People were warned about the permanent damage that these glues can cause to the body
Eyelashes primarily protect the eyes from debris, dust, and other airborne particles. They act as a barrier, preventing irritants from reaching the sensitive eye surface.
But, in the name of beauty, people have resorted to enhancing their natural lashes, which could cause long-term damage. While fake eyelashes can enhance appearance, prolonged and improper use can lead to various health issues.
Dr Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard-trained medic, said: “Fake eyelashes are becoming increasingly popular, but the adhesive glue often contains formaldehyde, which can cause allergic reactions, thinning and permanent loss of your natural eyelashes.
“In rare cases, it can even lead to blindness. To minimise these risks, either avoid fake eyelashes or consider uing formaldehyde-free adhesives.”
In the study that Dr Sethi shared during his video, experts tested 37 types of glue for formaldehyde, which is a recognised cancer-causing chemical. Scientists found that most professional eyelash glues and some consumer products released formaldehyde when evaluated under a chemical test.
It concluded that: “Patients and clinicians should be aware that both consumer and professional eyelash glues can be sources of formaldehyde.” When shopping, people who wish to wear these lashes can look out for glue that is labelled as formaldehyde-free.
Dr Sethi uses his platform to share a range of medical information, such as the benefits of drinking a 20p fruit-infused water for one month for younger-looking skin. He also recently shared an Instagram post about the best kind of seeds to add to your diet for better digestion.
What else can I do to improve my eyelashes?
One way to help eyelashes grow longer and thicker naturally is to increase the amount of biotin in your diet. Biotin, a B vitamin, plays a role in keratin production, which is essential for healthy hair and – by extension – eyelashes.
People can take supplements to achieve this but biotin can also be found naturally in a variety of foods. Excellent sources include organ meats like liver as well as egg yolks, nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts), seeds, legumes (beans, lentils), whole grains, and certain vegetables like sweet potatoes, spinach, and mushrooms.
While it won’t magically make eyelashes grow longer than their natural potential, biotin can help strengthen existing lashes. This vitamin can prevent breakage, potentially leading to a fuller appearance.
People also claim that applying castor oil on eyelashes will help due to its potential moisturising and conditioning properties, but there’s limited scientific evidence to support claims of significant lash growth. Most benefits are provided from individual results who claim the oil makes lashes appear thicker and fuller.