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A common cause of hirsutism is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS may experience unwanted hair growth and other issues such as menstrual irregularities, acne, diabetes, and difficulty losing weight. If these symptoms arise suddenly, there may be a possibility of a tumour producing androgens.
Other less common causes of hirsutism include:
- Cushing syndrome, a condition resulting from prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol (a steroid hormone)
- Ovarian or adrenal gland cancer or tumour
- Hyperthecosis, a condition where the ovaries produce excessive amounts of male hormones
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic group of conditions that limit hormone production in the adrenal gland.
Additionally, certain medications can also contribute to unwanted facial hair growth. These include:
- Glucocorticoids (steroid hormones)
- Testosterone (a sex hormone)
- Danazol (an androgen similar to testosterone)
- Anabolic steroids (synthetic versions of testosterone)
- Minoxidil (a medication used to treat high blood pressure and hair loss)
- Phenytoin (a medication used to treat epilepsy)
- Cyclosporine (a medication that suppresses the immune system)
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, a steroid hormone).
Read More: How to Exfoliate Your Lips and Make Your Own Lip Scrub
Suggested Home Remedies for Facial Hair:
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Potential home remedies to remove facial hair include:
1. Nutrition and Dietary Supplements
Some tips for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing androgen levels in your body include:
- Avoiding refined foods such as pasta, white bread, and sugar.
- Eating antioxidant-rich foods like vegetables (e.g. bell peppers) and fruits (e.g. tomatoes, cherries, and blueberries).
- Using healthy oils like olive or vegetable oil in cooking.
- Drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily.
- Quitting tobacco and alcohol.
- Including lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu, soy, or beans in your diet and limiting red meat.
- Eliminating trans-fat foods found in baked goods, crackers, processed foods, french fries, and onion rings.
- Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes daily, five days a week.
2. Herbs
Along with dietary supplements, certain herbs have been known to help control facial hair growth in women. Some of these include:
Spearmint tea: Drinking spearmint tea has been shown to lower testosterone levels in the blood, potentially reducing symptoms of mild hirsutism. In a study on women with PCOS, it was found to decrease androgen levels which may be beneficial in removing facial hair.
Lavender and tea tree oil: These oils have the potential to decrease mild hirsutism. In a preliminary study, the topical application of lavender and tea tree oil on the skin was found to be helpful for this condition. It is important to only use these oils topically.
Turmeric: In certain regions of India, women use turmeric paste to eliminate unwanted facial hair.
Amla and Pimpali: Combine dried amla and pimpali fruits and soak them in the milky latex of Nivadunga cactus. This mixture can be applied to the face to potentially get rid of unwanted facial hair.
Gram Flour (Besan), Turmeric, Sandalwood Paste, and Lemon Juice: Mix turmeric with besan and add lemon juice and sandalwood paste to create a face pack. Leave the pack on for about 20 minutes before washing your face. This paste reduces facial hair by making it thinner and also improves skin texture and brightens skin tone.
Lemon Juice and Honey: Combine lemon juice and honey to create a mixture for your face. Leave it on for approximately 20 minutes before removing it with a warm, damp cloth. Rinse your face with cool water after. This mixture helps to reduce unwanted facial hair while the honey adds hydration and brightens the skin.
3. Food Management That Brings Hormonal Balance
Certain foods may assist in reducing facial hair:
- Consuming sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, garlic, peaches, oats, dried fruits, barley, mung beans, lentils, and rice bran may help increase estrogen levels in the body and naturally decrease unwanted facial hair.
- Soy: Soy can help regulate hormones, specifically by balancing low levels of estrogen and reducing hair growth. You can incorporate soy milk, soy chunks, and tofu into your diet to achieve the desired effect. Please avoid soy if you have an allergy to it.
DIY Home Remedies
If you do not have excessive hirsutism, home remedies can be a simple and effective solution for removing facial hair permanently. Instead of using harsh chemicals, try these natural remedies.
- Chickpea Flour Face Mask: To make the mask, combine half a cup of chickpea flour, 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder, half a teaspoon of fresh cream, and half a cup of milk in a bowl to form a smooth paste. Apply the mixture to the area where hair growth is noticeable and leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Gently rub the mask in the opposite direction of hair growth, then rinse with lukewarm water. For optimal results, use this face pack at least twice a week.
- Papaya and Turmeric Mask: Combine 2 tablespoons of papaya paste, ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 5 tablespoons of aloe vera gel in a bowl to form a mixture. Apply the mixture to the areas of your face where you have unwanted hair growth. Let it sit for 20 minutes or until it is dry. Then, gently rub it off in the direction opposite to the hair growth.
- Honey and Lemon Mask: Create a smooth paste by mixing the juice of a whole lemon with ½ tablespoon of honey. Apply the mixture to the areas where you have unwanted hair growth and let it sit for 20-25 minutes. The lemon juice has bleaching properties, which can help lighten the hair.
- Gram Flour and Rose Water Mixture:
Blend together 3 tablespoons of green gram flour, 1 tablespoon of rose water, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in a bowl. Apply the mixture to the areas where hair growth is most noticeable. Wait for around 30 minutes or until it is completely dry, then remove it by rubbing in circular motions.
- Banana and Oatmeal Scrub: In a bowl, mix one mashed banana with three teaspoons of oatmeal to form a paste. Gently massage the paste onto your face for 15-20 minutes in circular motions and wash it off with water. For best results, use the scrub twice a week.
