Madarosis | Eyelash

Madarosis

With the so-called madarosis, it comes to a pathological loss of the eyelashes and the lateral eyebrows. This is usually caused by a chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin (blepharitis), which leads to the loss of hairs. Other triggers can be vitamin deficiency, various skin diseases, drug side effects in cancer therapy, stress, trauma or burns. In most cases, the eyelashes grow back after the underlying cause has been eliminated. Otherwise, the use of artificial eyelashes is recommended.

Eyelash Serum

Various sellers offer so called eyelash serums, especially over the internet. These should positively influence the growth of the eyelashes and thus provide the desired longer and thicker lashes. They are usually applied to the lashes or dripped into the eye.

The ingredients are partly very different depending on the manufacturer. One of the most effective substances are prostaglandins. These are hormones, chemical messengers of the body.

Prostaglandins have a variety of tasks. For example, they are released during inflammation and are used to produce fever. In addition, prostaglandins dilate the vessels and thus ensure a better supply of nutrients and oxygen.

When treating patients with glaucoma with one of these substances, it was discovered that they also cause the eyelashes to grow. The reason for this is probably an extended lifespan of the eyelashes. As a result, the product was also approved in the USA for the treatment of falling eyelashes.

A well-known active ingredient is Bimatoprost. However, prostaglandins can have numerous side effects, such as irritation or inflammation of the eyes, headaches and intolerance. Substances that imitate the effect of prostaglandins are usually better tolerated.

However, they often require more time to take effect. It must be mentioned that there are no studies to date that show whether the application of eyelash serums has effects on the whole body. Therefore damages cannot be completely excluded.

In addition, the effect is different for each person and cannot be guaranteed. Often the exact active ingredient is not mentioned or only advertised as a “revolutionary discovery”. On closer inspection, the effect is limited to tinting the existing eyelashes, which makes them appear fuller.

It is also questionable to what extent a product applied externally to the lashes can even reach the hair root. Therefore caution is advised when buying products such as eyelash serums. This is especially true if you advertise with apparent experience reports and false studies.