Latest news with #lashserums
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Beauty product used by millions is making people's eyes CHANGE COLOUR, alarming reports reveal
Health experts have warned women using lash serums that promise longer, darker lashes that the trending beauty product could also cost them their eye-colour. For those avoiding the expense of eyelash extensions, eyelash serums that promote hassle-free growth may seem like a safer, less expensive option. But experts warn many of these products contain powerful pharmaceutical drugs that could cause burning, irritation and even permanently change a person's eye colour from blue to brown. It comes as lash serums have taken the beauty world by storm, promising darker, longer and fuller lashes at home. Over two decades ago a type of prostaglandin analogues (PGAs)—called bimatoprost—was approved by officials to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension—eye conditions that cause pressure to build up inside the eye, eventually leading to vision loss. As well as treating the conditions with less side effects than earlier treatments, doctors noticed that patients eyelashes were also growing longer, thicker and darker. Whilst it is not yet fully understood how the drug stimulates lash growth, researchers have speculated that it extends the active growth phase, where lashes grow to their full length fuelled by blood supply from the root of the hair follicle. In 2008 the drug—sold under the brand name Latisse—was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat eyelash hypotrichosis, an eye disease which affects the density of a patient's lashes. Extensive research showed that the active ingredient was effective at making lashes longer after just 16 weeks of daily use, making it an attractive commodity for beauty product manufacturers. In the UK, whilst bimatoprost remains a prescription-only medication, manufacturers have harnessed the power of other PGAs to boost lash growth. However these powerful ingredients also come with serious cosmetic side effects including fat loss around the eyes, creating a hollow sunken look, unwanted hair growth where the serum spreads, drooping of the upper eyelid which may require surgery and permanent iris darkening—turning blue eyes brown. A shocking investigation carried out by government officials revealed that almost one in four lash serums sold in the UK contain harmful PGAs which can cause skin darkening and irritation within just a few weeks of use. In the US, the FDA has previously issued urgent warnings stating that any cosmetic product containing these potentially harmful ingredients under growth claims should be treated as a drug and not a beauty product. Experts are now sounding the alarm stating that consumers may be unaware they are using these powerful ingredients that have been manufactured to mimic prescription-only treatments. Even if a products claims to be PGA-free, experts advise checking the ingredient list and staying away from anything ending in -'prost' to minimise the risk of redness and irritation. Instead they suggest opting for peptide-based alternatives, which work by boosting keratin to support lash growth—though these products too are not risk-free and there is very little evidence to suggest they actually work. Dr Mahmood, a New York based plastic surgeon, is just one of the many women who has fallen victim to the promise of darker, fuller lashes in a bottle. In a video posted to Instagram, she said: 'This is the one skincare product I would never recommend to any patient.' After using a lash serum for two months, Dr Mahmood said her lashes looked the best they ever had. But after a few days she noticed that one of her eyes was bulging out of her face and was significantly bigger than the other. After two MRI scans and further tests, doctors discovered that the lash serum had caused the muscles in her upper eyelid to thin, causing the area to droop. To compensate for this loss of vision, Dr Mahmood's other eye had started to bulge, resulting in two surgeries to restore her vision and lift her eyelid. 'It's pretty clear prostaglandins are bad, especially when it comes to eyelash serums,' she told her 25,800 followers.
