Last updated on October 16th, 2023 at 11:48 am
Eyelash extensions are a great beauty fix that is loved by all women. They can change your appearance with minimal effort.
It is the easiest way to look awake during those days you feel like you need to rest all day. But what do you do when you get irritated eyes after eyelash extensions?
Granted, they are a great beauty accessory, but they do have side effects just like any other foreign body or product you may introduce to your body. Just like face products can cause acne. Eyelash extensions can cause a reaction and give you bloodshot eyes.
Check this too: The Best Eyelash Glue for Sensitive Eyes
There are several things you can use to treat a chemical pink eye after an eyelash extension and relieve the discomfort;
Cold Compress
This will help to reduce the burning sensation as well as reduce the swelling. The cold compress will help to relax the blood vessels in your eyes, making the level of redness reduce over time.
Topical Hydrocortisone Cream
This cream will help to reduce the inflammation. It is an ideal solution if your eye hurts after eyelash extension. It is perfect for swollen red eyes as it means the skin is having a reaction, and the blood vessels in the eyes are dilated. The hydrocortisone will help to reverse this reaction.
Allergy Eye Drops
Allergy eye drops are formulated to whiten eyes, reduce any burning sensation you may be experiencing, as well as soothe your eyes. This is your best line of defense for bloodshot eyes. If this does not work, then consider using other methods mentioned.
Oral Antihistamine
If you are having an allergic reaction to the glue used or the eyelash extensions themselves. You can use oral antihistamines to curb the reaction. That may appear in the form of continuous eye-watering after eyelash extension.
Make sure you treat your eyes as soon as you start feeling any discomfort. At this point, you may use a cold compress o relax your eyes. In some cases, it may be the only thing you need to do, and you will be good to go.
If your eyes do not stop being bloodshot after two to three days, visit a doctor and remove the eyelash extensions.
It goes without saying that you should not get eyelash extensions if you are undergoing chemotherapy, have irritated or broken skin around your eyes, are allergic to eye beauty products or latex, have alopecia areata, or trichotillomania.
Also, make sure that your aesthetician uses surgical glue to attach the eyelash extensions. If you doubt the quality of the adhesive being used, do not allow them to carry on the procedure.
The area around your eyelashes should be cleaned thoroughly before the eyelash extensions are attached. And if you start experiencing any pain during the procedure, have the aesthetician stop immediately.
Why did my eye turn red after eyelash extensions?
Sometimes, the glue used to hold the eyelash extensions may drip onto the skin around your eyes and cause an allergic reaction. This may occur if you are sensitive to some ingredients in the glue or have sensitive skin.
The allergic reaction may lead to bloodshot eyes, itching, swelling, or weeping. And suppose the glue used is a no-name brand with questionable ingredients.
In that case, you may experience a chemical burn due to a reaction to poorly formulated products or using unsafe ingredients in copious amounts.
Below are the commonly used ingredients that may lead to bloodshot eyes;
- Latex – this is a common allergen, and it can lead to redness and puffiness.
- Formaldehyde – is commonly used as a preservative and disinfectant in most cosmetic products. It can cause contact dermatitis and anaphylactic reaction.
- Propylene glycol – this is an alcohol, and it can lead to an allergic reaction, especially in people with eczema or prone to contact dermatitis.
- Cellulose gum – this thickening agent, believe it or not, can cause an allergic reaction that can lead to anaphylactic shock.
- Benzoic acid – is another type of allergen that can cause skin redness and inflammation.
- Cyanoacrylates – this adhesive is used in some eyelash glues and may cause hives and other skin reaction symptoms such as skin burning.
- Geraniol – this essential oil may irritate the skin when used in a high concentration.
Note: Ensure you are not allergic to any of the allergenic ingredients listed above before using a lash extension glue that contains it.
How long does red eye last after eyelash extensions?
After initiating treatment, your eye should heal in a day or two. If eye redness persists longer than two to three days or if the allergic reaction becomes more severe, seek professional help from a doctor.
You should also remove the lashes immediately after the reaction to prevent further eye irritation.