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Bimatoprost is an organic chemical compound that works similarly to the natural hormone prostaglandin. Bimatoprost is used in eye drops to lower the pressure in the eyeball and in cosmetics as a remedy for the growth of eyelashes and eyebrows.
What is bimatoprost and when is it used?
Bimatoprost is a synthetic prostamide, an organic chemical compound with the formula C25H37NO4. It is a derivative of prostaglandins and has a similar effect to them. Eye drops with bimatoprost are used to treat glaucoma, a disease involving, among other things, an increase in pressure in the eyeball. It has been observed that patients treated with bimatoprost eye drops during therapy have visibly thicker and more flexible eyelashes. This prompted scientists to research the effect of bimatoprost on the growth of hair around the eye, and it turned out that in fact – such a positive effect is. Therefore, bimatoprost began to be used as a conditioner for the growth of eyebrows and eyelashes.
How does bimatoprost work?
Bimatoprost eye drops lowers intraocular pressure. Used in conditioners to strengthen eyelashes and eyebrows, it accelerates their growth and makes them visibly thicker. Bimatoprost stimulates the growth of the eyelashes that frame the eye and improves their condition – eyelashes and eyebrows become not only thicker and stronger, but also shinier. Bimatoprost works by prolonging the active growth phase of the hairs surrounding the eye. By growing longer, eyelashes and eyebrows can become much larger. What’s more, bimatoprost has a positive effect on the pigmentation of the hair – they become not only thicker, but also darker, because this substance deepens their natural color. The effects of using bimatoprost are visible quite quickly, after about 3 weeks. After 8 weeks, the change is spectacular. Unfortunately, when we stop using conditioners with bimatoprost, eyebrows and eyelashes will return to their previous state quite quickly. Therefore, after achieving the desired effect, the conditioner should be used at least every other day.
How to safely use eyelash and eyebrow serums with bimatoprost?
As with any preparation, especially the one intended for the sensitive eye area, bimatoprost supplements should be used strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most of the bimatoprost products also contain plant extracts, oils, vitamins and peptides. Some of them also contain hyaluronic acid. These ingredients smooth and nourish eyelashes and eyebrows, giving them a shiny, healthy look. Bimtoprost supplements are usually used once a day, at night. They should be applied to a thoroughly cleansed face – on the upper lash line and on the eyebrows. Most of the conditioners come with a special applicator that facilitates the application of the preparation. Be careful not to let the conditioner get into the eye – if this happens, rinse your eyes immediately with plenty of water.
Undesirable effects when using preparations with bimatoprost
Some people may experience adverse effects after using bimatoprost, such as conjunctival hyperaemia, headache, photosensitivity, and even photophobia, watery eyes or a feeling of dryness in the eye. It happens especially when it gets into the eye while applying the conditioner on eyelashes and eyebrows. It should be remembered that bimatoprost is not neutral to the pressure in the eyeball and may cause unpleasant complications in a healthy person. The most serious complications after the use of preparations with bimatoprost include: conjunctivitis, eyelid margin inflammation, superficial keratitis, decreased power of vision and decreased visual acuity. There may also be a foreign body sensation in the eye and conjunctival swelling. Some time after using the bimatoprost supplement, retinal bleeding, uveitis or iritis may occur. The effect of the growth of eyebrows and eyelashes may also be different from the intended one – hair may appear in excess, giving the face an unsightly and grotesque look. Unfortunately, you have to wait some time for these changes to reverse after you stop using bimatoprost. Due to the side effects of using eyelash and eyebrow serums with bimatoprost, such preparations were withdrawn from sale in some countries. If any of the above-mentioned side effects occur during the use of preparations with bimatoprost, the treatment should be immediately discontinued and an ophthalmologist should be consulted. Preparations with bimatoprost should not be applied to irritated skin.