What You Need to Know About UV Lash Extensions

UV-Cured Lash Extensions

What is it?

A technique that uses UV light to cure the adhesive of eyelash extensions.

How much UV light is used?

5 watts of UV light is applied to each lash for about 2 seconds. For 100 lashes, the total exposure time averages 3 minutes per eye.

Is it better than traditional extensions?

UV-cured lashes can last up to 3 weeks, similar to traditional lashes. UV curing reduces application time and exposure to cyanoacrylate fumes. However, UV light exposure to delicate eyelid skin poses a risk of fine lines and wrinkles, skin cancer, reactivation of dormant viruses, and early cataract development.

Minimize Risk

1. LED: Inquire if your lash technician is using LED light or UV light to cure the adhesive. LED light reduces curing time and generally causes less damage compared to traditional UV lamps due to reduced total exposure time.

2. UV-blocking Tape: Request UV blocking tape or lash pads to add an extra layer of UV protection. Also be sure to keep your eyes completely closed during the entire treatment to protect your eyeballs from direct UV exposure that may cause cataracts.

Photo credit: https://www.xtremelashes.com/tweezers-and-tools/Flash-Cure-UV-Lash-Extension-Light

3. Sunscreen: Apply an even layer of SPF 30+ to your eyelids and surrounding skin at least 30 minutes before your treatment. This will provide an extra layer of UV protection to minimize fine lines, wrinkles, and skin damage.

UV Discussion: Why Care?

Frequent or long-term UV exposure to delicate eyelid skin and eyes can increase risks of fine lines and wrinkles, skin cancer, reactivation of dormant viruses, and early scar and cataract development. Traditionally, UV light has been shown clinically shown to cause scar tissue formation on the whites of our eyes, called pinguecula or pterygium.

It is important to be informed and take precautionary measures when exploring new beauty techniques as long-term cumulative exposure to chemicals or harmful light can have long-lasting effects on our eye health.

Photo credit: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/pterygium?sso=y

Written by midwestern intern, Thuy Trang Vu