by BR Natalie
Eyelash serums. You must have heard of them - those nightly treatments that promise longer, thicker, fuller lashes.
We're constantly reading fantastic reviews and hearing amazing success stories about these so-called miracle products, but we were a little bit mystified with just how they achieve these incredible results. It's time to spill the magician's secret with the help of BR's Beautician Zoe.
How did it start?
Like so many amazing things, lash serums were developed by accident; as a side effect to glaucoma treatments. Glaucoma patients using eyes drops containing synthetic prostaglandins noticed their eyelashes growing faster and longer. And naturally, as with anything coveted, beauty companies began to create and test formulas for use on the lash line.
Lash serums are can be used in two main ways:
- To amplify the growth of your lashes
- To condition your lashes so they grow stronger and last longer through their cycle.
Most lash treatments and serums come in a three month supply which is the average growth cycle of eyelashes.
What are my options?
Prostaglandin based serums provide the most dramatic results, with the ingredient stimulating hair follicles into growing faster, lengthening the growth period of the eyelash cycle. Some brands are only available on prescription, but there are also many over the counter products to choose from. Prices do vary but you can expect to spend at least $100-140 for around a three month supply.
Keratin lash treatments strengthen your existing lashes. Now while keratin doesn't have a direct impact on the growth of your eyelashes, it can help condition your lashes, resulting in less breakage as they withstand the daily rigours of mascara, eyelash curlers and makeup removers.
Biotin / Arginine lash serums are packed full of essential vitamins (like Biotin) and Amino Acids (Like Arginine). The formulas deliver these key growth ingredients at a cellular level. Again they won't directly cause your lashes to grow, but they do help you to grow stronger, thicker lashes, which in turn will last longer through the growth cycle.
Natural Oil lash treatments work in the same way as oil treatments for your hair. The natural oils help retain moisture within the eyelash shaft, giving you conditioned healthy lashes. These will be the cheapest option, but its worth remembering these will not amplify the growth of your lashes and results are anecdotal.
Are there any side effects?
With synthetic prostaglandins some glaucoma patients noticed their irises darkening (if they were light to begin with) but as lash serums are applied to the lash line, not the eye itself this shouldn't be a concern. Pigmentation changes along the lash line have been noted, however these aren't going to be so dramatic that they'd be noticeable under eye makeup.
A few glaucoma patients also suffered from swelling of the retina which blurs vision, but as no eyelash serum should be applied to your eye it shouldn't be an issue. If it is sheer growth/length you are after then the best results seem to come from products containing prostaglandin. However conditioning treatments that do not have a direct affect on the rate of growth are producing impressive results, so if you're concerned about side effects there are many other options available.
Obviously the eyes are a very sensitive area, and while these products have been designed with the eye area in mind, you'll want to stick very closely to applying as directed.
How long does a serum last?
Well it depends, but usually 2ml is about 3 months daily use. Opened shelf life is around 6-9 months, BUT remember, this is a product similar to mascara, every use pumps air into the bottle, and the dark, moist inside is prime bacteria land, so we'd recommend committing to daily use and changing your product every 3 months.
It's also worth noting that cheap serum deals on daily deal sites etc, might contain stock passed it's 'best before' and although technically safe to use, the active ingredients in a lash serum are only good for 2 years (unopened) post manufacture date, if stored correctly.
Is there anything else I need to know?
The cycle of your eyelashes is on average 3 months. This means whatever you do to them, be it stimulate the follicle or strengthen the strand, the effects will only last as long as your eye lash cycle.
No matter how miraculous the results you may have read about are, you're only going to achieve maximum results from your lash serum if you are judicious about using them. You need to be both consistent and persistent in applying the serum to your lash line every evening. Only when the serum is regularly stimulating the hair follicles will it begin to enact its lengthening and strengthening properties.
Click here to check out reviews written by real Kiwis about lash serums available in New Zealand.
Never heard or used such a product before and it sounds imaginary but nice to learn something new and would surely like to give it a go...how can someone say no to getting thicker and longer eyelash with the use of a serum. I would live to try this as I have very small lashes.