What to Know About Lash Growth Serum
Having dark and long eyelashes is all the rage. Many individuals opt for fake and temporary eyelashes to mimic this and to make their eyes appear more prominent. However, there is also lash growth serum products that claim to enhance the length of one’s eyelashes, giving way to similar effects.
At the same time, your eyelashes are critical for keeping debris, dirt, and germs out of the eyes. Some individuals face medical conditions or situations where they have brittle or weak eyelashes. Thus, lash growth serum products can help these individuals have strong and protective eyelashes, keeping their eyes as healthy as possible.
So, should you consider purchasing lash growth serum? Do lash growth serums even work? In this article, we dive into all of this and more.
What is Lash Serum?
Basically, lash serums contain a formula that stimulates eyelash growth. Typically, these serums work by improving the health of the lashes and extending the growth and lengthening phase of the eyelashes.
Most serums contain various peptides and fatty acids to produce these desired effects. In particular, these companies tend to target individuals who have naturally short or brittle eyelashes or eyelashes that have become weaker with age.
Most lash serums are used regularly for a set amount of time, such as four to six weeks. During this timeframe, the lash serum is usually applied about two to three times each day. For maintenance, many serums also recommend continued usage once a day or every second day after the desired results are achieved.
However, there has been some debate over whether or not certain lash serums actually work. For the higher price point, one would hope so. Yet, there have not been many serums that have actually proven this to be the case (more on this in a bit).
Lash Serum Health Risks
Many lash serum formulas tend to use various chemicals and harsh ingredients. These substances may have compounding effects when used over a longer time span.
Some side effects may include:
- Dry, itchy, or red eyes
- Swelling of the eye or around the eye
- Darkening of the eyelid skin
- Allergic reaction
- Brown in the iris of the eye
Generally, many health experts recommend checking with your doctor before using a lash serum, especially if you have glaucoma or any other pre-existing eye issues. It’s further advised to remove any contact lenses before applying lash serum, and then waiting about 15 minutes after application of the serum to put your contact lenses back in.
If you notice any abnormalities or changes (besides eyelash growth) in the eye or around your eye when using lash serum, it is important to seek out the advice of your eye doctor. They can do a proper in-person examination.
Prescription Lash Growth Serum vs Over-the-Counter Lash Growth Serum
So, what is the best eyelash growth serum? How do prescription lash growth serums differ from over-the-counter versions?
Latisse is currently the main prescription lash growth serum available on the market. This means that you will require a prescription from a doctor to be able to purchase it. Latisse claims to grow fuller, longer, and darker lashes, and it is usually made available for individuals who do not have enough lashes. Remember, your lashes actually work to protect dust, debris, and germs from entering the eyes, keeping your eyes irritant-free.
In fact, Latisse is actually the only FDA-approved eyelash growth serum. It works by extending the growth phase of your eyelashes. And yes, it actually works!
Yet, at the same time, dry eyes or eye irritation may occur when using this product, which may lead to vision issues. In fact, a big problem with this product is that macular edema is a reported side effect. While it might not impact every customer using this product, it pays to be cautious and know what could potentially happen if the product is used incorrectly. Again, this is why it is very important to check with your eye doctor regarding whether or not this product is right for you and your eye health.
Meanwhile, over-the-counter eyelash growth serums do not contain the active ingredients like their prescription counterparts. This means that they do not actually have ingredients proven to help with eyelash growth. However, many of these products may contain ingredients that promote overall good eyelash health.
What Are the Best and Healthiest Eyelash Growth Serum Products?
Usually, you want to be cautious about any product you put on or in your body. The skin absorbs any substance you put on it. This means that these substances enter the body and typically, the liver deals with detoxifying and eliminating them.
When it comes to the best and healthiest eyelash growth serum, you want to find one with as few artificial chemicals and ingredients as possible. Generally, you will want the ingredient list to include biotin and peptides since these are essential for eyelash growth.
Talk to your eye doctor and determine the best course of action for you, and always think critically and objectively about any product before you buy it.