It may come as a surprise, but the same medication used to treat glaucoma can help your eyelashes look more noticeable. If your doctor writes you a prescription for this medication, you can enjoy longer and thicker lashes.
Eyelash serum can help you grow your eyelashes, but how do you use it? Continue reading to learn more about eyelash serum, including what it is, how it works, and how you can use it safely.
What Is Eyelash Serum?
Eyelash serum is also known as the brand Latisse, a medication used to treat inadequate eyelashes. The original use of the medication was to treat glaucoma, but many users noticed it also helped their eyelashes grow. After discovering this, eyelash serum was officially developed.
How Does Eyelash Serum Work?
The ingredient used in eyelash serum, bimatoprost, helps the eyelashes grow. This ingredient is similar to a natural chemical in the body. Eyelash serum helps your lashes become longer, thicker, and darker with time.
You apply this medication to your eyelid daily or as directed by your doctor. It can take up to 2 months for the full benefits of eyelash serum to become noticeable. When stopping this medication, you can expect the appearance of your lashes to return to their original state.
Each eyelash can have differences in length, thickness, fullness, or direction of growth. Speak with your doctor if you experience these types of results.
Is Eyelash Serum Safe?
The only approved eyelash serum available is Latisse, a medication your doctor can prescribe. While over-the-counter options for eyelash growth exist, these serums aren’t medically approved.
Prescription eyelash serum is safe for use, but a bad reaction to this medication is possible. You use an applicator to draw this serum onto your lashes. Using an applicator can help avoid potential complications, but side effects may still occur.
Someone may experience:
- Red, dry, or itchy eyes
- Eye & eyelid swelling or irritation
- Darkening of the eyelid skin
- Brown pigment in the iris of the eye
- Allergic reactions
While these side effects can be annoying, most of them should go away after stopping eyelash serum use. The brown pigment in the iris can persist.
Contact your doctor if you experience any of these negative reactions. They can determine if continuing this medication is a good decision.
How to Use Eyelash Serum Safely
Make sure to read about this medication before you begin to use it. Use your eyelash serum once a day in the evening or as directed by your doctor. Don’t use this medication more than recommended—it won’t provide faster results.
You can safely apply eyelash serum by doing the following:
- Wash your hands & face
- Remove any makeup you’re wearing & your contact lenses
- Place one drop of the serum onto the provided applicator
- Draw the applicator carefully across the skin of the upper eyelid margin, moving from the inner part of your lash line to the outer part
- Blot any excess solution that has gone past the intended area & throw away the applicator
- Grab a new applicator & repeat this process on the other eye
Don’t rinse your eye if any medication enters it—there is a low chance of harm occurring. The ingredient used in eyelash serum is the same medication prescribed for glaucoma management.
It’s essential to avoid contamination when using eyelash serum. Don’t let the medication dropper touch the eyelashes or another surface, and keep the medication’s cap tightly sealed.
You should use this medication regularly to receive the most benefit from it. You can help yourself remember by using this medication at the same time every evening.
What You Should Know About Using Eyelash Serum
Eyelash serum can help you achieve longer and fuller lashes, but there is the risk of a potential bad reaction. These serums may not be for everyone, so ensure you speak with your optometrist if you’re interested in eyelash serum. They can determine if this medication is right for your needs.
Here are a few things you should know about eyelash serum if you want to use this product:
- Don’t use eyelash serum if you have conjunctivitis, macular edema, or uveitis
- Don’t let the applicator touch your eyeball or another surface to avoid contamination
- Take out your contact lenses before using the serum & wait 15 minutes before placing them back in—your lenses may absorb the eyelash serum
Check with your optometrist if you’re receiving treatment for glaucoma. Your current medications may sharpen bimatoprost’s side effects.
Remember that while over-the-counter options for eyelash serum exist, the ingredients used inside are different. These non-prescription serums don’t feature bimatoprost. Latisse is the only prescription eyelash serum currently available in Canada.
Ask Your Doctor About Eyelash Serum
Eyelash serum can help you improve the appearance of your lashes, but there are risks to consider. Speaking with your eye doctor can help you weigh the pros and cons of this medication. They can address any questions or concerns you may have. Contact your optometrist if you have questions regarding eyelash serum.
