Written by: Jill Health Team
Reviewed by: Sarah Bento De Sousa, PharmD RpH
In this guide, we’re diving into how to properly apply Latisse, a trusted eyelash growth serum. We’re covering everything from preparing for application to safety tips, like avoiding overuse and maintaining hygiene. We’ll also touch on the importance of consulting a physician before use and discuss potential side effects.
This article is perfect for us if we’re thinking about using Latisse to enhance our eyelashes and want to do it safely and effectively.
What is Latisse?
Latisse, a unique and effective liquid serum, is specifically designed for the growth of eyelashes. As a prescription-only product, it contains bimatoprost, an active ingredient that promotes hair growth.
Latisse stands out for its FDA-approved status, ensuring its safety and efficacy in enhancing the length, fullness, thickness, and darkness of eyelashes. Its potent and concentrated formula is intended exclusively for topical use on the eyelashes.
By adhering to a nightly routine, users can witness significant progress in the appearance of their lashes. For a deeper understanding of how Latisse works, you can explore the mechanisms behind Latisse’s effectiveness. Latisse represents an advanced option in beauty products, offering an alternative to treatments like laser hair removal for those seeking fuller, longer, and darker eyelashes.
How to Apply Latisse Step-by-Step?
Always make sure that your skin and eyes are clean before applying Latisse. Here are five simple steps to start with and always use your applicator correctly and apply them to your upper eyelids.
Step 1: Wash Your Hands, Remove All Makeup, and Wash Your Face
Initiate the Latisse application process by thoroughly cleaning your hands and face. This step is crucial to ensure a clean and sterile environment, eliminating any risks of contamination. Remove all makeup, especially from the eyes and eyelashes, and wash your face. This ensures that the eyelashes are free of any residue, allowing the Latisse serum to be applied directly to the base of the lashes for maximum effectiveness. For insights on optimizing the efficacy of Latisse, consider reading about how to make Latisse work faster.
Step 2: Prepare the Applicator
Latisse comes with a sterile, single-use applicator, essential for a precise and safe application. Each applicator is designed for one-time use only.
Open the Latisse bottle and carefully dispense one drop of the serum onto the applicator’s tip. The specialized applicators ensure an even and accurate distribution of the product along the lash line.
Step 3: Apply to Skin Using Applicator
Using the prepared applicator, gently apply Latisse to the skin at the base of the upper eyelashes. The serum should be applied with care, following the eyelid contour. It’s important to avoid applying Latisse on the lower eyelid to prevent unwanted hair growth in that area. The application should be done consistently as part of your daily routine, preferably at night, to achieve the best results. If you are in Toronto and looking to start this treatment, you might find it useful to know where to buy Latisse in Toronto.
Step 4: Blot Excess Solution to Prevent Running or Smudging
After applying Latisse, it’s important to blot away any excess solution with a tissue. This step helps to prevent the solution from running onto other areas of the skin or smudging, which could lead to unwanted hair growth or irritation.
Step 5: Dispose of The Applicator After One Use
Once the application is complete, dispose of the applicator to ensure hygiene. Latisse’s single-use applicators are designed to prevent bacteria and contamination, emphasizing the importance of using a fresh applicator for each application.
Safety Considerations on Applying Latisse
When applying Latisse, it’s essential to adhere to specific safety considerations to ensure effective and secure use. This section covers crucial aspects such as application techniques, awareness of potential side effects, and maintaining proper hygiene to maximize the benefits while minimizing risks.
Upper Eyelids Only
Latisse is intended solely for use on the upper eyelids. The precise application along the upper lash line ensures targeted treatment and reduces the risk of side effects or unintended hair growth.
Use the Provided Applicators
For safe and effective application, it’s crucial to use the sterile, specialized applicators included with Latisse. These applicators are designed to dispense the correct amount of serum and provide precise application.
Eye Sensitivity Awareness
Be cautious of eye sensitivity and irritation. If you experience redness, itching, or irritation, consult your physician. These symptoms could indicate an allergic reaction or sensitivity to the product.
Eyelid Skin Darkening
Some users may notice a darkening of the skin on the eyelids. This effect is typically reversible upon discontinuation of the product.
Eye Color Change
In rare cases, Latisse can lead to a permanent change in the color of the iris, especially for those with lighter eye colors. This side effect should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor.
Maintain Proper Hygiene
Maintaining proper hygiene during the application is paramount. Always wash your hands and face before use and use a fresh applicator for each eye to prevent the risk of infections.
For Contact Lens Wearers
Contact lens wearers should remove their lenses before applying Latisse and wait at least 15 minutes after application before reinserting them.
Effects of Discontinuation
Upon stopping the use of Latisse, eyelashes will gradually return to their original appearance. This change occurs over several weeks to months.
Discuss Allergies & Interactions
Before using Latisse, disclose any allergies or potential interactions with your current medications to your physician. This ensures safe usage without adverse reactions.
Pregnancy & Nursing
Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult their doctor before using Latisse, as its effects in these conditions are not fully known.
Avoid Overuse
Adhere to the prescribed usage to avoid overuse. Over-application of Latisse does not accelerate growth and can lead to side effects.
Proper Storage
Store Latisse in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to maintain its efficacy and shelf-life.
Potential Risks and Warnings of Using Latisse
When considering Latisse for eyelash growth, it’s important to be aware of its potential risks and warnings. This section provides a comprehensive overview of possible side effects, their frequency, and what to expect if you decide to stop using Latisse, including the return to pre-treatment eyelash condition.
Side Effects and How Common Are They?
Be aware of potential side effects like irritation, redness, edema, and changes in eye color. While these side effects are not common, they can occur and should be monitored.
What Happens When You Stop Using Latisse?
Discontinuing Latisse will result in eyelashes gradually returning to their pretreatment state. This reversal is a normal response and occurs over a period of weeks to months.
Key Takeaways
- Latisse, an effective eyelash growth serum, requires a prescription and careful application.
- Adherence to a nightly routine and proper hygiene are key for effective and safe use.
- Consult a physician before use and be aware of potential side effects, including eye sensitivity and skin darkening.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who Should Not Use Latisse?
Individuals with certain eye conditions, sensitivities, or allergies may be advised against using Latisse. Consultation with a physician is necessary to determine suitability.
Does Latisse Discolor the Eyes?
Although rare, Latisse can cause permanent changes in iris color, particularly in users with lighter eyes.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Typically, results from Latisse become visible after several weeks of consistent nightly application, with full effects noticeable after a few months. Patience and consistency are key to achieving desired results.
