Eyelash Enhancements
Many people complain about thin, pale, short, or otherwise poorly visible eyelashes. Long, dark thick eyelashes are considered a sign of beauty, and are thought to enhance the overall appearance of the eyes in most cultures. Thanks to the development of many modern eyelash products, such as LATISSE®, Mississauga and Toronto women now have options to enhance the appearance of lashes.
Over-the-Counter Eyelash Conditioners
Many topical agents that claim to improve the appearance of eyelashes have the advantage that they do not require a prescription. MD Lash Factor® and Obagi ELASTILash® are examples. Reviews of MD Lash Factor range from the very enthusiastic to less so, but it has the benefit of few if any negative side effects, and no real contraindications to its use. Where once it did contain prostaglandin, the key ingredient in a newly available product, LATISSE (see below), this element has been removed from the present day formulation, and its main ingredients now are mostly emollients, moisturizers and vitamins, such as panthenol, which are said to promote the appearance of longer, fuller, thicker lashes in as little as one week.
Obaji ELASTILash is a dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested product that is hypoallergenic and is safe for sensitive skin types and for those who wear contact lenses. ELASTILash contains a peptide compound that thickens the existing hairs and adds lustre and shine to the lashes over several weeks. It is applied nightly, on the upper lash, in a similar fashion to LATISSE. Toronto and Mississauga patients who have sensitivities or suffer from medical contraindications to other products such as LATISSE may find ELASTILash an alternative.
LATISSE®
The active ingredient in LATISSE is bimatoprost, a prostaglandin that has been shown to prolong the growth phase of hairs. LATISSE has been shown to lengthen, thicken and darken eyelashes in most people enrolled in large, scientifically rigorous studies overseen by physicians. It takes time – as long as 16 weeks – to see results with LATISSE. Toronto and Mississauga patients are encouraged to use LATISSE for a minimum of 2 months for this reason. LATISSE is applied nightly to the skin at the base of the lashes on the upper eyelid with the sterile applicators supplied. The skin should be cleaned of makeup, any night cream already applied, and contact lenses should be removed beforehand.
While side effects and contraindications to LATISSE are very few, it is important for Mississauga women to obtain LATISSE through a physician in order to ensure there are no medical contraindications and that side effects are understood. In studies, a small percentage of patients developed minor redness and irritation of the eyelid or eye, or dry eyes. A small number noted some darkening, or increase pigmentation on the upper eyelid. This resolved with discontinuation of the product. In a small percentage of patients using LUMIGAN® eyedrops for glaucoma, which also contains bimatoprost, pigment in the iris of the eye increased, and so it is a theoretical possibility in those using LATISSE. It is felt the risk of increase iris pigment is lower with LATISSE® as it is applied to the eyelid, not the eye like LUMIGAN. If pigment change occurs in the iris it may not reverse with discontinuation of the drug.
As mentioned, LATISSE is a prescription medication, and as such it cannot be purchased legally over the counter, online, at spas or department stores, but must be purchased from a medical clinic or central pharmacy.
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Eyelash Extensions
This is an option for individuals who prefer not to worry about applying a topical product on an ongoing basis. Eyelash extensions can be semi-permanent, or there are permanent surgical methods. Semi-permanent methods involve either the use of at-home kits, or a visit to an aesthetician trained in eyelash extensions. At-home kits tend to involve bunches or strips of lashes applied at once, and tend not to be as long-lasting. Those done in a salon usually involve individual application of lashes. It is important to have eyelash extensions done by a well-trained individual as strong glue is used which can damage skin or eyes if not used correctly. Both synthetic as well as natural animal hair lashes, such as mink, are used. The effect can last several weeks. Advantages include the ability to choose the desired length and degree of curl of the lashes. Local lid skin reactions and eye irritation are possible due to the glue that is used. People are discouraged from using eye makeup or heavy skin creams, as the oils in these products can erode the glue, as can excessive moisture from saunas or facials.
Eyelash transplant surgery involves harvesting suitable hair from another location of the body and carefully implanting it along the lash line. This requires several hours and is done with local anaesthetic by hair transplant surgeons. Side effects can include bruising and swelling in the lid area, and as is always the case with any surgery, infection or scarring is possible but very unlikely. It is an option for those individuals with permanent forms of alopecia in which the hair follicles no longer can grow hair, and in people with burns or scars that have permanently damaged hair follicles.
Eyelash Thickening Mascara
Of course, the commonest method of enhancing the appearance of eyelashes is with good old-fashioned mascara. Many mascaras today have improved formulations that condition the lashes and give a thicker appearance. The upside of mascara is simplicity of use, but the downside includes the need for constant reapplication, the limited improvement with very short, fair lashes, and the possibility of skin or eye irritation, as well as the appearance of "raccoon eyes" in individuals with oily complexions in whom the products tend to run. As with all skin care products, it's best to use a high quality, hypoallergenic choice, such as glō™minerals mascara, that adheres well to the lash, has a good quality applicator to avoid clumping, and a formulation that won't irritate skin or eyes.
