How to Grow Thick and Dark Eyelashes?

Women use mascaras, artificial eyelashes, and a lot of other cosmetic products to make their eyelashes look long, thick, and dark, as prominent eyelashes are considered a sign of beauty. Due to the unique properties of eyelashes like the long resting stage of the hair growth cycle, slow growth rate, no influence of androgens, and its location so close to the eyes, hair growth methods used for scalp hair cannot be used for eyelashes. In 2008, the FDA approved Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution, which is used as an eyelash grower. The brand name for this solution is Latisse.

What Is Bimatoprost Eye Solution (Latisse)?

Bimatoprost was first used to treat glaucoma and was sold under the brand name Lumigan. The buildup of pressure in the eye that can result in blindness is called glaucoma. Glaucoma patients using Bimatoprost eye solution noticed that eyelashes became thicker and longer after a few months. The prostaglandin analog, which is the active ingredient in Bimatoprost solution was found to have this effect on the eyelashes. This led to the development of eyelash growth serum Latisse.

How to Use Latisse?

Use this medicine only after consulting your doctor. Read the information leaflet properly before using this medicine. It is usually applied once daily in the evening. The steps to apply this solution are:

1. Wash and dry your hands and face properly before using the medicine.

2. Remove contact lenses before application, as it can change the color of the lenses permanently. The lenses can be reinserted after 15 minutes.

3. Take a drop of the solution on the applicator, and carefully draw the applicator across the upper eyelid at the bottom of the eyelashes.

4. The excess solution should be blotted with a clean tissue.

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5. Always use a new applicator for each eye. Throw away the applicator after a single use.

Do not use this medication on the lower eyelid. Do not panic if the medicine gets inside the eye, as it is also used to treat eye conditions. It may take a couple of months for you to notice any difference in your eyelashes.

How Does Latisse Work?

The process by which prostaglandin analog thickens and darkens the eyelashes is not fully understood. Like the hair on any other part of your body, eyelashes grow for a while and then fall out. Latisse is found to increase the growth phase and the number of hair follicles. But as soon as you stop using it, the eyelashes go back to how being thin and light like before.

Is Latisse Effective?

People notice a difference in the length and thickness of the eyelashes after two months of nighttime use. After this, the doctor might suggest you use it every two days. A 16-week study showed the following results:

• 25 % increase in eyelash length.

• 106 % increase in thickness.

• 18 % increase in darkness.

What Are the Precautions to Be Taken Before Using Latisse?

This medicine should be used with care or is contraindicated in a few conditions. So, inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Bimatoprost allergy or any other drug allergy.

• Glaucoma.

• Macular edema.

• Iritis.

• Uveitis.

• Lens extraction.

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

What Are the Side Effects of Latisse?

Some of the possible side effects are:

• Redness of eyes.

• Dry eyes.

• Eyelid irritation.

• Eye infection (Reusing the applicator).

• Itchy eyes.

• Darkening of eyelid skin.

• Unwanted hair growth around the eyes if the medicine drips during application.

• Color of the iris becomes darker.

Except for the iris becoming darker, the rest of the side effects go away once you stop using the drug. To reduce side effects, follow the proper method to use the drug.

Some home remedies to get longer eyelashes are by applying petroleum jelly, green tea, olive oil with lemon, castor oil, aloe vera, and gently massage your lash line. This along with Latisse will help you get beautiful long lashes.