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Experts reveal the hidden health side effects of lash serums
Longer, darker lashes are having a moment. For those avoiding the risk or expense of lash extensions, serums can seem like a safer, more affordable option. But not all lash serums are created equal – and some come with hidden side-effects. The key difference lies in the ingredients. Some lash serums use conditioning agents like peptides or plant oils, while others contain powerful pharmaceutical ingredients originally developed for treating eye disease. In 2001, a new medication called bimatoprost was approved to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension – two conditions involving pressure buildup inside the eye that can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss. Unlike earlier treatments, bimatoprost worked well for patients who hadn't responded to other drugs, had fewer systemic side effects (effects on the whole body rather than just the eye) and required less frequent dosing than some other glaucoma drops. But doctors soon noticed something unexpected: their patients' eyelashes were growing longer, thicker and darker. Researchers still don't fully understand how bimatoprost stimulates lash growth, but it appears to extend the anagen phase – the active growth phase – of the lash life cycle. In 2008, the same drug (now marketed as Latisse) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the federal agency responsible for evaluating the safety and effectiveness of drugs and medical devices, to treat eyelash hypotrichosis, a condition where eyelashes are sparse or missing. It was initially prescribed for people who had lost their lashes due to chemotherapy, alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder causing hair loss), or trichotillomania (a compulsive hair-pulling condition). Extensive research shows that bimatoprost is effective at making lashes longer, thicker and darker, with noticeable results after 16 weeks of daily use. But the results are temporary: once you stop using it, your lashes return to their natural growth cycle. Side-effects Bimatoprost belongs to a class of medications called prostaglandin analogues (PGAs), which have been widely used in eye care since the 1990s. Because of this, its side effects are well documented. When used for lash growth, bimatoprost can cause burning, redness, dryness and eye irritation. These usually go away when the product is stopped. But there are also more serious cosmetic changes to be aware of, including darkening of the skin on the eyelid, fat loss around the eyes, creating a hollow, sunken look, permanent iris darkening (the coloured part of the eye), unwanted hair growth where the serum spreads and, in rare cases, drooping of the upper eyelid, which may require surgery to correct. In the UK, bimatoprost remains a prescription-only medication. However, the boom in over-the-counter lash serums sold online and in shops has made similar products more accessible – and potentially more confusing. A recent investigation by the UK government found that almost one in four lash serums sold in the UK contain PGAs such as isopropyl cloprostenate. This chemical is not as well studied as bimatoprost, but case reports suggest it can cause skin darkening, dryness and hollowing of the eye area, sometimes after just a few weeks of use. In the US, the FDA issued warnings over a decade ago stating that any cosmetic product containing these ingredients and making growth claims should be treated as a drug, not a cosmetic. Consumers may be unaware they're using a pharmaceutical-mimicking ingredient. Sweden banned PGAs in lash serums in 2013. Canada prohibits them in all cosmetic products. Even if a product claims to be 'PGA-free,' check the ingredients list: anything ending in '-prost' is a red flag. 'Natural' or peptide-based alternatives Some lash serums use peptides, which may help strengthen lashes by boosting keratin or supporting follicle health. These are often combined with conditioning agents to reduce breakage. While seen as a gentler alternative to PGAs, most studies on peptides focus on scalp hair, not eyelashes, so evidence for lash growth is limited. Other serums rely on castor oil or plant-based extracts, but their effectiveness is largely anecdotal and not supported by robust science. There is no guaranteed, side-effect-free way to make lashes grow dramatically longer. Prescription lash serums like bimatoprost are proven to work – but they come with potential risks, especially with long-term use. Over-the-counter products may seem safer, but many contain hidden prostaglandin analogues buried deep in the ingredients list with similar side effects. Peptide and oil-based serums are less risky, but there's little strong evidence that they work. Our eyes are delicate and, unlike beauty trends, they're not replaceable. If you're thinking about enhancing your lashes, read the label, do your research and speak to an eye care professional. The price of longer lashes shouldn't be your eye health. Alison Ng is a Lecturer in Optometry and Vision Sciences at Cardiff University Byki Huntjens is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow in Optometry in the School of Health & Medical Sciences, City St George's at the University of London. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Times
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Six hot new lash treatments for summer 2025
