum safe and effective.
They are the secret to how eyelash serums push Mother Nature’s boundaries back one hair strand at a time, leading to those long, silken lashes which are loved the world over.
Resources— Marie Claire, Mayo Clinic, Medical News Today, Oprah, Self, The Cut, The New York Times
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