How to take care of your eyelashes?

Often associated with the aesthetics of the gaze, eyelashes primarily serve a protective function. Positioned along the edge of the eyelids, they act as a mechanical barrier by filtering certain particles present in the air, such as dust or small debris, to prevent them from entering the eyes. Their presence also contributes to triggering the blink reflex, a mechanism that helps protect the ocular surface and distribute the tear film over the eye.

Like hair and eyebrows, eyelashes are produced by hair follicles and follow a biological cycle consisting of three phases: growth, transition, and shedding.

This cycle is relatively slow and each eyelash has a limited lifespan. Eyelashes are also shorter and finer than scalp hair, which makes them particularly sensitive to external stresses, whether from repeated rubbing, certain cosmetic products, or overly rough handling. Caring for your eyelashes therefore primarily involves maintaining the balance of this natural cycle and reducing the factors that weaken them.

Makeup removal is an essential step in preserving eyelash health. Mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow can build up on the lashes and along the eyelid margin over the course of the day. Multiple studies have shown that regular use of eye cosmetics can be associated with adverse effects on the ocular surface, ranging from irritation and inflammation to instability of the tear film. Makeup particles can also migrate onto the surface of the eye or deposit in the tear film, especially when makeup is applied close to the eyelid margin or when the eyes are rubbed frequently.

Makeup removal therefore eliminates these residues and helps limit their accumulation around the eyelash follicles.

However, it must be done gently, as excessive rubbing can weaken the eyelashes and promote breakage. If you apply your makeup remover using a cotton pad, the ideal approach is to let the product sit for a few seconds in order to dissolve pigments and lipids, then remove the makeup without pulling on the lashes. When using a cleansing oil applied with your fingers, be careful not to rub too vigorously and to use slow, controlled movements.

Whichever product you choose to use, remember to wash your hands thoroughly beforehand to help prevent eye infections.

In addition, it is recommended to regularly replace eye products, carefully noting the opening date and not exceeding the PAO (Period After Opening). Once opened, these products can gradually become contaminated by microorganisms coming from fingers, tears, or the surrounding environment. This contamination can increase the risk of eye irritation or eye infections. Finally, it is best to avoid sharing cosmetic products that are applied so close to the eyes.

Rubbing your eyes is a common gesture, often a reflex when you’re tired, have allergies, or experience irritation. However, repeated rubbing can exert mechanical traction on the eyelashes, weaken their attachment within the follicle, and promote breakage or premature loss. It can also move makeup residues or particles onto the surface of the eye, contributing to irritation of the periocular area. Whenever possible, it is therefore advisable to limit rubbing.

Advice : If your eyes are stinging, instead of rubbing them, try rinsing them with fresh water.

Like hair or eyebrows, eyelashes can benefit from care designed to improve their flexibility and reduce breakage. Serums formulated for eyelashes and eyebrows can be used to provide moisturizing and conditioning agents that coat the eyelash fiber and help make it more resistant. However, it is preferable to check the composition of these products and avoid those containing analogs of prostaglandins. These molecules, initially developed to treat glaucoma, can indeed stimulate the growth phase of the eyelash, but they are also associated with various adverse effects on the eye and eyelid, such as irritation and changes in iris color.

Another option is to use a plant-based oil, such as castor oil, sweet almond oil or jojoba oil, to help soften the eyelashes. By forming a film on the surface of the fibers, these oils can help reduce breakage. For application, it is recommended to use a clean spoolie brush, similar to a mascara wand, or a cotton swab to apply a very small amount of product at the base of the lashes, preferably in the evening. It is important to use only a small quantity, as oils can leave a greasy finish and migrate into the eye if applied in excess.

Eyelash extensions and false eyelashes have become popular options for enhancing the eyes. The principle involves attaching synthetic or natural fibers to the existing lashes using a specialized adhesive. While these techniques can provide an immediate aesthetic effect, they may also exert mechanical stress on the natural eyelashes. The weight of the fibers, repeated handling during application or removal, as well as certain components of the adhesives, can weaken the lashes and disrupt their normal growth cycle.

Several observations support this conclusion. A survey conducted among 140 users of eyelash extensions in Bulgaria showed that more than half of the participants experienced irritation or burning sensations during application, while 60% reported discomfort after the procedure. Approximately 18% reported an allergic reaction or itching, and 15% developed an ocular inflammation such as conjunctivitis or blepharitis. After removal of the extensions, nearly 65% of the participants observed thinning or a change in the color of their natural eyelashes. For this reason, it may be useful to regularly schedule breaks between extension sessions, in order to give the natural eyelashes time to regenerate and recover their density.

Adopting a varied and balanced diet is, above all, essential for overall health.

But this balance can also be reflected in the appearance of the skin, hair, and eyelashes. Even though specific studies on the direct impact of diet on eyelashes are still limited, hair follicles require a constant supply of macro- and micronutrients to support their activity and maintain a normal growth cycle. A varied diet therefore helps provide the components necessary for proper follicle function and for the production of keratin, the main protein that makes up eyelashes.

Several nutrients are involved in these processes. B-complex vitamins, including biotin, and vitamins A, C, D, and E act as metabolic cofactors and antioxidants involved in the eyelash growth cycle and keratin synthesis. Certain minerals, such as iron, zinc, selenium, and copper, are also essential for the proper functioning of hair follicles, and deficiencies in these have been linked to weakened hair and lashes. In addition, vitamin D appears to participate in the activation of signaling pathways involved in hair follicle development, while sulfur-containing amino acids such as cysteine and methionine contribute to keratinization processes that ensure the strength of the eyelash fiber. A balanced diet does not, by itself, guarantee longer or denser lashes, but it provides an important foundation for their health and resilience.

Tip : Among the foods that can help meet these nutritional requirements are fish, eggs, and legumes, which provide proteins and sulfur-containing amino acids needed for keratin production. Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, kiwi, and bell pepper, support cellular function and protect against oxidative stress, while nuts, seeds, and whole grains supply minerals like zinc and selenium that are involved in the health of hair follicles.

• BERNARD B. A. & al. Human eyelash characterization. British Journal of Dermatology (2010).

• BENITEZ-DEL-CASTILLO J. M. How to promote and preserve eyelid health? Clinical Ophthalmology (2012).

• RADEVA M. & al. Eyelash extensions – The hidden threat. Bulgarian Review of Ophtalmology (2021).

• CHERAQPOUR K. Beauty’s blind spot: Unmasking the ocular side effects and concerns of eye cosmetics. Cosmetics (2025).