Medically CitedIn This Article
Different Types of Eyelash Treatments
Eyelash treatments are procedures or topical treatments that are applied in order that your lashes can look long, lush and beautiful. These procedures have their good points and have their bad points so it is always good to peg them side by side to know which ones are better suited for you.
Eyelash Extensions
Eyelash extensions are synthetic fibers that are attached to your real lashes one by one to make it look as if they are all one seamless strip of eyelashes. This procedure makes your lashes look more voluminous and lush. Because the eyelashes frame the eyes, you tend to look brighter and younger. Eyelash extensions actually look natural because of the fact that it is just attached to your natural lashes which means that it is your eye shape that is being followed. It’s like having mascara on 24/7.
The procedure usually starts by the esthetician taping down your upper and lower lashes. It is then that the tedious procedure of placing one synthetic eyelash extension after another is done. This usually ends with your lash esthetician curling your lashes for a more finished look.
There is a negative side to eyelash extensions. One procedure will set you back $100-$200, that’s pretty heavy on the pockets considering the fact that this only lasts you have to maintain it every six weeks. There was also some debate about the glue used to adhere the synthetic classic set lashes. It was found that the type of glue used for eyelash extensions contained formaldehyde, which can cause negative side effects. However the Association for Damage-Free Eyelash Extensions issued statements saying that hypoallergenic eyelash glues or those not containing formaldehyde are perfectly safe for use in extensions.
Eyelash Enhancers
Eyelash enhancers are over the counter beauty products that come in a cream, gel or serum form. They usually come in small tubes and are applied to the eyelashes twice a day in order to promote growth in the lashes making them full and long. These products have components and vitamins that keep the eyelashes healthy. Pro-vitamin B5 and humectants are examples of these components. Dr. David Colbert, a dermatologist with a practice in the Flatiron district has been quoted to say that “It’s really about conditioning and giving the lash T.L.C.,” Dr. Colbert said. “If you moisturize anything, it’s going to look better.”
The benefits of eyelash enhancers over their predecessors (false eyelashes and eyelash extensions) stem primarily from their ability to enhance your natural eyelashes, dispelling the myth that eyelash thickness and length must be fake. For years men and women around the world had to depend on either fake eyelashes or eyelash implants to solve the problem of their thinning lashes. Now, because of the availability of this lash enhancing products consumers need not worry.
Another great thing about eyelashes enhancers is the fact that it is extremely easy to apply. If you compare it to false lash extensions, where you have to master the art of applying them every morning, or to eyelash extensions, where you have to spend on an expensive treatment only to have it retouched in a few weeks, eyelash enhancers only require you to apply a coat of the product twice a day. It is that simple.
Bimatoprost
Bimatoprost was originally created to control the progression of glaucoma. However since it was found to be highly effective on the lengthening of lashes, it released Latisse in 2009. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it issued a warning in 2007 affecting the seizure of products which have bimatoprost it them. They claimed that an extra dose of bimatoprost could lead to poor vision and in severe cases, blindness.
According to a New York Times article, the following are the known side effects to Bimatoprost:
- May cause blurred vision
- May cause eyelid redness
- May permanently darken eyelashes
- May cause eye discomfort
- May eventually cause permanent darkening of the iris to brown
- May cause a temporary burning sensation during use
- May cause thickening of the eyelashes
- It may cause unexpected growth of hair if applied inappropriately, on the cheek, for example
- It may cause infection if the one-time applicators which come with the genuine product are reused
- Lashes may grow so long that they become ingrown and scratch the cornea
- May cause darkening of the eyelid or of the area beneath the eye
Eyelash Perming
Eyelash Perming
Eyelash perming just like regular perming is a procedure that uses chemicals to naturally give hair a curve. This procedure is semi-permanent and may last you two months. In eyelash perming, the general rule is once the eyelashes have finished their cycle, it’s time to get a new perm again. It is also important to remind you to always have these kinds of procedures done at an eyelash salon or by a highly skilled eyelash esthetician. The great thing about perming your eyelashes is that while the perm is intact there is absolutely no need to reach for the eyelash curler.
The main negative thing about eyelash perming is the fact that it is not accredited by the U.S. Food and Drug Authority. Also, as anybody who has ever gotten a regular perm will know, the solution used to perm hair is full of chemicals that can be damaging to the hair. The main fact to be considered here is if you are comfortable enough to have these chemicals so close to a sensitive area like your eyes. Studies have shown that these chemicals can cause irritation and in more severe cases, blindness. [1]
Final Verdict
The important thing to consider in getting an eyelash treatment would be the health risks involved in getting these types of procedures done. As was stated in the article, every single eyelash extension treatment or procedure has some sort of negative side effect. In certain cases, the negative side effect is blindness. Always remember to have it done by a highly skilled eyelash professional. Never do any of these procedures by yourself, as doing so could be harmful to your eyelash health. On one side you can have gorgeous, long, and lush eyelashes but at what cost?
1 Source
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[1] Masud M, Moshirfar M, Shah TJ, Gomez AT, Avila MR, Ronquillo YC. Eyelid Cosmetic Enhancements and Their Associated Ocular Adverse Effects. Med Hypothesis Discov Innov Ophthalmol. 2019;8(2):96-103.
