The scope of eyelash beauty is expanding. While in the past, the focus was simply on mascara and false eyelashes, today, there are options ranging from eyelash extensions that make your lashes fuller and longer to eyelash supplements. Eyelash extensions are trendy among women concerned about short or sparse lashes. However, beauty treatments chosen out of a desire to look more attractive can also harm eye health. Let’s explore eyelash extensions, including their definition, side effects, and precautions.
What are eyelash extensions?
Eyelash extensions involve glue attaching a single artificial eyelash to every 2-3 natural lashes. They don’t fall off even when you wash your face.
Side Effects of Eyelash Extension
Glue
The desire to look more attractive can lead to eyelash extensions threatening eye health. The culprit is the glue used in eyelash extensions, which contains chemicals such as toluene and formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a chemical used in sterilizers and preservatives. Toluene and formaldehyde can cause dermatitis when they come into contact with the skin.
Eyelash Loss
Eyelash extensions can lead to eyelash loss, causing natural lashes to fall out. As the extensions lengthen, the increased weight puts more strain on the roots of the eyelids. If the glue ingredients irritate the natural lashes, the artificial and natural lashes may fall out during removal. Besides, the glue can cause dermatitis on the eyelids and lash roots, preventing new lashes from growing where the natural ones have fallen out.
Corneal Ulcer
If you frequently get procedures around the eye, such as eyelash extensions, be careful not to develop a corneal ulcer. A corneal ulcer can cause symptoms of corneal clouding and can lead to severe vision impairment. According to National Health Insurance Service statistics, more than 40,000 patients visit hospitals each year to treat corneal ulcers. Perforation can occur if it is not detected and treated early or if the causative organisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites) are strong and not adequately treated.
How to Prevent Side Effects?
What are the ways to prevent the side effects of eyelash extensions? The best way to maintain the health of your eyes and lashes is to take care of your lashes naturally. Lashes, like hair, are made up of a protein called keratin. Consuming enough protein-rich foods like tofu, eggs, and beans can help maintain lash health. Applying an eyelash supplement is also a good idea if your lashes are damaged by UV rays or mascara and fall out or thin out.
Check the Ingredients of the Glue
To get eyelash extensions, you should carefully check the glue ingredients. If you’re getting an eyelash extension procedure, ensure the glue doesn’t contain carcinogens like toluene. Most eyelash extension glues are sold without ingredient labels, so be careful when purchasing. Even if you’ve checked the glue ingredients, stop the procedure immediately if you feel a burning sensation or your eyes keep tearing.
Benefits of Eyelash Extensions
Despite these side effects, there’s a reason women can’t give up eyelash extensions. Even without any additional makeup, eyelash extensions alone provide a dramatic effect. They also look more natural than false eyelashes, make your eyes appear clear even without makeup, and reduce the time it takes to get ready in the morning.
How to Maintain Extended Eyelashes for Longer?
Eyelash extensions can last up to a month, and the most basic way to maintain them for longer is to minimize external influences. Using cleansing oil when washing your face or excessively rubbing the root area can irritate. In particular, oil can dissolve the glue, so it’s best to avoid using cleansing oil. Another method is to use a water-soluble mascara specifically for eyelash extensions.
Self Eyelash Perms
If getting extensions at a shop every month is burdensome in terms of time and cost, consider a self-eyelash perm to reduce shop visits. Try using a variety of self-eyelash perm kits available on the market. They can curl every single lash, even those that a curler can’t reach, and even without makeup, you can have clear eyes every day like you’ve just had eyelash extensions at a shop.
Beware of Illegal Lash Extension Procedures
Recently, Seoul City issued a press release on the safety of eyelash extension glue and the crackdown on illegal operations. This is because there are many illegal practitioners and a lack of awareness about side effects. This has sparked controversy over the safety of eyelash extension glue and illegal eyelash extension business practices. According to a press release from Seoul, after receiving complaints about side effects such as eye redness and eyebrow loss after eyelash extensions, they conducted safety tests on eyelash extension glue available on the market. The results showed that 90% exceeded the standard.
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