Lash Out!

Beauty
Written By Paula and Val .

Many of us yearn for thick, voluminous eye lashes. It’s where we spend some cash whether it’s purchasing our favorite mascara at Sephora, falsies at the local drug store or scheduling an appointment for lash extensions . As you may or may not have heard, there are serums on the market that physiologically promote the growth of lashes. Currently there is only one FDA approved prescription serum on the market known as Latisse. The active ingredient in Latisse is bimatoprost which is used in the treatment of glaucoma under the brand name Lumigan. Lastisse was developed as a result of patients using Lumigan experiencing a very noticeable side effect, longer and fuller eyelashes. Bimatoprost belongs to a class known as prostaglandin analogs. It is believed to work by prolonging the active growth phase in the eyelash growth cycle.

Prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) are also found in lash serums you can find in beauty departments or online stores. Examples of serums with PGAs include Grande Lash, RevitaLash, NeuLash, and so on. It’s important to note, there is a trade off for using such products which lead us into the not so talked about side effects. Some notable side effects include irritation of the eyes and lids, hyperpigmentation of the eyelids, and itchy or dry eyes. Although rare, PGAs have the ability to cause permanent darkening of the iris of the eyes, which may not be a desired effect especially in those who have green, hazel, or blue eyes.  

PGAs can also cause periorbital fat loss, giving the look of hollow sunken eyes which is unfortunately irreversible even after the discontinuation of product. If you want to be able to tell if a serum has prostaglandins, look out for the following ingredients on the package labeling: 

  • Isopropanol Phenyl-hydroxyl-pentene

  • Dihydroxy-cyclopentyl-heptenate

  • Isopropyl Cloprostenate

  • Dechloro Dihydroxy Difluoro Ethylcloprostenolamide

  • Methylamido-dihydro-noralfaprostal

Fortunately, there are serums on the market that do not contain PGAs if you’re hesitant on trialing the aforementioned products. The purpose of these particular serums are to nourish your lashes to to prevent breakage and damage aiding lashes to become healthier, stronger, and…longer!

  • The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum is a great alternative if you’re looking for an effective cost friendly product. 

  • Vegamour’s GRO Lash Serum is one of their best selling products for those of you that are looking for a 100% vegan cruelty free product. 

  • Bausch + Lomb, a world renowned innovator of eye products, has come out with their own serum - the Lumify Eye Illuminations Lash & Brow Serum which is another great alternative especially for those eye sensitivities. 

Paula and Val .
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