Lash Growth Serums and what you need to know
I will share a little background on my skincare journey for those who don’t know me. When I made the transition into aesthetics, it opened my eyes. Finally, I was going to learn about not only performing treatments but taking a more detailed look into skincare. We were introduced to skincare and the individual ingredients needed to produce a product. Each component was broken down and researched by its origin, uses and actions on the skin, toxicity, and more. I remember thinking at the time, do I need to know all this, and how would I explain this to a client? To put it bluntly, yes, I did need to know this.
The in-depth look into ingredients has allowed me to better understand the cause and effect of ingredients in many products. Why do some products work better than others? What ingredients do I need to look for that can benefit my skin or my client’s skin?
The study of ingredients has taught me to be better informed, which is essential knowledge I can share with my clients. I also advise them to become savvy shoppers regarding future purchases for personal care products.
Anyway, that’s a little about me; back to what inspired me to want to write this blog. Earlier this year, we were informed of a recalled product that was very popular amongst our spa clients. It is called EyEnvy, a popular and effective lash growth serum. It took a little time and research to figure out why. Many of our clients were disappointed, needless to say. So the nerd in me has been searching the net to find out what happened to it. I discovered that Health Canada required it to be removed from spas/salons because of an ingredient not approved for use in Canada. Okay, so what ingredient and was it so harmful? The article I read stated it was the ingredient “isopropyl cloprostenate.” What is that? In short, a synthetic hormone disruptor or prostaglandin analogue. What are the side effects of a hormone disruptor? My inquiring mind wanted to know.
Some of the most popular ingredients in skin care have been discovered by accident. I started to learn this early on as I was researching ingredients. Vitamin A was used primarily for acne patients. Over time, it was noticed that the people using vitamin A were seeing fine lines and wrinkles starting to soften or disappear. The same can be said for glaucoma treatments. When patients treated for glaucoma started to notice longer, thicker lashes, the development of lash serums began. You will have to weigh the pros and cons of using these serums that contain prostaglandin analogue, but for now, Health Canada has decided for us.
What are the pros of using a lash serum with this ingredient?
It will lengthen the time your lashes are in the antigen or new growth phases. It stimulates the bulb or base of the lash to thicken. It will also stimulate melanin production, so your lashes will start to look darker. Doesn’t sound too bad so far.
Now for the cons.
Prolonged use can stimulate the following side effects:
- The upper eyelid will start to droop
- It can cause shrinkage of fat tissue around the eye, giving the eyes a sunken look
- It can lead to increased blood vessel formation in the eyes
- It can cause a darkening above and below the eyes from the increase in melanin
The good news is that these effects are reversible in approximately 4-6 weeks, once you discontinue using the lash serum. And more good news, studies are starting to show that lash serums containing peptides and botanicals can work. That’s why we made the switch to Revive7 lash and brow serum.
Today as I was researching treatment videos for the spa, I found a YouTube video posted by Dr. Sam Ellis, a Dermatologist. She explained very clearly that the ingredient in question in EyEnvy, as well as other well-known lash serums on the market, is also used in treatments for glaucoma. So, at last, I now understand what the fuss was about. FYI, if you are an ingredient label reader like me, and you can’t find the listed ingredient on the label, as this was the case with our supply of EyEnvy, please be aware that some ingredients may have several different scientific names as well as common name or two.
Check out the video as Dr. Ellis explains the side effects of using products with this ingredient. For me, there were enough reasons to rethink using this product. But as with anything, I like to make an informed choice. Health Canada has made that choice for us, and I thought you would like to know why. The more informed we are, the better, right? Let me know your thoughts. If you have any questions, please ask.
Visit the YouTube video link here: https://youtu.be/tiRLNc6_A0E.
For a quick breakdown of the ingredient in question, visit this site: https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/isopropyl-cloprostenate
P.S. Once EyEnvy was recalled, we were introduced to a new Canadian-made lash serum called Revive7. It’s an all-natural serum containing peptides and botanicals and is safe to use while pregnant. Give us a call if you would like more information. Visit our social media or website to learn more about Revive7.
Until next time, yours in health and wellness,
Lory
