Most women have wished, at some point in their lives, for longer, thicker eyelashes. This desire is often fueled by celebrities and images on social media with false eyelashes gazing out from hundreds of selfies. As a result, myths about how to grow eyelashes abound. You may have heard everything from putting Vaseline on your lashes to make them grow to pamper them with natural oils to strengthen them. Specialized lash brushes and trimmers are available in stores and online, but does any of this work? For most women, the answer is no.
Just like your hair texture or eye color, the state of your lashes is largely determined by your genetics. Also, just like the hair on your head, lashes go through a life cycle of growth, fallout, and regeneration. How fast your lashes move through that cycle, how thick they are, and how long they can grow on their own are all coded into your DNA. Environmental factors take a toll too. Eye makeup and facial cleaners can sometimes damage your lashes, and many women have experienced accidentally pulling out their lashes with a curler or similar tool.
How Latisse Works
While the mythical cures around eyelash growth probably won’t work for you, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Latisse is a solution with demonstrated results that can help you get fuller, thicker lashes. So how does it work? Latisse is a prescription treatment for people with very thin or insufficient eyelashes. It extends the growth cycle of the individual lashes and encourages more to grow.
When you purchase Latisse, it comes with sterile applicators. You dab the liquid onto the upper lash line, and as s you blink, it spreads to the lower lash line. Of course, you want to avoid getting it into your eyes, and your face should be clean and dry before you apply the Latisse. If you wear contacts, you will want to take them out. Once you’re done with the application, throw away the applicators to prevent infection from reuse. Also, be careful not to let the Latisse touch other parts of the body as an increase in hair growth may occur in the area it touches.
Most Latisse users report improvement after two months of use. Your doctor may have you switch to application every other day instead of every day after three to four months of use. If you decide to stop using Latisse, your lashes will return to their natural state over time. Since it is a drug, your use of Latisse must be prescribed and monitored by a physician or other healthcare provider.
Take note that, while Latisse is safe for most people, it does have some side effects, and it’s not right for everyone. The most common side effects were redness at the application site and itchy eyes. In clinical trials, a few participants noted darkening of the eyelid skin and dry eyes. The manufacturer noted that brown pigmentation of the iris is possible and may be permanent, though it did not happen with study participants.
You should not use Latisse if:
- You have some kind of eye problems, such as uveitis or conjunctivitis
- You are at risk for macular edema
- You are allergic to any of the ingredients or have severe allergies
- You have an infection of the upper lids
- You are pregnant or nursing
Where Do I Start?
If Latisse sounds like something you want to try, contact Dr. Catherine Vanderloos, MD for more information. She can answer all your questions and discuss all facets of using Latisse, including any contraindications with other drugs you take or health conditions you have. Once you have all the information, you can decide if Latisse is right for you. If so, then let Dr. Vanderloos get you on your way to the Hollywood lashes you’ve dreamed about.
