Contains FDA-approved bimatoprost (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution, 0.03%) as well as lash fortifiers including clover and ginseng extracts. It’s a swipe-on serum that can be used on both lashes and brows.
This medically approved product was originally prescribed to glaucoma patients who found that it boosted their eyelashes. It’s a safe and effective way to achieve luscious lashes.
What is Lumigan/Latisse?
Latisse (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution, 0.03%) is a prescription medication that helps eyelashes grow longer, fuller and darker. It works by increasing the amount of lashes’ natural growth serum. The drug is applied directly to the upper eyelid, where it can help enhance lashes that appear shorter or sparse because of a medical condition called hypotrichosis.
The drug was originally marketed to treat glaucoma but its effect on eyelashes prompted Allergan, the company that makes it, to market it as a cosmetic product. It has since gained a cult following, helped along by a well-placed Brooke Shields advertisement and the fact that it doesn’t require a doctor’s visit or prescription to buy.
Possible side effects include itching and red eyes. The drug can also cause the iris to darken with more brown pigment, but this is expected to reverse after several weeks to months of discontinuing use. The drug is prone to contamination, so do not reuse the single-use applicator or let the tip touch anything other than your eyelids.
How to use
If you want to grow longer and thicker eyelashes, try a prescription serum. These products contain the FDA-approved formula bimatoprost 0.3mg/ml, which stimulates hair follicles to make your eyelashes grow longer and darker. Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analogue that was developed to treat eyelashes problems like hypotrichosis, but it also works as a lash enhancer.
Apply a thin layer of the serum to your upper eyelid every night. Do not use it on the lower lid, as it can block ducts or cause irritation. Use the serum as directed to get the best results.
You should see your eyelashes grow longer and fuller in about 12 weeks. You can also buy a lash boost serum, which is formulated with vitamins and other ingredients to help your lashes look healthy. Make sure to choose a product with no parabens or other irritating ingredients. Avoid using a lash oil that contains petroleum, as it can clog ducts and cause irritation.
Side effects
Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analogue and works by lengthening the anagen phase (which is when hairs grow). As such, it has been proven to increase eyelash length, thickness and darkness by reactivating and stimulating your own hair follicles.
It is licensed in the USA under the brand name Latisse for glaucoma, however it is also used off label in the UK as an eyelash serum. Latisse is made by Allergen and contains the active ingredient Bimatoprost 0.03%.
A common side effect of this product is irritated eyes and red eyelids which can usually be managed with a cold compress or some non-ophthalmic topical drops. The other concern is that it can cause a change in the pigmentation of your iris colour if used long-term, which can be particularly noticeable in blue eyes. This is because it increases melanin pigmentation around the area where it is often applied – on the eyelid. If you are concerned about this, consider trying a natural growth serum instead, such as ForLash which is completely safe for your eyes and has no synthetic PGA ingredients.
Dosage
The serum contains the active ingredient Bimatoprost 0.03%, which is an FDA approved prescription for eyelash growth. It’s clinically proven to increase lash length, thickness and darkness. It also provides sheen and luster to the lashes.
This is a prostaglandin analogue that was originally used to treat glaucoma. It was discovered that the eyelash enhancing properties were an unintended side effect of its use. It can be purchased with a prescription in the US under the name Latisse and is currently being tested by the MHRA for its availability in the UK.
It’s important that you follow the instructions for using it. The recommended dosage is one drop each night on the base of your upper eyelid before you go to bed. There are a few medicines that can affect how well it works, so tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of these. It is safe to use this medication during pregnancy.bimatoprost eyelash serum uk
