Does Petroleum Jelly Make Your Eyelashes Grow? An Expert’s Deep Dive
Petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, is widely believed to promote eyelash growth, but the truth is more nuanced: While it doesn’t directly stimulate lash growth, petroleum jelly can dramatically improve lash health and appearance by moisturizing and protecting them from breakage.
The Popularity of Petroleum Jelly for Eyelashes
For decades, petroleum jelly has been a staple in beauty routines. Its affordability, accessibility, and perceived safety have made it a popular choice for everything from moisturizing dry skin to soothing chapped lips. In recent years, it has gained traction as a potential eyelash growth enhancer, fueled by anecdotal evidence and online tutorials. The promise of longer, thicker lashes without the expense of specialized serums or treatments is undoubtedly appealing.
Understanding Eyelash Growth
Before exploring the effects of petroleum jelly, it’s important to understand the eyelash growth cycle:
- Anagen (Growth Phase): This phase lasts between 30 and 45 days, during which the lash actively grows. Only about 40% of upper lashes and 15% of lower lashes are in this phase at any given time.
- Catagen (Transition Phase): The lash stops growing, and the hair follicle shrinks. This phase lasts for approximately 2-3 weeks.
- Telogen (Resting Phase): The lash is at rest, and eventually falls out, allowing a new lash to grow in its place. This phase can last over 100 days.
Factors affecting eyelash growth include genetics, nutrition, hormonal balance, and overall health. There is currently no scientific evidence that petroleum jelly impacts any of these intrinsic factors.
The Benefits of Petroleum Jelly for Eyelashes
The real value of petroleum jelly lies in its emollient and occlusive properties:
- Moisturization: Petroleum jelly creates a barrier on the skin and lashes, preventing moisture loss. This can help to keep lashes hydrated and prevent them from becoming brittle and breaking.
- Protection: The occlusive barrier also protects lashes from environmental damage, such as harsh weather conditions and pollutants.
- Conditioning: Well-moisturized lashes are less prone to breakage, leading to a fuller, healthier appearance. While it doesn’t stimulate new growth, it allows existing lashes to thrive.
- Makeup Removal: Petroleum jelly can effectively remove eye makeup, especially waterproof mascara, which can be damaging to lashes if removed roughly.
How to Apply Petroleum Jelly to Eyelashes
Here’s a step-by-step guide for applying petroleum jelly to your eyelashes:
- Cleanse: Ensure your face and eyelashes are clean and free of makeup.
- Prepare: Use a clean mascara wand or cotton swab.
- Apply Sparingly: Dip the wand or swab into a small amount of petroleum jelly. Remember, less is more.
- Coat Lashes: Gently apply the petroleum jelly to your upper and lower lashes, starting at the base and working your way to the tips. Be careful to avoid getting it in your eyes.
- Leave Overnight: Leave the petroleum jelly on overnight, allowing it to moisturize and protect your lashes.
- Rinse: In the morning, gently rinse your lashes with warm water.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Too Much: Applying too much petroleum jelly can cause it to get into your eyes, leading to blurred vision and irritation.
- Contamination: Using a dirty applicator can introduce bacteria to your eyes, increasing the risk of infection.
- Inconsistency: Results won’t be visible immediately. Consistent, nightly application is necessary to see any improvements in lash health.
- Expecting Miracles: Petroleum jelly is not a magic potion. It won’t make your lashes grow longer than they are genetically predisposed to.
Petroleum Jelly vs. Lash Serums: A Comparison
| Feature | Petroleum Jelly | Lash Serums |
|---|---|---|
| Main Benefit | Moisturizes and protects; prevents breakage | Stimulates lash growth; lengthens and thickens |
| Ingredients | Primarily petrolatum | Peptides, vitamins, prostaglandins analogs |
| Cost | Affordable | Expensive |
| Side Effects | Rarely causes irritation; blurred vision possible | Irritation, redness, discoloration of the iris (rare) |
| Efficacy | Improves lash health and appearance | Stimulates growth; more noticeable results |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can petroleum jelly help with lash shedding?
Yes, petroleum jelly can help reduce lash shedding by keeping lashes moisturized and preventing them from becoming dry and brittle, which are common causes of breakage and shedding. Remember, it doesn’t stop natural shedding as part of the lash growth cycle, but it can minimize premature loss.
Is petroleum jelly safe to use on my eyelashes?
Generally, petroleum jelly is considered safe for external use, including on eyelashes. However, it’s important to exercise caution to avoid getting it in your eyes, as this can cause blurred vision and temporary discomfort. If you experience any irritation, discontinue use.
How long does it take to see results from using petroleum jelly on eyelashes?
While individual results may vary, you can typically expect to see noticeable improvements in lash health and appearance after consistent use for several weeks (around 4-6 weeks). This includes reduced breakage, increased shine, and a fuller look. Remember, it won’t make them grow longer, just healthier.
Can I use petroleum jelly on my eyebrows as well?
Absolutely! Petroleum jelly can be used on eyebrows to moisturize and condition them, similar to eyelashes. It can help to keep them healthy and prevent them from becoming dry and brittle. It’s also a popular tool for taming unruly eyebrows and holding them in place.
What are the potential side effects of using petroleum jelly on eyelashes?
The most common side effect is temporary blurred vision if the petroleum jelly gets into your eyes. In rare cases, some individuals may experience mild irritation or allergic reaction. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use.
Can petroleum jelly make my eyelashes thicker?
Petroleum jelly doesn’t directly thicken eyelashes by increasing the diameter of individual hairs. However, by preventing breakage and keeping lashes hydrated, it can make them appear fuller and thicker over time. Healthy lashes equal thicker looking lashes.
Can I use petroleum jelly with other eyelash growth products?
Using petroleum jelly in conjunction with other eyelash growth products like serums is generally safe, but it’s best to apply them separately. Use the lash serum as directed and then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on top as a sealant and moisturizer. This helps lock in the serum’s ingredients and protects your lashes.
Is Vaseline the same as petroleum jelly?
Vaseline is a brand name for petroleum jelly. While other brands may exist, the primary ingredient (petrolatum) and the properties of the products are essentially the same. For the purpose of eyelash care, they are interchangeable.
Can petroleum jelly clog my pores around my eyes?
While petroleum jelly is non-comedogenic (meaning it doesn’t clog pores), excessive application around the eyes can potentially trap dirt and debris, leading to minor skin irritation or small bumps. Always use a small amount and thoroughly cleanse your face in the morning.
Is it safe to use petroleum jelly if I wear contact lenses?
Yes, but exercise extreme caution. Make sure to thoroughly wash your hands before applying petroleum jelly and be extra careful not to get any into your eyes. If you do get petroleum jelly in your eyes while wearing contact lenses, remove the lenses and rinse your eyes thoroughly.
Can petroleum jelly help with eyelash extensions?
No, petroleum jelly should not be used on eyelash extensions. The oil-based nature of petroleum jelly can break down the adhesive used to attach the extensions, causing them to fall out prematurely. Use only extension-safe products recommended by your lash technician.
What are some natural alternatives to petroleum jelly for eyelashes?
Some natural alternatives include:
- Castor oil: Known for its moisturizing properties and ability to strengthen hair follicles.
- Coconut oil: A natural emollient that can help to keep lashes hydrated.
- Olive oil: Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that can nourish lashes.
However, like petroleum jelly, these alternatives primarily focus on moisturizing and protecting lashes and don’t directly stimulate growth. Always perform a patch test before using any new product around your eyes.