Regular use of eyelash extensions linked to skin mites, eye irritation and blocked glands

Eyelash extensions are an extremely popular cosmetic procedure among young women because they provide the appearance of longer and fuller eyelashes without the need for mascara. At the same time, there is growing evidence suggesting that this procedure may create problems on the surface of the eye, including irritation, dry eye symptoms, and meibomian gland dysfunction.

A study among young women who regularly have eyelash extensions has found most have tiny mites, called Demodex folliculorum, living on their lashes. These mites can cause a painful skin reaction called demodicosis.

The research, presented last week at the 44th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), also shows that many of the women have symptoms of eye irritation and most have problems with the tiny glands near the eyelashes, called meibomian glands, that produce an oily substance to prevent the eyes from drying out.
Among the women who had had eyelash extensions at least 10 times, researchers found most (85%) had signs of meibomian gland dysfunction. This means the glands were blocked or not producing the right oil to keep eyes hydrated.

It was also found that samples of eyelashes from 25 women who regularly had eyelash extensions, harboured Demodex folliculorum skin mites. In 18 of the women, there were signs of skin irritation typically caused by skin mites, including itching and irritation around the eyelids, redness, swelling, eyelashes sticking together, and scaly skin at the base of the lashes.

Researchers say that some simple hygiene steps, such as cleaning the eyelashes and treating mite infestation when needed, could make eyelash extensions much safer.
The findings do not suggest that people should completely avoid eyelash extensions. However, they highlight the importance of proper eyelid hygiene, awareness of symptoms and timely assessment when symptoms arise. For optimal care of eyelash extensions, the use of a preservative-free, hypoallergenic gel designed for therapeutic eyelid hygiene may be recommended twice daily using an eyelash cleansing brush. In individuals with confirmed Demodex infestation, a course of antiparasitic treatment may be considered.

https://www.escrs.org/channels/news/regular-use-of-eyelash-extensio...

How western consumption becomes the Global South's environmental nightmare

Exports of used textiles and electronics from industrialized countries often shift disposal, pollution and health burdens to Global South regions with limited waste-management capacity. Although reuse and repair create economic value, unsellable goods and hazardous e-waste concentrate harms locally. Circular economy systems require cross-border producer responsibility, funding and protections.

original article.

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Spectral observations at Sisyphi Cavi show no springtime water-ice signature near active gullies, while salts and clays occur elsewhere. CO2 geyser activity peaks before gully formation. The gullies are therefore most consistent with CO2 frost fluidization, in which sublimating gas lubricates debris-rich dry-ice flows that erode slopes.

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