Day continues, “In eye care, prostaglandin analogues such as bimatoprost (Lumigan) are used for the treatment of glaucoma by lowering the intraocular pressure. Ophthalmologists noticed patients using this drug also had darker and fuller eyelashes and increased pigmentation of the skin around the eyes.”
How can I tell if my eyelash serum contains these ingredients?
“Many lash serums on the market do contain prostaglandin analogues in their synthetic form,” says Glow For It founder and CEO, Daisy Kelly. If you’re concerned, take Kelly’s advice and become familiar with the product’s INCI, or ingredients, list on the back of the packaging. “[It] can be confusing to consumers as it is not always clear if a product does contain [these]. Therefore, I would always recommend checking the product INCI list if you are concerned. Another great idea is to check any product INCI list on YUKA for a full ingredient breakdown and safety check.”
What are the risks of using an eyelash serum?
Since the products are used in areas so close to the eyes, it’s important to understand any potential risks if you do choose a product that contains ingredients that experts warn against. “[As well as causing] increased skin pigmentation [they can cause] long-term darkening of the iris to a brown colour. They have pro-inflammatory effects and so other side effects are related to this and can include irritation, itchy eyes and redness of eyes,” says Day.
Are there any safer alternatives?
If you’re not ready to commit to an eyelash serum, there are other available options that will give you noticeable, albeit more temporary, growth. “Eyelash extensions are generally safe,” says Day. “You should choose a reputable clinic with an experienced aesthetician who will apply them in a clean environment, and all products and glue should be specifically manufactured for the process. Eyelash extensions are not regulated like some cosmetic procedures are, so ask where they and the glue were manufactured, I would always favour products made in Europe or the US. Another treatment that is becoming increasingly popular is the “lash lift”. It goes without saying that you should never attempt to purchase solutions over the internet and attempt to do your own lash lift at home. If the formula goes into your eyes, you risk chemical injury to the eye which may affect your vision long-term.”
Read more: A Comprehensive Guide To The Best Vitamin C Serum
Is it okay to use an eyelash serum everyday?
In theory, yes. But as with any beauty product, it’s never good to overuse. Most lash brands advise using the serum once a day for 12 weeks in order to achieve full results, after which you can move into maintenance mode, where you apply two to three times a week. “It’s not necessary to use every day after achieving full results,” says Pourian. “It could also lead to quicker lash fall.” In fact, Pourian advises leaving your lashes to rest a few weeks to let them go through their natural lash cycle after which you can start reusing again a couple of times per week to give lashes a boost.
