From the Guidelines
It is not recommended for an 11-year-old girl to use eyelash regrowth serums containing bimatoprost or other prostaglandin analogs for cosmetic purposes. The use of such products can lead to various side effects, including eye irritation, darkening of the eyelid skin, and potentially changing eye color, as noted in studies on adults 1. Moreover, children's bodies are still developing, and these medications have not been adequately studied in pediatric populations for cosmetic use, making the long-term effects of using such products during development unknown.
Considering the potential risks and the lack of studies on pediatric use, it is crucial to prioritize the child's health and well-being. Introducing cosmetic enhancement products at such a young age may also contribute to unnecessary appearance concerns, which can be detrimental to their mental health, as discussed in the context of body dysmorphic disorder in young people 1. This condition highlights the importance of avoiding unwarranted or unsafe cosmetic procedures, especially in young individuals.
Instead of using eyelash regrowth serums, safer alternatives for young children include:
- Proper nutrition
- Gentle eye care
- Avoiding damaging practices like rubbing eyes or using harsh makeup products
If there are specific concerns about the child's eyelashes, it would be more appropriate to consult with a pediatrician or pediatric ophthalmologist who can evaluate whether there is a medical issue requiring treatment. They can provide guidance on the best course of action, ensuring the child's health and well-being are prioritized.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Safety of Eyelash Regrowth Serum for 11-year-old Female
- The safety of using an eyelash regrowth serum, such as one containing bimatoprost (prostaglandin analog), for cosmetic purposes in an 11-year-old female is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies suggest that bimatoprost is generally safe and well-tolerated in adults for the treatment of hypotrichosis of the eyelashes 2, 3, 5.
- One study found that topical bimatoprost was safe and effective in treating eyelash loss in patients with alopecia areata totalis and universalis, but it did not induce regrowth of new eyelashes 4.
- Another study found that bimatoprost solution 0.03% was safe and effective in restoring eyelash growth in patients with chemotherapy-induced eyelash loss 5.
- However, a recent study suggests that prostaglandin analogues, including bimatoprost, may cause periorbital fat and volume loss, which is a potential side effect that should be considered 6.
Considerations for Pediatric Use
- There is limited information available on the safety and efficacy of bimatoprost in pediatric populations, particularly in 11-year-old females.
- The studies provided do not specifically address the use of bimatoprost in pediatric populations, and therefore, it is unclear whether the benefits of using an eyelash regrowth serum containing bimatoprost outweigh the potential risks in this age group 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Further research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of bimatoprost in pediatric populations before it can be recommended for use in 11-year-old females.