Last updated 14 February 2022
If you have it, you know how it makes you feel. Facial hair in women can be the source of shame, embarrassment and anxiety. A few stray hairs on your lip or chin are easy enough to pluck or wax, but if you have an excessive amount you may be looking for a more powerful solution.
Unwanted facial hair (also known as UFH or by its medical term, Hirsutism) can be caused by a number of factors. It may be due to hormonal imbalances such as those caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome, a medication you are taking, or just your genetics. Whatever the reason, if it’s there we want it to just go away.
Among the range of hair removal treatments available you will find Vaniqa; a cream that uses the active ingredient eflornithine to reduce the growth of facial hair in women. Read on to learn more about whether Vaniqa can help, how it works and how it should be used.
Here are a few quick facts:
- Vaniqa is for use on the face only, as it has not been proven effective on other areas.
- There are no other UK licenced non-hormone creams available to treat excess facial hair in women.
- It penetrates to the base of the hair follicle to decrease the growth of new hair.
- 7 out of 10 women see results from Vaniqa
- 3 out of 10 women have marked results after 24 weeks of using the cream.
Vaniqa is easy to use:
- You simply rub it in to problem areas like the upper lip and beneath the chin. Side effects are rare but could include tingling, redness, or soreness. It is unlikely that any side effects would be severe enough to discontinue use.
- Vaniqa will not interfere with any other hair loss efforts. It can and should be used alongside treatments like plucking, threading, hair removal creams and even laser or electrolysis treatments.
Vaniqa is not:
- A permanent hair removal solution. Unlike laser and electrolysis which can result in the permanent reduction of hair, Vaniqa is only effective whilst you are using it. If you stop treatment you can expect to see the hair grow back.
- An instant solution. Vaniqa takes from 2-4 months to take effect. As opposed to waxing or tweezing, using Vaniqa will not remove unwanted facial hair immediately, ie. it does not have a depilatory effect. Instead, it works on a follicular level to reduce the growth of new hair.
Before starting Vaniqa (available by prescription only) you should see a doctor about the possible causes of your unwanted facial hair. Your GP may order tests to determine why you have it and there may be other recommended treatments, such as tablets you can take, to diminish the hair growth.
Following an online consultation you can receive a prescription and order Vaniqa cream through the Dr. Fox website. Although most NHS doctors do not prescribe Vaniqa (due in part to cost considerations) it is important to discuss your facial hair and any concerns with your own doctor before starting treatment. Vaniqa can become part of your arsenal against unwanted facial hair; you’ll just want to ensure it is the right choice for your case of Hirsutism and that there are no reasons why you should not use it.
