What is Careprost?
Careprost is an eyelash growth serum used to treat hypotrichosis (not having enough or inadequate eyelashes). The active ingredient in Careprost (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) is bimatoprost 0.03%. Bimatoprost 0.03% was approved by the FDA for treating people with inadequate or too few lashes, resulting in longer, fuller, and darker eyelash growth.
How it was discovered?
Allergan developed a medicated eye drop in 2001 to treat ocular hypertension (glaucoma). A side effect was also discovered as a result of this treatment - patients began to grow longer, fuller, and darker lash growth. In response to this, Allergan began studying the active ingredient as a treatment for hypotrichosis (inadequate or not enough eyelashes). After a clinical trial, Latisse was released, and in December 2008, the FDA approved Latisse as a eyelash growth treatment to grow thicker, darker eyelashes.
What's the difference between Latisse and Careprost?
Latisse is manufactured by Allergan and contains the active ingredient Bimatoprost 0.03%. Sun Pharma manufactures Careprost and contains the active ingredient Bimatoprost 0.03%. Their only difference is the price. Latisse is much more expensive than Careprost, as it is a brand name, whereas Careprost is a generic name for bimatoprost 0.03%. Latisse and Careprost both contain the same active ingredient (Bimatoprost 0.03%). Therefore, your results with Careprost will be exactly the same as you would get from Latisse.
How it works to grow hair?
It is believed that Bimatoprost 0.03% growth serum affects the growth (anagen) phase of the eyelash hair cycle in two ways: first, it lengthens the period in which eyelash hairs are growing, and second, it increases the number of hairs that are growing in this stage.
How effective is Careprost?
278 participants were recruited for a clinical study conducted at 16 sites across the United States. These participants were a mix of women and men, ranging from 22 to 78 years old, with a variety of backgrounds and different eye colors. At 4-week intervals throughout each participant's 16-week treatment program, the participants were photographed and evaluated at each 4-week interval to evaluate whether or not there were any differences in the length, thickness, and number of eyelashes at the end of the 16-week study. According to the results of the study, 78% of participants who took Bimatoprost 0.03% for a period of 16 weeks found it to be effective for eyelash growth.
How is Careprost Bimatoprost administered?
It is recommended that Careprost is only applied to the base of the upper lashes. The product should not be applied to the lower eyelids. There is a possibility hair growth may occur in areas of the skin where Careprost solution is applied. Therefore, to avoid unwanted hair growth, it is important to apply Careprost only to the base of the upper eyelashes using the applicator brush included. The excess Careprost should be blotted from the margin of the eyelid to avoid it running onto your face, cheeks, or other areas of your skin.
There is no need to increase the dosage if you have missed one, or perhaps a few, applications. The next night, make sure you apply the Careprost treatment and follow the schedule as usual.
The Careprost solution is applied along the base of the upper eyelashes, along the lash line with an applicator brush. There is a warning on the container that it should not be used in the eyes, but if you get a little bit into your eyes, you do not have to rinse them.
How long before you see results?
Careprost users may notice eyelash growth after 4 weeks, and full growth may take up to 16 weeks. So, to achieve the full effects of Careprost, you should use it daily for 16 weeks to achieve the best results.
You apply Careprost solution to the base of your upper eyelashes once a day at the end of the day, each evening before you go to bed. To prevent excess hair growth outside the treatment area, do not apply anywhere other than the base of your lower lashes.
Your eyelashes are expected to return to their previous appearance over several weeks or months after you stop using Careprost. So, continued use is required to maintain your desired look.
Can I use Careprost if I wear contact lenses?
It is safe to use Careprost if you wear contact lenses. Before applying the Careprost solution to the base of your lower eyelashes, you shouldn't be wearing contact lenses. 15 minutes after you use the Careprost solution, you can insert the contact lenses.
Potential Side Effects
The potential side effects of using Bimatoprost 0.03% solution are mild. In some cases, people may experience itching sensations and/or redness in their eyes. This was reported as a side effect in 4% of patients in the study.
As well as the side effects mentioned above, Bimatoprost 0.03% solution may cause other less common side effects that may appear on the skin around the area where Bimatoprost 0.03% is applied or in the eyes. In some cases, these symptoms may manifest as skin darkening, eye irritation, dryness of the eyes, and redness of the eyelids. In some cases, Bimatoprost 0.03% can cause hair growth in other areas of your skin where it has been touched frequently. To prevent this, excess solution outside the upper eyelid margin should be blotted away with a tissue or another absorbent material.
Who shouldn't use Careprost?
Careprost 0.03% solution should not be used if you are allergic to one of its ingredients. Careprost 0.03% solution are: Active ingredient: bimatoprost. Inactive ingredients: benzalkonium chloride; sodium chloride; sodium phosphate, dibasic; citric acid; and purified water. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may be added to adjust pH. The pH during its shelf life ranges from 6.8 – 7.8.
Storage instructions
The Careprost eye drops should be stored in a cool place where the temperature stays below 25°C at all times, as well as always replacing the bottle cap to prevent contamination. The bottle of Careprost eye drops should be discarded four weeks after it has been opened.
Conclusion
Careprost Bimaotprost 0.03% is an FDA approved eyelash growth treatment. Clinical trials have shown it to be effective at growing longer, thicker lashes.