How should you care for your eyelashes?

Often associated with the aesthetics of the gaze, eyelashes primarily fulfil a protective function. Located 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 blinking 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 aggressions, whether from repeated rubbing, certain cosmetic products, or overly vigorous handling. Caring for your eyelashes therefore primarily involves preserving the balance of this natural cycle and limiting factors that weaken them.

Make-up 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. Several 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. Make-up particles can also migrate onto the surface of the eye or deposit within the tear film, particularly when make-up is applied close to the eyelid margin or when the eyes are rubbed frequently.

Cleansing away make-up thus removes these residues and helps to limit their build-up around eyelash follicles.

It should, however, be carried out gently, as excessive rubbing can weaken the eyelashes and promote breakage. If you apply your make-up remover using a cotton pad, the ideal approach is to leave the product to act for a few seconds in order to dissolve the pigments and lipids, then remove the make-up without pulling on the eyelashes. In the case of a cleansing oil applied with the 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). Indeed, once opened, these products can gradually become contaminated by micro-organisms originating from the fingers, tears or the environment. Such contamination may increase the risk of ocular irritation or infection. Finally, it is preferable to avoid sharing cosmetic products that are applied so close to the eyes.

Rubbing the eyes is a common gesture, often a reflex in cases of tiredness, allergies or irritation. However, repeated rubbing can exert mechanical traction on the eyelashes, weakening their attachment within the follicle and promoting breakage or premature loss. It can also displace traces of make-up or particles towards the surface of the eye, contributing to irritation of the periocular area. As far as possible, it is therefore preferable to limit rubbing.

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

Like the hair or the eyebrows, the eyelashes can benefit from care designed to improve their flexibility and limit breakage. Serums formulated for eyelashes and eyebrows can be used to deliver moisturising and conditioning agents that coat the eyelash fibre and help make it more resistant. However, it is advisable to check the composition of these products and to avoid those containing prostaglandin analogues. 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 involving the eye and the eyelid, such as irritation and changes in iris colour.

Another option is to use a vegetable oil, such as castor oil, sweet almond oil or jojoba oil, to help soften the eyelashes. By forming a thin film on the surface of the fibres, these oils may help reduce breakage. For application, it is recommended to use a clean spoolie brush, similar to a mascara wand, or a cotton bud to apply a very small amount of product to 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 towards the eye if applied in excess.

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

Several observations point in this direction. 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 the removal of the extensions, nearly 65% of the participants observed thinning or a change in the colour of their natural eyelashes. For this reason, it may be useful to take regular breaks between applications, to allow the natural eyelashes time to regenerate and recover their density.

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

However, this balance can also be reflected in the appearance of the skin, hair or eyelashes. Even though specific studies on the direct impact of diet on eyelashes remain 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 needed for the proper functioning of follicles and for the production of keratin, the main protein that makes up eyelashes.

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

Advice : Among the foods that can help meet these nutritional requirements are fish, eggs and pulses, which provide proteins and sulphur-containing amino acids necessary for keratin production. Fruit and vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, kiwifruit or peppers, contribute to cellular functioning and protection against oxidative stress, while nuts, seeds and whole grains supply minerals such as zinc and selenium, which 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).