Babe lash: eyelash growth serum works? – 05/15/2023 – Balance

Baby Lash Essential and My Lash. These are the names of products that promise to promote eyelash growth and have become a rage on social networks like Tiktok. Users and influencers guarantee that the products promote a look with contrast without genetics or makeup, using only serums.

According to manufacturers, these substances would be able to increase hair in periods ranging from 4 to 12 weeks. Experts claim, however, that there is a lack of scientific evidence of the effectiveness of the products. What can happen is greater protection and reduction of the natural wear of eyelashes.

According to doctors, only drugs can promote such growth – and, because they are drugs, they cannot be used without professional supervision.

What do they say about the products and how much of it is real?

With a video that reached 1.8 million people, influencer Stefany D’Arezzo reports that Babe Original’s Babe Lash serum increased her eyelashes. “It’s not advertising, I wish it were, because I wouldn’t be paying so much for this product, but it’s because it’s a really good tip”, says the influencer.

She says she applied the product for about two months. “One thing that also happens with this serum is that it gets a little darker in the area you put it on, so that’s why it’s not really recommended to put it under the eyes”, she says.

Its price varies between US$ 29 and US$ 89, and the product must be applied every night. The manufacturer claims that, in six weeks, 88% of customers would have noticed longer eyelashes and 86% more volume. Interruption of use, according to Babe Original, makes eyelashes go back to what they were before.

Another darling of bloggers is My Lash, eyelash serum by Etude House. First in the national ranking of best sellers in eyelash treatment on Amazon, with more than a thousand reviews, it costs R$ 77.90.

Fabiane Mulinari Brenner, physician and board member of the SBD (Brazilian Society of Dermatology), says that there is no scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of the product.

“There are products that aim to increase the supply of nutrients to this region with a faster growth potential. Scientifically, we don’t have evidence that it exists, but we have that this eyelash can be protected and grow, yes, beyond what it was previously, because it is somehow protected by this more moisturizing product”, highlights Brenner, who is also a professor at UFPR (Federal University of Paraná)

Patients who itch the eyelid area a lot or have some other eye disorder that requires the use of eye drops or protective glasses may experience trauma in this area of ​​the eyelashes, which generates a natural shortening. For this reason, eyelash protection provided by some products can be confused with real growth.

The eyelid tinting reported in Babe Lash, however, may indicate the use of some substance other than nourishing ones. Alessandra Romiti, specialist for SBD in dermatology, says that brands do not disclose all the components of their dermocosmetics and that the patient must be careful with the choices.

“People sometimes confuse cosmetics with medication. On the website of these two products, the composition is super vague, they only put vitamins and amino acids, they don’t specifically mention any molecule that increases hair growth. It’s very difficult for us to say of cosmetic product effectiveness because they have a registered trademark, we don’t have access exactly to what’s inside them”, recalls Romiti.

Despite this, there are approved drugs that trigger eyelash growth. “The best known is Latisse, which is actually an eye drop, it was used for glaucoma, but [como efeito colateral] made the eyelashes grow”, says the dermatologist.

The problem with this medicine is that it can pigment, causing darkening of the eyelid and even the iris of patients who have light eyes. “So today we don’t use it as eye drops, we use it with an applicator when it’s for the eyelashes”, says Romiti.

The active ingredient in Latisse is bimatoprost. The substance promotes eyelash growth and should only be used under medical supervision. Among the side effects, however, are a decrease in eye pressure and eyelid irritation.

Who can use eyelash growth remedies?

People with diseases that lead to loss of eyelashes, eyebrows, hair and body hair can use drugs such as bimatoprost and latanoprost, which also promote eyelash growth, in the treatment.

Romiti says that, whether by desire or necessity, follow-up by a dermatologist is essential to avoid irritation and pigmentation.

Serums, in turn, can be used if the focus is on nutrition, which will be optimized with vitamin supplementation or improvements in food, punctuate experts.

“Those who buy on the internet and promise the growth of eyelashes as cosmetics are more indicated to improve the hydration of the wires, strength. Many people even sometimes associate the cosmetic product and the medicated product. In the latter case, the indication is necessary a dermatologist to make an assessment, see if the person has a disability, for a better diagnosis”, reinforces Romiti.