When it comes to our lashes we've come a long way from just swiping on a bit of mascara. In recent years the fake look has become big business — although, happily, the current trend is more about low-maintenance effortlessness. On TikTok the masses go mad for lash growth serums: Glow For It made six figures in just 12 hours from a live shopping stream in April, while according to UKLash one of its lash serums is sold every 20 seconds globally. Lash lifts and extensions are also on the rise. The beauty app Secret Spa reports 60 per cent faster growth in lash treatments than any other category, including mani-pedis and waxing, while the UK trade body the Guild of Beauty Therapists says lash treatments are now the most popular salon services, with roughly 129,000 carried out a week. Lash extensions have come a long way from the 2010s (think Russian mink lashes, as seen on the cast of Geordie Shore). 'Lash technology and artistry have evolved. These days they're soft, subtle and undetectable, thanks to ultra-fine fibres that mimic the texture and movement of natural lashes,' says Asma Docrat, a celebrity lash artist whose clients include Mandy Moore and Lily Allen. 'By fully customising the length, curl, colour and weight of your lash extensions, they can look like your own, but on a really good day.' Whatever your vibe, there's a lash look for that. • Read more beauty product reviews and advice from our experts Slightly bolder and more glamorous, volume lashes will give you a seriously impactful flutter. 'Multiple lashes, or a cluster, are applied per natural lash to create more volume,' Docrat says. They look fluffier and fuller, but if you can't quite commit to drama, you can also get hybrid lashes. 'These are a mix of classic and volume for a more wispy effect,' she says. 'For the best results — and this goes for any type of lash extension — avoid caffeine before your appointment as it can make your eyes flutter, making precision work trickier.' Expect to pay £80-150 for a full set, and £60-80 for infills, which are needed every two to three weeks, depending on how well you take care of them. 'Avoid oil-based skincare,' Docrat says. 'Use lash-safe foaming cleansers to remove make-up around the eyes, and never use cotton wool pads.' Gently combing them through daily with a clean spoolie and sleeping on a silk pillowcase are also on her list of do's. • The best luxury lash serums Lynk-Gel lashes are the longest-lasting extensions, with only a handful of lash artists in the UK trained and certified by the company behind the process, Illumino. 'This clever new technique uses a safe, focused LED light to instantly 'cure' a gel-based adhesive, creating a bond between the extension and your natural lash that's as strong as it is flexible,' says Camilla Kirk-Reynolds, the A-list lash artist whose clientele include Naomi Campbell and Angelina Jolie. According to Kirk-Reynolds they can last for up to eight weeks (that explains the heftier price tag, usually sitting somewhere between £300 and £600 for a full set), plus there's no downtime — so you can jump in the shower or pool or wash your face straight away without a second thought. As with many beauty innovations, the Koreans are one step ahead. 'Instead of glueing lashes on to a curling shield [as for a traditional lash lift], the Korean method uses a healthier, lash-softening cysteamine-based paste,' explains Haya Alhoush, a British-based Korean lash lift educator. 'A two-step shield system creates the most natural and smooth curl. First, a flat shield softens the lashes, then a curved one perfects and sets the curl.' Lasting about eight weeks, it makes mascara redundant. The no-mascara make-up trend has been making the rounds, thanks to the cool girls of Instagram (hello, Hailey Bieber). Coloured lashes such as brown extensions add subtle length and volume without the starkness of black. 'They're softer, work for most skin tones and are undetectable but still make you look polished,' Docrat says. The barefaced aesthetic usually goes hand in hand with a great skincare routine, but Docrat recommends skipping eye creams, which can migrate to the lash line and affect your faux lashes' longevity. Like classic lashes, these cost anywhere between £100 and £200 for a full set, and should last up to three weeks. • This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue The trendy lot on TikTok and Instagram are getting 'anime lashes' that take their cue from manga characters. Think spiky, doll-like lashes that make eyes appear brighter and doe-eyed. 'Anime lashes use a variety of length and dimensions, with spaced-out, longer individual spikes that stand out among shorter, wispier lashes,' says the LA-based lash artist Alanah Sahaba, who counts Megan Thee Stallion as a client. 'To balance the look, you can also add bottom lashes, which makes eyes look wider.' A word of warning, though: 'You might be in the chair for up to three hours, as anime lashes are more intricate and detailed, so have your favourite podcast downloaded!' A full custom set will typically set you back anywhere from £100 to £200, and they should last three to four weeks before needing infills or removal. A slick of mascara is like a shot of espresso for the face: it instantly brightens and makes your make-up look, well, better. Imagine that — glossy, defined and sleek lashes — but without the effort of actually applying mascara every morning. 'Unlike classic lashes, which are designed to be softer and mimic individual natural hairs, wet-look lashes have a more dramatic, glossy finish and are usually spiked to perfectly mimic the look of freshly applied mascara,' Docrat says. The technique involves applying closed fans of multiple extensions to each natural lash. This creates those distinct, slightly clumped, high-shine spikes that give the illusion of lashes that are perpetually hydrated and freshly coated. As for volume lashes, expect to be in the chair for up to two hours. • Hello dollface: the 'glass skin' trend that's everywhere £38, looking sparse and thin and feeling brittle? This strengthening and lengthening serum will nourish lashes between treatments, but it's also great for anyone struggling with eyelash loss. It's so good, in fact, that users claim to see results in just four weeks. £18, scrap of oil, make-up, dust and dirt is removed with this gentle foaming cleanser that's packed with prebiotics to help keep bacteria at bay. Simply pump the foam on to the back of your hand, swirl through the cleansing brush, which is designed to get in between every lash, and softly massage into your lashes, brushing away from the root, before removing with a damp cotton pad. £2, from your fingers can break down the lash adhesive,' says Docrat, who recommends using a spoolie to comb through instead. This reusable one has supersoft bristles and comes with a lid to keep the brush dust-free. £66, with delicate lash extensions in mind, this celebrity fave, pure mulberry silk sleep mask has a contour on the inside for crease-free lashes while you snooze.@chanelleho The Sunday Times Style Beauty awards are back for 2025. You could win a luxury five-star holiday at Sani Resort in Greece, plus we have more than £25,000 worth of beauty prizes up for grabs. To be entered into the prize draw, vote for your favourite products at
