Diagen
Iron
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- Oct 29, 2025
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INTRODUCTION
One of the main concerns when trying to maximize the eye area is the potential for under-eye and orbital fat loss associated with compounds such as Latisse and topical minoxidil, which are sometimes used to increase eyelash and eyebrow density. Because these compounds may have unwanted effects, the possibility of orbital fat loss is an important consideration.
STUDIES
"The mean volume of orbital fat and the mean enophthalmos value on the treated side were significantly smaller than those on the untreated side, whereas there were no significant differences in the mean orbital fat volumes of the other measured tissues (i.e., extraocular muscles, eyeball, optic nerve). Hence, this study quantitatively revealed that enophthalmos could be caused by the bimatoprost-induced decrease in orbital fat. In addition, the orbital fat volumes showed statistically significant positive correlations with the enophthalmos values on both the treated and untreated sides. These correlations support our hypothesized mechanism. Jayaprakasam and Ghazi-Nouri reported the MRI features of orbital fat atrophy in one patient using bimatoprost [25], but they did not show quantitatively that the decrease in orbital fat was due to bimatoprost. Our current study quantitatively revealed not only the decrease in orbital fat but also its relation to enophthalmos."
As you can see, the orbital fat volume on the bimatoprost-treated side was comparatively lower than on the untreated side.
POSSIBLE MECHANISM OF ACTION:
Enophthalmos is the inward displacement of the eyeball within the orbit, causing the eyes to appear sunken. It can occur as a result of reduced orbital volume, which may be caused by factors such as orbital fractures, orbital fat atrophy, enlargement of the bony orbit, or other orbital conditions. The opposite condition is exophthalmos, in which the eye protrudes forward.
It is well documented that topical prostaglandin analogues (PGAs), which are used for glaucoma treatment and eyelash growth, can cause a condition known as Prostaglandin-Associated Periorbitopathy (PAP). PAP is characterized by periorbital fat atrophy, deepening of the upper-eyelid sulcus, a “sunken-eye” appearance, lower-eyelid hollowing, and, in some cases, enophthalmos.
The exact mechanism behind PAP, including enophthalmos caused by PGF2α analogues, remains unclear. Important regulators of adipocyte lipolysis include hormones such as insulin, catecholamines, and natriuretic peptides, as well as paracrine factors including prostaglandins, cytokines, and adenosine [26]. Some studies have reported that activation of PGF2α receptors may inhibit adipocyte differentiation [27–29]. Serrero and Lepak investigated the effects of receptor agonists on the differentiation of newborn rat adipocytes in primary culture and found that PGF2α receptor agonists were potent inhibitors of adipocyte differentiation [28]. Therefore, inhibition of adipocyte differentiation has been proposed as one possible mechanism contributing to PAP associated with PGF2α analogues.
MINOXIDIL (TOPICAL):
At present, there is no strong scientific evidence demonstrating a causal relationship between topical minoxidil and preorbital or orbital fat loss. However, numerous anecdotal reports have raised the possibility that periorbital changes may occur in some users. This should therefore be considered an unconfirmed hypothesis rather than an established adverse effect.
THE POTENTIAL USE OF PETROLATUM (VASELINE) AND AQUAPHOR AS A BARRIER:
The proposed rationale is that:
Apply the Vaseline gently to the yellow region marked here. Your focus should be on covering the FAT layer, not the upper eyelid itself. Apply the cream evenly and make sure it doesn't get onto your lashes or brows, and only cover the region with the subcutaneous fat pads. Your Latisse might not work effectively if you get Vaseline or Aquaphor all over your lashes.
Now, carefully apply your Latisse/topical minoxidil to your lashes (moderate amount). Don't fucking smear it all over; gently wipe off any excess with a tissue.
Also, make sure to reapply the cream after your minoxidil and Latisse application for extra protection, and reapply it once every 4–5 hours carefully, as the Vaseline might dry off.
One of the main concerns when trying to maximize the eye area is the potential for under-eye and orbital fat loss associated with compounds such as Latisse and topical minoxidil, which are sometimes used to increase eyelash and eyebrow density. Because these compounds may have unwanted effects, the possibility of orbital fat loss is an important consideration.
