Eyelash Conditioning Treatment

Eyelash conditioners strengthen lashes and encourage growth.

Eyelash conditioning treatments are used to strengthen lashes. Strengthening the lashes promotes growth and improves lash thickness. Options on the market range from prescription-strength formulas to drugstore-brand staples. Although active ingredients may vary from product to product, several common ingredients are used to encourage lash growth.

Bimataprost

Bimataprost is the active ingredient in prescription lash-growth serum Latisse. As of June 2010, Latisse is the only prescription drug of its kind available in the U.S. market. Bimataprost is a fatty lipid that was originally used in the glaucoma drug Lumigan, as it decreases pressure in the eye to treat the disease. Glaucoma patients taking Lumigan reported a side effect of increased eyelash hair growth. Drug company Allergan released Latisse as a result. Latisse encourages lash growth by allowing lashes to endure a longer life cycle and spurring new lash growth from the lid. Latisse is applied to the eyelid along the lashline using an included applicator that slightly resembles a nail polish brush.

Vitamin Complexes

Vitamins work on the lashes like hair conditioner; they provide increased strength, reduced breakage, and help the hair to grow longer because they're healthier and not breaking off. ProVitamin B5 is a common healthy-hair ingredient in shampoos and conditioners, and is often used in eyelash conditioners. Brands that contain vitamins include B. Kamins Eyelash Fortifier and Neova Advanced Essential Eyelash Conditioner.

HydroPlant Peptide

If you want to help lashes without the aid of chemicals, go the natural route. Cosmetics brand Tarte released in 2009 MultiplEYE, is made from natural ingredients. The proprietary blend contains soy and amino acid proteins that fortify lashes. The blend is infused with cellulose, a plant-derived thickening agent, and vitamin C. In clinical trials, subjects noticed a 152 percent change in the appearance of lash length after six weeks; 100 percent of subjects reported an increase in the appearance of lash length; 100 percent of subjects reported an increase in lash health and strength; and 90 percent of subjects reported an increase in lash thickness. This comes in a mascara-like tube and the applicator looks like a liquid eyeliner pen.

Pricing

Eyelash conditioning treatments generally fall into four price categories: prescription, luxury, mid-range and inexpensive. Latisse--the only prescription lash-growth enhancer available in U.S. markets--is not covered under most insurance plans, and a one-month supply averages $120 as of 2010. Examples of luxury lash brands are Peter Thomas Roth Lashes to Die For and LiLash. These cost anywhere from $80 to $150. Mid-range products, like Tarte MultiplEYE, fall anywhere between $50 to $90. Drugstore brands like L'Oreal Double Extend Lash-Boosting Serum and Ardell Lash and Brow Growth Accelerator are the most inexpensive options.

Health and Safety Issues

Certain brands use prostaglandin in their formulas. Prostaglandin is a derivative of bimataprost, the active ingredient in prescription lash-growth drug Latisse. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) claims that prostaglandin and bimataprost are safe for human use, but caution that side effects such as discoloration or change in color of the iris, and darkening of the skin on the eyelids have been reported. Another product, Jan Marini Age Intervention Eyelash Conditioner, contained prostaglandin, and was subsequently withdrawn from the U.S. market; it was later reintroduced with a different formulation. Products containing this ingredient should be used with care, and results should be monitored. Discontinue use if you are dissatisfied or experience any side effects.

References

• Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery: Latisse Eyelash Growth
• Eyelash Conditioners: B. Kamins Eyelash Fortifier