Will Using Latisse Cause my Entire Eyelid to Darken?

Latisse can darken and/or redden the skin in the area where it is applied, but it's temporary and will go away after you stop using it.

Thank you for your question.

Quick Answer: Eyelid discoloration from Latisse can occur where the product has come into repeated contact with the skin.

In our San Francisco Bay Area practice we have many patients that use Latisse and we discuss this possible side effect prior to beginning its use with all patients. If skin discoloration does occur when using Latisse it is typically temporary and is expected to go away once the product is no longer used. Generally speaking it takes about two months for the changes to be reversed.

I hope this helps.

Latisse can cause temporary darkening of skin if it is applied directly to the area repeatedly. If you use it carefully and do not get it beyond the lash margin (where eyeliner is applied) it should not darken your skin. We recommend (off label) that a very fine eyeliner brush be used instead of the disposable brushes that come with the Latisse kit to reduce the amount of product that can get on the surrounding skin.

Latisse can cause darkening of the eyelids. This is usually reversible once the medication is stopped.

Some patients have noticed a darkening of the skin where Latisse is applied. This is due to an increase in the melanin production at that area. When applying Latisse, it is important to follow the directions precisely. Apply it directly to the base of the lashes. Make sure to use the given applicators in the package as they allow for precise application (do not use a Q-tip or cotton gauze). If you do experience skin darkening, it will resolve over time if you stop using Latisse.

If you use the product as instructed, you should not see any darkening past the area of application. However, you should be sure your eyelids are dry and you have not applied gels or moisturizers to the eyelid as this could potentially allow some product spread.

Best bet? Cleanse your eyes with a water soluble cleanser that does not leave residue and be sure your eyelids are completely dry. Then apply the Latisse as instructed in the product packaging.

The reason for the brush applicators is to allow precise application of Latisse just to the base of the lashes, and that is the only place where the skin may darken. If it is applied carefully, it will not spread this effect beyond the lash line. With blinking, some is transferred to the lower lash line, and darkening may occur here also.
The large blotchy darkening that is talked about is from patients who used Lumigan for glaucoma as an eye drop, which is the same medication. In these patients, some of the medication was blinked out onto the entire lid area, and in some cases caused a darkening around the eye over a larger area.
Fortunately, even if this happens, the effect on the skin is temporary and will fade with time once the medication is discontinued.

Hello Hoosier, thanks for your great question.
Latisse in some cases may cause darkening of the skin, but that darkening will only be localized to the area the medication comes directly in contact with. Hence, it is best to limit it to the base of the lashes only, and to blot excess fluid with a tissue to minimize any untoward side effects.

You may experience temporary skin discoloration along your lash line where the product is applied. This discoloration is temporary and will disappear when you discontinue using this product. This side effect only occurs for some people. Best of luck!

I have seen a few patients, who are using Latisse, who develop a subtle darkening right above the eyelash line. There are two reasons for this. The first is a mild (temporary) pigment change in the skin right along the lash line where the Latisse is placed. The other is, as the lashes thicken, there is a natural optical effect of the lashes casting a darker "shadow" on the skin of the lid. I must be honest, every patient I have ever seen with this mild color change on that small line of skin.....love it and claim that it looks like a mascara line 24/7! Don't despair, though. If you don't like that effect(and, remember, it does'nt happen very often) it will go away shortly after you stop using Latisse.