What happened to those who often had their eyelashes done?

In recent years, more and more people have begun to pursue a more refined appearance, and eyelash beauty has become a popular choice. Whether it is eyelash planting, or using mascara and eyelash growth liquid, these methods can make the eyes look more lively and bright, and further enhance the overall temperament.

Eyelash extensions can not only make up for the shortcomings of natural eyelashes, but also make them thicker, longer, and curled, making the eyes more charming. However, while continuing the aesthetic tradition of "eyebrows conveying emotions", extending eyelashes also poses certain health risks.

Is eyelash glue really safe?

Eyelash extension technology, or "semi-permanent eyelash extension", is not actually implanting false eyelashes into the skin, but using glue to force the false eyelashes to each real eyelash one by one. These false eyelash fibers may be made of natural materials (such as silk, horse hair, etc.) or synthetic materials (such as nylon, plastic, etc.). However, the glue that connects the false eyelashes to the natural eyelashes may bring some hidden dangers and needs to be selected and used with caution.

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Although most businesses will test customers for glue allergies, even if there is no allergic reaction, the chemicals in the glue can still irritate the sensitive eye area. Many eyelash glues contain α-cyanoacrylate resins, especially in fast-drying and high-viscosity glues, as well as various additives (such as toughening agents, inhibitors, stabilizers, and diluents).

α-Cyanoacrylate resins can absorb moisture in the air in a short period of time, triggering anionic polymerization of cyanoacrylate monomers to form long-chain polymers with high strength, which are tightly bonded to the surface and quickly solidified. Common quick-drying glue, instant glue, 502 glue, etc. are all such adhesives. In addition to the irritation caused by volatile chemicals during use, the polymerization of cyanoacrylates will also release a lot of heat, which will also irritate the eyes.

Mechanism of cyanoacrylate polymerization Source: Reference [2]

In addition, in order to save costs, some unscrupulous brand merchants will use inferior false eyelashes and glue, which may contain formaldehyde resin, lead, and benzoic acid.

Formaldehyde resin may release toxic formaldehyde, causing respiratory irritation and cancer risk; lead is a strong neurotoxin, long-term exposure can cause poisoning and damage brain development; excessive use of benzoic acid may burden the liver and kidneys and cause skin allergies. In 2022, American scholars tested 37 types of eyelash glue on the market, of which more than half (19 types) were found to contain formaldehyde, while only 2 types of eyelash glue had formaldehyde listed on their ingredient list.

A follow-up survey conducted by Japanese scholars on 107 women (aged 21-52) showed that more than 60% of women suffered from keratitis and conjunctivitis after applying eyelash glue. The survey also claimed that 40% of women had allergic reactions to glue.

A more common condition caused by eyelash extensions is blepharitis (or eyelid inflammation). This is because the eyelash follicles are located at the edge of the eyelid and embedded in the basal layer of the eyelid skin. Each eyelash grows from a separate follicle. After eyelash extensions, it is more difficult to clean the eyelashes. If they are not cleaned properly, sebum, cosmetic residues and dust will easily accumulate at the root of the eyelashes, breeding bacteria, causing blepharitis and styes.

Too thick false eyelashes or improper pasting may also cause the eyelash follicles to be compressed, which in turn causes an inflammatory reaction, which is particularly evident in the recently popular magnetic false eyelashes. In addition, if the hygiene of the beauty salon and eyelash tools is not good, the eyelashes will be invaded by Demodex mites.

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Eyelash growth serum may cause eye diseases

In view of these potential dangers, more and more people are beginning to refuse to use eyelash glue to stick their eyelashes, and instead use eyelash growth liquid. So is this method safe? This starts with the growth of eyelashes.

The growth cycle of human eyelashes usually includes the growth phase, regression phase and resting phase. Certain ingredients in eyelash growth serum can extend the growth phase, allowing eyelashes to continue growing longer before falling off, thus becoming longer. Some eyelash growth serums contain compounds similar to prostaglandins, which can activate the activity of eyelash follicles and increase the number and density of eyelashes.

Prostaglandin derivatives are a class of drugs that were originally used to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Glaucoma patients have a large accumulation of fluid in their eyes, which affects their vision. Prostaglandin derivatives can reduce intraocular pressure by reducing the production of intraocular fluid or increasing the discharge of fluid. During use, doctors found that glaucoma patients who used prostaglandin eye drops would grow thicker, longer, and darker eyelashes. Scientists have revealed the secret behind this: this type of ingredient can prolong the growth period of eyelashes and increase the number of eyelashes. Therefore, prostaglandin derivatives are widely used in some eyelash growth fluids.

However, this type of product may pose other health risks. Prostaglandin derivatives can cause eyelid pigmentation or even permanently change the color of the iris, and may cause a loss of fatty tissue around the eyes—known as prostaglandin-associated periorbital lesions—which can make the eyes look hollow and worsen the appearance of dark circles.

Eyelash growth serums may also contain nutrients such as vitamins, amino acids, peptides, etc. These ingredients can enhance the toughness and elasticity of eyelashes, reduce breakage, and make eyelashes look healthier and thicker. However, there is no clear experimental evidence to prove that they can promote eyelash growth. In addition, after stopping the use of some eyelash growth serums, eyelashes may return to their original state.

Several cases of prostaglandin-related periorbital lesions. Source: Reference [5]

Conclusion

In the pursuit of beauty, we are often attracted by various beauty methods, whether it is eyelash extensions or eyelash growth liquid, these methods can make our eyes more charming. But while these methods bring beauty, they are also accompanied by certain health risks.

Beauty is important, but health is even more important. As consumers, we should make rational choices and not blindly pursue temporary beauty effects. Instead, we should fully understand the product ingredients and possible side effects to ensure our own safety and health. While enjoying beauty, protecting your eyes is the wisest choice.

References

[1]Han,Jiaxin,etal."The effects of eyelash extension on the ocular surface." ContactLensandAnteriorEye 47.2(2024):102109.

[2] Kyle Saunders. "Time-resolved FT-IR analysis for the curing of cyanoacrylates." Seer Green, UK.

[3]Amano, Yuki, Yuka Sugimoto, and Minoru Sugita. "Ocular disorders due to eyelash extensions." Cornea 31.2 (2012): 121-125.

[4] Xiong, Michelle, Javed A. Shaik, and Sara Hylwa. "FormaldehydeReleaseFromEyelashGlues: Analysis Using the Chromotropic Acid Method." Dermatitis 33.6 (2022): 442-446.

[5]Kucukevcilioglu,Murat,etal."Prostaglandinassociatedperiorbitopathyinpatientsusingbimatoprost,latanoprostandtravoprost." Clinical&experimentalophthalmology 42.2(2014):126-131.

Planning and production

Author: Denovo, PhD in Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Review | Feng Jun, deputy chief physician of the Dermatology Department of Sinopharm Tongmei General Hospital