Bimatoprost for Eyebrow Hair Growth
Non-medical use of Lumigan, Careprost preparations based on Bimatoprost
Bimatoprost is a synthetic prostamide, a structural analog of prostaglandin F2a, originally developed and widely used in ophthalmology to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Its mechanism of action is based on a selective effect on prostamide receptors present in the tissues of the eye. As a result of this effect, the outflow of intraocular fluid increases, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure. However, in addition to its main medical use, bimatoprost has found unexpected applications in a completely different field – aesthetic cosmetology.
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Eyelash Growth Effect: an unexpected side effect
Initially, increased eyelash growth was seen as a side effect in patients using bimatoprost for the treatment of glaucoma. The eyelashes grew longer, thicker, and darker. This effect was so pronounced that it attracted the attention of cosmetologists and manufacturers of cosmetic products. Subsequently, bimatoprost was approved for use as a cosmetic product used to stimulate eyelash growth. The commercial name of the first such drug is Lumigan, Careprost, Latisse. The principle of action of bimatoprost in this case is based on the prolongation of the anagen phase (growth phase) of the eyelash hair follicles and an increase in the number of hair follicles passing into this phase.
Eyebrow Hair Growth
Similar to the effect on eyelashes, bimatoprost can stimulate eyebrow hair growth. In people with sparse or thin eyebrows, the use of bimatoprost can lead to an increase in the density and thickness of the eyebrows. The principle of operation here is the same as in the case of eyelashes – prolonging the growth phase of hair follicles and stimulating the activity of “dormant” follicles. Self-administration of drugs originally intended for the treatment of glaucoma in the eyebrow area carries risks of undesirable side effects and is strongly discouraged. There are specially developed cosmetics based on bimatoprost, designed specifically for eyebrows.
Reviews
Bimatoprost has proven effective in stimulating the growth of eyelashes and eyebrows, which makes it an attractive component of cosmetics.
Consumer reviews: from enthusiastic to disappointed – an analysis of consumer reviews reveals an ambiguous picture. Among them, one can find both enthusiastic ones, describing a significant increase in the length and thickness of eyelashes, and sharply negative ones, indicating the absence of a visible effect or even the occurrence of side effects such as redness of the eyelids, itching and irritation. It is important to understand that the effectiveness of the product may depend on the individual characteristics of the body, the type of eyelashes, hormonal background and other factors.
Prostaglandins, originally used in drugs for the treatment of glaucoma, accidentally showed the effect of eyelash growth, but their use in cosmetics is controversial due to possible side effects.