WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO MANAGE FACIAL HAIR GROWTH?

For most women, facial and body hair is frowned upon and can even be an embarrassing problem. “Normal” amounts of facial hair vary from person to person. Some individuals have very little facial and body hair, while others can have a fair amount. Facial and body hair are part of our genetic makeup and ethnicity, which means that genetics plays a role in determining the facial hair patterns.

Excess facial hair in women can also be caused by underlying hormonal disturbance – Hirsutism. Hirsutism is excess hair in areas where it’s typically seen in men, such as the face and lower abdomen. Hypertrichosis, on the other hand, can increase hair anywhere on the body.

Some of the common causes of excess facial and body hair are:

• Genetic or racial causes are the principal causes of excess facial hair.
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Adrenal gland disorders
• Certain medications

Treatment of unwanted facial hair:

There are many medical and nonmedical ways of managing excess facial hair. Meet your dermatologist for the best method suitable for you and to diagnose underlying conditions that can be causing the increased hair growth. The various options available are:

Laser hair removal: is a form of permanent hair removal. It involves using concentrated light rays to damage your hair follicles. Damaged follicles can’t produce hair, and the hair that is present falls out. The results vary from patient to patient. The color and thickness of your hair, area treated, type of laser used, and color of your skin all affect the results. You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment. Removing the unwanted hair often requires a few office visits. Most patients need between 2 to 6 treatments.

Most patients remain hair free for months or even years. When some of the hair regrows, it will be finer, lighter and less noticeable. To keep the area free of hair, a patient may need maintenance laser treatments.

Laser hair removal generally does not require any real downtime. Immediately after having laser hair removal, there may be mild redness and swelling. Despite this, most people return to their everyday activities.

Post procedure:

• Avoid direct sunlight from hitting your treated skin.
• Not use a tanning bed, sun lamp, or any other indoor tanning equipment.
• Follow your dermatologist’s after-care instructions.
Laser hair removal can also be used to treat the: Back, bikini area, chest, neck, abdomen, hands and legs.

It is a safe, painless, permanent mode of hair reduction treatment making it the most sought after procedure for excess facial hair.

Laser hair removal can also be used to treat the: Back, bikini area, chest, neck, abdomen, hands and legs.

Electrolysis:

Electrolysis is another form of permanent hair removal of individual hairs from the face localized in certain areas like chin, white hairs. Medical electrolysis works by destroying the growth center of individual hairs with either chemical or heat energy. It treats each hair follicle individually, so the sessions can take longer.

Medications:

Your doctor may prescribe certain medication in cream form to reduce the growth of facial hair. Your facial hair growth should slow after one to two months.

Hormone management:

If you’re overweight, your doctor will probably suggest that you lose weight to reduce your hair growth. Obesity can change the way your body produces and processes hormones. Maintaining a healthy weight may correct your level of androgens without the use of medication.

You may need medical treatment if excessive hair growth is a symptom of PCOS or adrenal disorders. Consult your doctor for more details.

Other nonmedical methods:

Shaving:One of the most commonly followed household method of hair removal. Although it is easy, less time consuming and inexpensive, it is a temporary method of hair removal. And as commonly thought of, if you use a razor hair will not come back faster or thicker, hair will only seem thicker because the tapered end is cut off.

Waxing:Waxing is another form of hair removal that a lot of women gravitate toward. Waxing uproots the shaft of the hair, so that the hair that grows back later is smooth. Waxing damages the hair follicles which is not a bad thing because damaged follicles reduce the growth of hair. The effects of waxing typically last for about three weeks. However, sensitive skin may develop rashes, irritation, boils and acne following the procedure.

Depilatory creams:Depilatory creams (eg: VEET, Nair, etc) work because they contain ingredients like calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. These ingredients increase the pH of the hair shaft that causes it to chemically break down (breaking the disulfide bonds of the hair). This then allows the user to simply wipe away the weakened hair. Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Suggested to do a test spot before applying on entire area.

Bleaching Facial hair:Even though hair removal can be a good option, not everyone is in favor of it. It is a simple method that can be done at home and less time consuming. The kits come with ingredients that need to be mixed and applied. Avoid sun exposure to prevent side effects.

FAQs About Facial Hair Growth

1. What's the most effective method for managing facial hair growth?

The best approach depends on personal preference and skin sensitivity. Options include shaving, waxing, tweezing, depilatory creams, or laser hair removal. Experimenting with different methods helps find the most suitable one for your skin type and hair growth pattern.

2. Does shaving make hair grow back thicker?

No, shaving doesn't alter the thickness or rate of hair growth. It might appear coarser as the blunt edge of shaved hair is more noticeable, but it's a myth that shaving changes the hair's texture or density. The hair may feel stubbly or rough as it grows back, but it is not thicker.

3. Are there natural remedies to slow down facial hair growth?

While there's limited scientific evidence, some natural remedies like turmeric paste, spearmint tea, or sugaring may help slow hair growth. However, results vary, and consistency is key. It's important to note that these remedies might not provide significant or permanent results and should be used alongside other hair management methods.

4. What's the difference between waxing and shaving for facial hair removal?

Waxing removes hair from the root, offering longer-lasting results (typically 3-6 weeks) compared to shaving, which cuts hair at the surface. However, waxing can be painful and may cause skin irritation. Shaving is quick and painless but requires more frequent maintenance, as hair grows back faster.

5. Is laser hair removal a permanent solution for managing facial hair growth?

Laser hair removal offers a long-lasting reduction of hair growth by targeting hair follicles with light energy. While results vary, many individuals experience significant hair reduction after multiple sessions. However, it may not be entirely permanent and might require occasional maintenance treatments to sustain the results.

6. How does tweezing compare to other facial hair removal methods?

Tweezing is effective for small areas and precise hair removal, such as shaping eyebrows. It removes hair from the root, similar to waxing, but can be time-consuming for larger areas and may cause discomfort. Regular tweezing can also reduce hair regrowth over time.

7. Are depilatory creams safe for facial hair removal?

Depilatory creams chemically dissolve hair at the skin's surface. They are quick and painless but may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. It's essential to do a patch test before applying the cream to the entire face and follow the instructions carefully.

8. What are the benefits of using spearmint tea for facial hair reduction?

Some studies suggest that drinking spearmint tea may help reduce androgen levels, which can, in turn, slow down hair growth. While the results are not guaranteed and can vary, spearmint tea is a natural and safe option to incorporate into your routine.

9. How should I choose the right method for managing facial hair growth?

Consider factors such as your skin type, hair growth pattern, pain tolerance, and desired results. Consulting with a dermatologist at Cutis Hospital can help determine the most suitable method for your specific needs and provide professional advice on managing facial hair growth effectively.

10. How can Cutis Hospital help with managing facial hair growth?

Cutis Hospital offers a range of professional hair removal treatments, including laser hair removal, waxing, and personalized skincare advice. Our experienced dermatologists provide customized treatment plans to help you achieve smooth, hair-free skin safely and effectively.For expert guidance and personalized care in managing facial hair growth, visit Cutis Hospital, where skilled dermatologists provide comprehensive solutions to help you achieve and maintain smooth, hair-free skin.