Eyelash serums have become increasingly popular as a quick fix to fuller, longer lashes, offering a visual change in as little as four weeks. For those unwilling to make the effort to glue false eyelashes to their lash line or to apply mascara to even the shortest lashes for an effect, eyelash serums are a painless solution. A simple swipe and improved lashes seem to appear in no time at all magically.
On the other hand, there are known eyelash serum side effects – skin irritation, discolouration, or even a change in eye colour are potential long-term effects of using some serums. Also, given that mascaras and eyeliners can shorten the lifespan of your eyelashes, cessation of using a serum can trigger a reversion to your original shorter lashes, not to mention a weak and brittle appearance that’s almost undesirable. Is it worth taking a chance?
How Do Eyelash Serums Work?
As the active ingredients in eyelash serums are applied at the base of your eyelashes (the natural hair follicles) and grow from there, most of these products work by nurturing and building your lashes for healthy, full growth. The follicles, in turn, get stimulated to produce lashes that grow longer and thicker, making it look like you have more voluminous eyelashes over time.
But the steep ascent of eyelash serums doesn’t come without some caution. As they appear on many unvetted websites (many of them with questionable reputations), it’s hard to guarantee the quality or purity of ingredients. Some people are also using glaucoma eye drops to grow their eyelashes longer (such as Latisse serum for eyelashes)
Therefore, it is important that one approaches eyelash serum products with care and avoids those unsupported by good research and medical approval, as the lure of longer, fuller lashes pales in comparison with maintaining healthy sight.
The Potential Eyelash Serum Side Effects
Eyelash serums might be effective for helping lash growth – but that comes with a cost. Because they are applied so close to the delicate eye area, they are more likely to cause side effects, especially in people with sensitive skin or eyes. Side effects might include a burning sensation in the eye, accompanied by redness or swelling (around the eyelids). Other possibilities include an allergic reaction (with accompanying itching and watery eyes), inflammation, or a change in pigmentation of the eyelid (that can lead to dark circles around the eyes).
Another worry is that the use of such lash growth serums over time may lead to changes in the look of the eyes themselves, such as so-called hooded eyes, due to the weakening of the skin around the lids.
When to Avoid Using Eye Serums
There are some situations where eyelash growth serums should be avoided, or else they can cause problems. If you have eye problems such as conjunctivitis, macular edema, or uveitis (inflammation and swelling of various structures in the eye), avoid eyelash growth serums. Their active ingredients can increase irritation and inflammation or make already bad conditions worse. If you wear contact lenses, take special care. The eyelash growth serum can accumulate on the lenses, which, if not removed before use, can also be uncomfortable and could even lead to eye infections.
Patients with glaucoma could be at higher risk if they take on these eyelash growth serums, many of which contain ingredients similar to glaucoma meds that alter eye pressure, and which might interfere with someone’s glaucoma medication.
By Author: Alastair Stuart
Medically Reviewed Date: 14th August 2024
