Eyelash Serums: What Are They & How Do They Work?

Have you always wanted longer, thicker eyelashes without having to use falsies? Skincare science continues to evolve, bringing with it new, life-changing innovations. Eyelash serums are one of those innovations.

Miami MD has a single-minded focus on functional beauty. Our goal is to create products that help you feel more confident in your skin. Although we spend most of our time supporting the skin specifically, we don’t want to leave out your eyelashes. 

After all, your eyelashes are the beautiful picture frame around your eyes. Even the most stunning piece of artwork is nothing without a great frame. Here’s more on what eyelash serum is and how it works.

What Is Eyelash Serum?

If you had an existing skincare routine, you’re probably already familiar with serums. Ranging in consistency from thin and watery to thick and gel-like, serums are the middle-step in your routine that often brings the most targeted benefits. But how does that same theory apply to your eyelashes?

Unless you’ve used an eyelash serum before, you’ve likely only used one product directly on your eyelashes — mascara. Eyelash serums use the same application, but instead of delivering pigment, they deliver ingredients meant to help your eyelashes look their best. 

What Do Eyelash Serums Do?

Over-the-counter eyelash serums, also known as lash conditioners, don’t technically make your eyelashes grow. What they do is help give your eyelashes what they need to stay hydrated and healthy, which makes them stronger and less susceptible to fallout and breakage.

When you think of your hair care products, you likely think only of the hair on your head. Shampoos, conditioners, hair masks — all of these products have the unified goal of making your hair as beautiful and healthy as possible. 

But how many times have you considered that your eyelashes need the same thing? 

Just like the rest of your hair, eyelashes need specific support. Over-the-counter eyelash serums give them the ingredients they need to look their best.

There is also a prescription eyelash serum on the market, available only from a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist. 

Latisse is also the only FDA-approved prescription option, doubling the fullness of your eyelashes while also lengthening and darkening them within 16 weeks of use (and often within four to six). However, the drug isn’t without risks. 

Eye irritation and even a change in the color of the eyes are possible.   

What Ingredients Are Usually Found in Eyelash Serums?

The vast majority of eyelash serums provide benefits by using a combination of topical vitamins and oils. Many companies have their own proprietary mix of ingredients, so make sure to do your research and read the ingredient list before deciding. 

One common ingredient that appears in most eyelash serums is biotin (vitamin B7). While there aren’t any studies directly looking at eyelashes, biotin has been a trusted ingredient in many products targeting hair, skin, and nails for many years. 

The reason for including it is directly related to the way it can strengthen keratin, an essential protein that makes up our hair, skin, and nails. 

Peptides are also often found in eyelash serums. Although the specific peptides vary from company to company, the result is stronger , more healthy lashes that experience less shedding or breakage. Peptides may also help your eyelashes grow, providing them with extra protein and amino acids to make growth easier and more efficient. 

And finally, castor oil. While this may sound like an unconventional ingredient, many dermatologists have been recommending its use for years. Like biotin, studies haven’t yet looked at its impact on eyelashes, but its anecdotal use speaks for itself. 

Castor oil is thought to help condition the eyelashes, making them stronger and less likely to break. 

How To Include Eyelash Serums in Your Skincare Routine

If you’re ready to start incorporating an eyelash serum into your existing anti-aging skincare routine, at what point in the routine should you add it?

Any skin care routine will start with thoroughly cleansing the skin. If you wear mascara, you may want to invest in a gentle mascara remover that you can apply directly to the eyelashes instead of rubbing the eyes with a cotton pad. Doing that can minimize eyelash breakage.

Once you’ve cleansed your skin and patted it dry (never rub!), it’s time to use a toner. If you don’t use toner, you can move on to your serums. A general rule of thumb is to apply your thinner serums after they dry. 

However, if you use targeted serums (like the type you apply directly to areas of hyperpigmentation), you’ll want to apply those first. The ingredients in your serum can be beneficial for your eyelashes, too!

While a product like our Intensive Eye Repair Serum may not specifically target your eyelashes, they make the skin around them as smooth, firm, and wrinkle-free as possible. After your serum dries, apply your eyelash serum.

And finally, once your eyelash serum is dry, finish with a quality, supportive moisturizer. Don’t forget to use it on your eye area as well, as hydration is essential for every part of your skin (and hair!). 

Hyaluronic acid is one ingredient that can be a game-changer for the skin, which includes the skin around your eyelashes. Taking care of that skin helps boost your eyelashes’ strength and increases the support they get as they grow.

Be Patient and Use Caution

Just like most other skincare products, eyelash serum doesn’t work magically overnight. It can take weeks of consistent use to notice a difference. Eyelashes have a longer rejuvenation cycle than the skin does — it takes up to two months for them to grow.

While you’re waiting, make sure to support your eyelashes in other ways. Be gentle when removing your eye makeup so that you don’t accidentally break them. 

Drink plenty of water, and consider taking an Omega-3 supplement along with a supplement designed to boost the health of the hair, skin, and nails (our Total Beauty Matrix is an excellent option).

You may also want to check out your mascara. Although it can make your eyelashes appear darker and longer, water-proof mascara may be drying them out and making them more prone to breakage. 

Due to its water-proof nature, removing it takes a lot more work at the end of the day. That means you’ll be tempted to scrub at it with makeup remover, damaging your eyelashes in the process. 

However, you should always use caution when applying anything to the eye area. This is especially true when it comes to eyelash serums, which get even closer to your actual eye. 

Start slowly, and discontinue if you notice any signs of irritation, redness, or discomfort. 

With all that in mind, when you focus on consistent use and other protective measures, you’ll be enjoying your thicker, stronger lashes before you know it. 

In Summary

Don’t leave your eyelashes out of the equation when you focus on anti-aging functional beauty skincare products. As we age, our hair needs just as much support as our skin. 

Eyelash serums are an excellent way to help support your eyelash health, giving them the strength and length required to really make your eyes pop. 

Choosing the correct eyelash serum can complement any skincare routine designed around Miami MD products. Hopefully, we’ve helped point you in the right direction so that you can confidently find the perfect eyelash serum for your unique, beautiful eyes. 

Sources:

Latisse | FDA

Biotin – Health Professional Fact Sheet | NIH

Hyperpigmentation | American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD)