Latisse Eyelash Serum: Uses, Side Effects, and Tips

Long, luscious eyelashes are considered a sign of beauty. Consequently, inadequate eyelashes (the medical term for this is hypotrichosis) can be a source of self-consciousness for many people. There are several ways to get longer and thicker eyelashes. Today, we’ll be talking about Latisse, an FDA-approved treatment for hypotrichosis.

Please keep reading to find out what it is, how it works, and whether Latisse can give you fuller lashes. This article will also point out some of the potential side effects of Latisse so you can watch out for them. Finally, we’ll give you tips on using Latisse properly and safely.

What is Latisse eyelash serum?

Latisse eyelash serum is a prescription treatment approved by the FDA. It is used to treat insufficient or inadequate eyelashes. Latisse is a once-a-day treatment that contains the active ingredient bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%. Applying one drop of Latisse at the lash line of the upper eyelashes can give you longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes.

How does it work?

The exact mechanism of how Latisse works is unclear. However, scientists believe that the active ingredient in Latisse solution (bimatoprost) increases eyelash length and gives you darker and thicker lashes by prolonging the duration of the anagen (hair growth) phase. Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analogue that affects hair follicle function.

Is Latisse available over the counter? Do you need a prescription for Latisse?

You need a doctor’s prescription for Latisse. The main ingredient in Latisse, bimatoprost, is also present in Lumigan, an eye drop used to treat glaucoma (eye pressure problems).

In fact, Latisse was discovered by chance. Patients who were using bimatoprost for glaucoma found that it could grow eyelashes and make them longer, thicker, and darker. Latisse was born as a result of this discovery. It is made by Allergan, the company that made Botox a household name.

Does Latisse eyelash serum work?

As mentioned, Latisse solution contains the same ingredient used to treat certain eye conditions. However, it is a relatively new treatment for eyelash growth. Clinical trials have shown promising early results. Nearly 8 out of 10 people who used Latisse saw a significant difference with darker, longer, thicker lashes. The manufacturer Allergan reports that lashes are up to 106% fuller, 25% longer, and 18% darker after using Latisse.

It’s important, however, to understand that in order to achieve these long lashes, you must be patient; the results do not appear instantly. With Latisse application, lashes grow over a period of several weeks, so you should be prepared to see results gradually. You will likely notice some lash growth after four weeks and a noticeable difference from your previous appearance. However, you will get the full effect of Latisse eyelash serum after 16 weeks of use.

Studies have also found that Latisse can promote hair growth in other areas. For example, this medication can also promote new growth in the eyebrows.

What are the side effects of Latisse eyelash growth serum?

The most common side effects of Latisse are dry, red, itchy eyes and darkening of the eyelids. However, these side effects usually go away after you have used the product for some time.

One of the well-known facts about Latisse that may deter some people from using this product is that it can change the color of the irises (the colored part of your eyes). Is it true? Yes, Latisse can change eye color; however, this risk is very small, especially if you apply the drops correctly. This side effect is much more significant only when bimatoprost (the active ingredient of Latisse) is applied directly into the eyes to treat glaucoma.

Also, if you have brown eyes or pure blue eyes, you don’t have to worry about this side effect! Why? Bimatoprost increases the size of melanin granules in your eyes; brown eyes already have a large amount of melanin while blue eyes do not have any melanin at all, so Latisse’s ability to increase the size of melanin particles only affects those with mixed-colored or hazel eyes.

Is Latisse eyelash serum safe?

Latisse is an FDA-approved prescription treatment that contains a prostaglandin analog called bimatoprost. It can safely and effectively give you longer, fuller, and darker eyelashes.

Keep in mind that if you have glaucoma and already use other medications to treat this eye problem, talk to your primary care doctor or an ophthalmologist before using Latisse. Using Latisse with other glaucoma eye drops such as latanoprost and travoprost may worsen the side effects since they all belong under the same drug class.

It is worth noting that Latisse is safer than many over-the-counter serums that contain a synthetic prostaglandin analog called isopropyl cloprostenate. These serums are not FDA approved, and their safety and efficacy are unknown.

Latisse vs. lash extensions: Which is right for me?

Another common way to get new lashes is lash extensions. However, extensions can be expensive and are associated with risks such as pulling out your natural lashes or causing infections. However, the advantage of eyelash extensions is that they offer instant results.

Remember that you’ll need to undergo a medical evaluation by a doctor to determine if you are a good candidate before Latisse is prescribed. This product is not recommended if you have eye health issues like glaucoma or frequent eye infections. Also, remember that it will take a few weeks to notice longer, thicker, darker lashes with Latisse. However, the results are much more natural, and you grow real lashes.

How to use Latisse for eyelash growth and darker lashes?

Here are some tips on using eyelash growth serums:

Latisse eyelash serum is FDA approved for people over the age of 18 years. Those under age 18 should not use this product.
You should not use Latisse if you have a medical history of eye problems, have recently undergone eye surgery, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
This is a prescription treatment. Do not use someone else’s Latisse.
If you wear contact lenses, be sure to take them out before applying Latisse. Wait for 15 minutes after you apply Latisse before putting your contact lenses back on.
Call your prescribing healthcare provider without delay if you develop new eye problems, such as a sudden decrease in vision while using Latisse.
Remove any eye makeup and make sure your eyelashes and eyelids are clean and dry before Latisse application.
Use the sterile, disposable Latisse applicator. Do not apply Latisse with a cotton swab.
Do not reuse the disposable Latisse applicator.
Do not allow the bottle tip to come in contact with anything, as this can lead to contamination and serious eye infections.
Apply one drop of Latisse solution to your lash line carefully per package instructions.
Use Latisse nightly for best results.
Don’t overuse Latisse, as this can increase your risk of eye irritation, redness, and other side effects.
If you miss a dose, apply Latisse at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not apply two doses to make up for a missed dose.
Take pictures every 4 weeks to chart your progress in achieving longer, fuller, darker lashes.