STUDIES
"The mean volume of orbital fat and the mean enophthalmos value on the treated side were significantly smaller than those on the untreated side, whereas there were no significant differences in the mean orbital fat volumes of the other measured tissues (i.e., extraocular muscles, eyeball, optic nerve). Hence, this study quantitatively revealed that enophthalmos could be caused by the bimatoprost-induced decrease in orbital fat. In addition, the orbital fat volumes showed statistically significant positive correlations with the enophthalmos values on both the treated and untreated sides. These correlations support our hypothesized mechanism. Jayaprakasam and Ghazi-Nouri reported the MRI features of orbital fat atrophy in one patient using bimatoprost [25], but they did not show quantitatively that the decrease in orbital fat was due to bimatoprost. Our current study quantitatively revealed not only the decrease in orbital fat but also its relation to enophthalmos."
Fig. 3 — Orbital fat volumes on the treated and untreated sides
As you can see, the orbital fat volume on the bimatoprost-treated side was comparatively lower than on the untreated side.
POSSIBLE MECHANISM OF ACTION:
Enophthalmos is the inward displacement of the eyeball within the orbit, causing the eyes to appear sunken. It can occur as a result of reduced orbital volume, which may be caused by factors such as orbital fractures, orbital fat atrophy, enlargement of the bony orbit, or other orbital conditions. The opposite condition is exophthalmos, in which the eye protrudes forward.
It is well documented that topical prostaglandin analogues (PGAs), which are used for glaucoma treatment and eyelash growth, can cause a condition known as Prostaglandin-Associated Periorbitopathy (PAP). PAP is characterized by periorbital fat atrophy, deepening of the upper-eyelid sulcus, a “sunken-eye” appearance, lower-eyelid hollowing, and, in some cases, enophthalmos.
The exact mechanism behind PAP, including enophthalmos caused by PGF2α analogues, remains unclear. Important regulators of adipocyte lipolysis include hormones such as insulin, catecholamines, and natriuretic peptides, as well as paracrine factors including prostaglandins, cytokines, and adenosine [26]. Some studies have reported that activation of PGF2α receptors may inhibit adipocyte differentiation [27–29]. Serrero and Lepak investigated the effects of receptor agonists on the differentiation of newborn rat adipocytes in primary culture and found that PGF2α receptor agonists were potent inhibitors of adipocyte differentiation [28]. Therefore, inhibition of adipocyte differentiation has been proposed as one possible mechanism contributing to PAP associated with PGF2α analogues.
MINOXIDIL (TOPICAL):
At present, there is no strong scientific evidence demonstrating a causal relationship between topical minoxidil and preorbital or orbital fat loss. However, numerous anecdotal reports have raised the possibility that periorbital changes may occur in some users. This should therefore be considered an unconfirmed hypothesis rather than an established adverse effect.
THE POTENTIAL USE OF PETROLATUM (VASELINE) AND AQUAPHOR AS A BARRIER:
What Are Vaseline / Aquaphor and How Do They Work as a Barrier?
- Petroleum jelly (the primary ingredient in Vaseline) and other petrolatum-based ointments are classic occlusive moisturizers and barrier protectants [NCBI].
- “Occlusive” means that they form a hydrophobic film over the skin, substantially reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and helping the skin retain moisture.
- Because petrolatum remains primarily on the surface of the skin and is relatively inert, it is widely used as a barrier-protective ingredient, including in products intended for sensitive or irritated skin.
- When applied to the skin, petrolatum can help maintain and restore the skin barrier, reducing dryness and irritation and providing protection against external irritants.
- Studies have shown that petrolatum is highly occlusive and can accelerate recovery of the skin barrier following disruption.
- Petrolatum has also been shown to support skin-barrier function and reduce transepidermal water loss.
- Compared with several other commonly used oils, petrolatum has demonstrated a particularly strong occlusive effect.
- Petrolatum-based ointments are widely used for wound care, eczema, prevention of skin irritation, and postoperative skin protection.
The proposed rationale is that:
- If a small amount of liquid or foam migrates downward, it may come into contact with the barrier rather than directly with the skin.
- The occlusive layer may reduce direct exposure of the surrounding skin to the topical compound.
- This could potentially reduce irritation and dryness caused by accidental exposure, although its ability to prevent drug absorption or periorbital fat changes has not been established.
Apply the Vaseline gently to the yellow region marked here. Your focus should be on covering the FAT layer, not the upper eyelid itself. Apply the cream evenly and make sure it doesn't get onto your lashes or brows, and only cover the region with the subcutaneous fat pads. Your Latisse might not work effectively if you get Vaseline or Aquaphor all over your lashes.
Now, carefully apply your Latisse/topical minoxidil to your lashes (moderate amount). Don't fucking smear it all over; gently wipe off any excess with a tissue.
Also, make sure to reapply the cream after your minoxidil and Latisse application for extra protection, and reapply it once every 4–5 hours carefully, as the Vaseline might dry off.
