Is There a Cream to Stop Hair Growth on the Face?
Facial hair in both men and women is normal. However, excess hair may be the result of other factors such as a medical condition known as hirsutism, the use of certain medications or a hormonal imbalance.
Hirsutism is the excessive growth of hair that may be noticed in unwanted places like the face, chin, back and chest. Excess hair growth on the face is a particular sensitive area for most women because of its visibility. And different methods such as face creams can be used to slow down or reduce its growth.
Before exploring different hair reduction techniques, consider that on its own, excess facial hair is neither harmful nor dangerous to your health. Excess facial hair of any type can make many people feel self-conscious or uncomfortable. This might be due in part to a combination of societal pressures and social expectations. Each of them plays an outsized role in shaping the way we think about excessive facial hair and what we consider ‘normal’.
So prior to using hair removal techniques, it is helpful to remember that excess hair of any kind may not necessarily be due to a medical condition, it might be a variation of what’s normal.
Why Do I Have Facial Hair?
A number of factors may lead to the growth of excessive facial hair.
Hirsutism describes the growth of excessive facial and body hair, in many cases due to excess levels of androgen (“male”) hormones. Hirsutism itself may be caused by a hormonal imbalance, a medical condition, certain medications or some hormone-secreting tumors. Studies show that anywhere from 5-10% of the female population suffers from hirsutism. In most of the cases, there is an underlying cause for the excess hair growth, which is why it is important to check in with your doctor about this
For many women, excess hair growth may be due to genetics. If Hirsutism runs in the family then there is a greater chance that other women within the family are also affected by it.
Diagnosis
It is important to get a proper diagnosis of hirsutism so that it can be treated appropriately. This can be done by visiting your doctor and speaking to them about any excess hair growth that you’ve noticed. The doctor will also ask about other symptoms that you may be experiencing.
Based on your history and a physical examination they may also decide to run a number of diagnostic tests such as a blood test, ultrasound scan, CT-scan or MRI.
In some cases the test results may return negative. If so, it may also be classified as idiopathic hirsutism. This is hirsutism that has no known cause.
Treatment of Facial Hair Growth
The removal of excess facial hair is more delicate than the removal of hair from other parts of the body. Due to the sensitivity of the face it is recommended that the following points be adhered to:
- It’s best to discuss it with a dermatologist, as they can help best
- Only delicate hair removal methods should be used
- If chemical treatments are used on the face be aware of possible side effects like rashes, redness or skin irritation
- Give treatment techniques time to work. About 3-6 months may be needed
- Before any treatment technique is used on the entire face, do a test patch first. This may save you a lot of time and if you have a bad reaction it is best to find out on a small test area first.
Creams That Target Hair Growth
Hair removal creams are an efficient way to reduce hair growth. But they may cause unwanted reactions including itchiness and burning. Popular removal creams are discussed below:
Vaniqa (Eflornithine)
Vaniqa is one of the most popular hair removal creams on the market. It reduces the rate of hair growth and appears to be particularly effective at getting rid of hair on the mustache and chin area. Although Vaniqa is recommend for use as a stand-alone treatment, it may improve the success of laser hair removal when the two are used together.
One of the drawbacks of Vaniqa is that hair growth usually returns to pre-treatment levels within eight weeks if use is discontinued.
Make sure to discuss it with your dermatologist first.
Depilatories
Many big-brand depilatory creams are available for use. Billed as facial hair removal creams, they work by introducing a chemical that breaks down the hair structure.
Removing hair with a hair removal cream can also have more side-effects as compared to other hair removal methods. Depilatory creams have a strong formula which can harm the sensitive skin of the face
General Tips about Hair Removal Creams
Here are some general tips which should be kept in mind when using facial hair removal creams:
- Do not leave the hair removal cream on the face for more time than recommended on the tube as this can cause skin burns.
- Taking a hot shower before using a hair removal cream can help open up the pores which make it easier to remove coarse hair.
- If using the cream frequently, don’t use it more than the recommended number of times monthly.
- Facial skin is considered to be more sensitive as compared to the rest of the body. Buy a cream which is suitable for the face and sensitive skin. Try different creams if necessary. Some are better than other.
- Soothe your skin with some ice cubes or a cold wash cloth after the hair removal process. This might help ease redness and any tingling.
- If an applicator is provided with the cream, use it. Apply the cream on the skin and spread it evenly. Do not rub it in. Doing so won’t provide better results.
Whatever treatment technique you decide upon, make sure it is safe to use on the delicate area of the face. Always do a patch test and check in with your doctor first.
