We automatically think that someone with long, thick lashes is wearing falsies or extensions. It is possible to increase your lashes by adding length and luster to the existing hairs on your lash line, thanks to lash-growth serums. Without the use of falsies or extensions, your dreams of mascara and lashes can finally come true. The nourishing elements which can be found in different brands of eyelash growth serums, such as green tea, ginseng, and biotin, not only make lashes grow longer and thicker, but they also protect them from external irritants, and prevent them from splitting.
There are a plethora of serums to pick from, whether it is a prescription mixture from a dermatologist’s office or an over-the-counter container, not all of them are created equal and won’t produce the same effects.
Before slathering a serum on our lashes, we sought advice from specialists to learn about the differences in formulas, efficacy, and potential side effects which can be a sign for us to avoid using eyelash serums.
Serums: Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter
There is only one FDA-approved lash growth therapy, which needs a doctor’s approval to buy; and the rest can be bought without the doctor’s prescription.
Regarding the FDA-approved lash serum, aside from the fact that you will need a doctor’s prescription, the formula is developed from a glaucoma medicine that has been shown to increase the length and thickness of lashes. It works by interfering with the eyelash growth cycle utilizing prostaglandin analogues. This causes the eyelash growth cycle to be prolonged, resulting in longer, thicker lashes.
On the other hand, over-the-counter serums are more of a healing therapy and conditioning for lashes. Antioxidants and peptides such as apple stem extract, biotin, and castor oil, to name a few, are usually included in these preparations. It is vital to keep in mind that the OTC serums won’t actually grow more lashes; these serums are able to make lashes appear thicker, and fuller.
Each person’s lash length varies, but it is crucial to remember that only prescriptions like the FDA-Approved serum will genuinely improve lash development, which will revert after you stop using the treatment.
When to avoid using eyelash serum?
While both prescription and over-the-counter serums are safe for all skin types, it is recommended to stop using them if you have blepharitis, an inflammatory disorder of the conjunctival area where eyelashes grow, or dry eye, as the products may aggravate symptoms.
Redness and irritation are the most prevalent adverse effects, and if you encounter either, you should stop taking the serum right once. Skin discoloration around the eyelids is another possibility.
It is vital to keep in mind that some skin darkening is a possible side effect. As a result, any extra serum on the eyelid should constantly be gently wiped away. Remember, due to the fact that these eyelash growth serums are so concentrated, a little goes a long way; and you do not need to use a lot of the serum to get the optimal result.
When can I expect to see results?
While every person is different, doctors who have conducted studies have found that most people who use the FDA-approved serum have 25% longer lashes, 18% darker lashes, and 106% fuller lashes. Since this serum was only approved in 2008, long-term use is still being studied, but it is recommended that you start with the serum once a day for six months, then twice a week. Regarding the OTC serums, you can expect a change after 3 to 6 months of usage; your eyelashes will be conditioned, and look fuller and thicker.
Doctors agree that it is difficult to predict the long-term effects of OTC serums because they do not include any genuine medications. However, if you notice any negative side effects, cease using them right away.
It is also vital to keep your expectations for what the serum can accomplish for your lashes in check. With the FDA-approved serum, you might expect to recover the long, lustrous eyelashes you had when you were younger. Using these eyelash serums on someone who has never had eyelashes would not result in long lashes because they were never there to begin with.
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