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If you’ve previously relied on things like eyelash extensions and daily applications of mascara to boost the appearance of your lashes, it may be time for a change. Lash enhancing serums can be the simple addition to your skincare routine to improve the length and fullness of your eyelashes without time-consuming beauty regimens.
However, many people have concerns when using products near their eyes. This is totally understandable. The eye is incredibly sensitive, and the skin around the eye just as much so. If you’re thinking of using eyelash growth serum but are hesitant without knowing more, you’ve come to the right place.
We’re going to discuss all of the potential side effects as well as the overall safety of using growth serum for your eyelashes. We’ll answer all questions you might have about eyelash growth serum, such as if it can change eye colour or not. Plus, you’ll discover some helpful tips on how to avoid any serious side effects and keep your beautiful peepers their natural colour.
Can Eyelash Growth Serum Change Eye Color?
One of the reported side effects of lash serums like Grandelash and Revitalash are that the pigmentation of your eye can be changed. Dermatologists recommend stopping use of eyelash growth serum if your eye does begin to change colour. Regardless of your iris color, lash serums may make your eyes develop a slightly brown pigment. Unfortunately, these brown eyes are permanent.
People with hazel eyes, blue eyes, brown eyes, and green eyes are all at equal risk of an eye color change due to lash growth serum. Proper use of the serum will not affect your eyes, but if it does enter the eye accidentally, there may be brown pigmentation of the iris.
When you investigate a little deeper, it is clear that the reputation of lash growth serums changing eye color are a result of the eye drops rather than the eyelash serum developed by Latisse. Either way, there were no eye colour changes during clinical trials of Latisse serum. Dermatology experts conclude that while it is possible to see non-reversible colour changes to the eye, it is incredibly rare.
Other Side Effects of Using Lash Growth Serum
Lash Line Irritation
Usually due to an allergic reaction, the most reported effect of these serums is irritation at the application point. If you notice redness, swelling and inflammation, itchiness, or any other discomfort, stop using the serum right away. The ingredients most responsible for negative reactions are prostaglandin or prostaglandin analogues, Triethanolamine, and boric acid. Botanical serums are the most likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Dry Eyes/Eye Irritation
With all types of lash serums, eye irritation is possible. Using any type of product, even with natural ingredients, can be an irritant to the eye. Though this symptom is more common if the serum accidentally enters the eye, it does occur with normal use as well.
Darkening of the Eyelid
Hyperpigmentation of the eyelid is a common side effect when using lash serum to achieve long lashes. While these effects are usually reversible over time, extreme darkening of the eyelid is possible, though rare.
How to Avoid Serious Side Effects When Growing Your Eyelashes
Pay Attention to Ingredients
Prostaglandin and analogue-based serums are not available over-the-counter due to the more serious potential side effects and lack of long-term testing about their extended use. Analogues like Isopropyl Cloprostenate can be dangerous, causing eye irritation, redness, white cysts, inflammation, and macula edema. These serums cause hormone-like effects, so they require a prescription, but there are safer alternatives for hair growth out there without these dangerous chemicals.
The best and safest ingredients that you want to look for in eyelash growth serums are DHT blockers like Panax Ginseng Root, all-natural pumpkin seed or grape extracts, and clover flower extract, Biotin, Keratin, hyaluronic acid, peptides, green tea extract, and vitamins B3, B5, and B7.
Follow Instructions for Use Carefully
Lash serums are at their most dangerous if they are being used incorrectly. This is why it is so important to follow all instructions for use very carefully. You should first read through all guidelines and safety warnings before bringing the serum anywhere near your eyes. You should know what to do in case the serum enters the eye. Preparing the area and applying the serum carefully will help you avoid costly, painful mistakes.
Talk to a Dermatologist or Ophthalmologist
Discussing your use of these types of serums with a specialist can ensure proper use and avoidance of side effects. Experts will make sure that using a serum is the right choice for you, with consideration and balancing of your goals and any existing conditions.
Safest Lash Serums for Your Eyes
Since Latisse eyelash enhancer serum is the only serum approved by the FDA, it is the safest one to use around your precious eyes since its ingredients and effectiveness are verified. Unfortunately, it also changes your eye colour if it gets in your eye by accident because of its ingredient bimatoprost, which was originally designed to treat eye conditions like glaucoma. According to an ophthalmologist, the safest way to grow your lashes is to use a formula that doesn’t contain this ingredient. Safer serums for the eye include over-the-counter brands like RapidLash. Of course, you could also use other beauty products like extensions or makeup to improve the look of your eyelashes without risking eye discoloration if the serum enters the eye accidentally.