- Rice Flour, Turmeric, and Milk Mask: Combine 3 tablespoons of rice flour, 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder, and 2 tablespoons of milk in a bowl. Mix all the ingredients together and add water if necessary to form a paste. Apply the mask to the affected areas and wait for 30 minutes or until it is completely dry. Then, wash it off with lukewarm water.
- Rose Water, Olive Oil, and Alum Treatment: Mix a small amount of alum powder with 1 tablespoon of rose water and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl, making sure the alum dissolves in the rose water. Apply the mixture to the affected areas using a cotton ball. Wait for it to dry completely, then apply another layer and wait until it dries again. Repeat this process 6 times. Finally, wash off the mixture and hydrate your skin with a moisturizer or a few drops of olive oil.
- Egg and Cornstarch Mask: In a bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of sugar with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 egg to create a thick paste. Apply the mixture to your face and let it dry for 15-20 minutes. Once it is fully dry, gently peel it off and repeat the process three times a week for best results.
- Barley and Milk Scrub: Mix 2 tablespoons of barley powder with 1 tablespoon each of milk and lime juice to form a paste. Apply the mixture to your face and let it dry naturally for 20 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
- Gelatin and Milk Mask: Take 2 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin powder, 4 tablespoons of milk, and a few drops of lemon juice. Mix everything together and heat the mixture for about 30 seconds. Allow the mixture to cool, then apply it to your face. Wait for 10 minutes before peeling it off. Please note that this mask is not suitable for people with sensitive skin.
- Lavender Oil and Tea Tree Oil Mask: A mixture of essential oils can be a great solution for reducing facial hair. Combine 2 teaspoons of lavender oil and 8 drops of tea tree oil in a small bowl. Apply the mixture twice a day using a cotton ball. These essential oils have properties that inhibit hair growth and combat androgens.
- Lentils, Potato, and Honey Mask: For this remedy, you will need half a cup of yellow lentils, one potato, a few drops of lemon juice, and one teaspoon of honey. Soak the lentils overnight and turn them into a thick paste the next morning. Peel the potato and use a processor to extract its juice. Mix the lentil paste and potato juice, then add the lemon juice and honey. Apply the mixture to the affected areas and wait for about 30 minutes or until it is completely dry. Once dry, gently rub the mask off with your fingers.
Read More: How to Make Body Scrub
Electrolysis Help
Electrolysis is a commonly used method for permanent hair removal on the face. The process involves inserting a device into the skin and using shortwave radio frequencies to damage the hair follicles, preventing new hair growth.
To achieve permanent results, multiple sessions are necessary, but if you are willing to invest the time and money, electrolysis can produce the desired outcome. Additionally, it requires minimal maintenance once completed.
However, it is important to seek the assistance of a certified dermatologist to avoid the risk of infection caused by unsterilized needles. In conclusion, a certified dermatologist is essential for safe and effective electrolysis.
Laser Hair Removal
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Laser hair removal is another option for permanent hair removal on the face. It is crucial to understand the details of this procedure before making a decision. The process uses high-heat lasers to deliver mild radiation and damage the hair follicles to prevent future growth.
Please note that multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve long-term results, and it can be a costly procedure. Proper after-care is also important, as activities such as going to the gym, wearing makeup, visiting spas or saunas should be avoided after treatment. Products recommended by your dermatologist must be used, and certain skincare items such as scrubs, glycolic acid, and retinol creams should be avoided.
It is important to note that laser hair removal is not 100% permanent and hair may re-grow after a certain period of time. Consult with a dermatologist to fully understand the risks and benefits of this procedure.
Facial Waxing
Facial waxing is another option for hair removal, which removes hair from the roots. This procedure can be done at home, but it is commonly performed at a salon. It is an affordable alternative to permanent hair removal techniques and is efficient as it removes multiple hairs in one go.
Over time, repeated waxing can weaken the hair follicles, leading to permanent hair removal. Soft wax approved for cosmetic use is applied to the desired area with a tool like a spatula or butter knife. Cloth or paper strips are placed over the wax and pressed firmly into the skin, then quickly removed in the direction of hair growth. Hard wax is also available, which can be removed without the use of cloth strips.
However, there are some drawbacks to waxing, including skin irritation, discoloration, and allergic reactions. Additionally, the process can cause bloody patches on the skin and repeated waxing can result in persistent pain.
It is recommended to avoid facial waxing if you have sensitive skin. Before undergoing any hair removal procedure, it is important to consider your skin type and any potential risks or side effects.
Shaving to Remove Facial Hair
Shaving your face can remove hair and dead skin cells, effectively exfoliating your skin. However, it can result in a five o'clock shadow, which means you'll need to shave more frequently to maintain hair growth control. It can also lead to ingrown hairs and nicks and cuts if not done carefully. Make sure to moisturize your skin after shaving to avoid dryness and itching.
Note: If you have excessively dry skin or skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, it is best to avoid shaving.
Tweezing to Remove Facial Hair
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Tweezing involves plucking hair from the root, one by one, using a pair of tweezers. It is often used to shape eyebrows or remove any dark, standout hairs. However, tweezing all facial hair can be time-consuming.
Tip: To tweeze effectively, hold your skin taut with one hand and use the tweezers to grab the hair with the other hand. Pull in the direction of hair growth.
Threading for Facial Hair Removal
Threading is a method of facial hair removal that utilizes a thread to pull and twist out unwanted hair from the follicle. It is more efficient than tweezing as it allows you to cover a larger area and remove more hair in a shorter amount of time.
Tip: Threading is commonly used for shaping eyebrows, removing hair on the upper lip, and chin.
Sugaring for Facial Hair Removal
Sugaring is another method of hair removal that uses sugar paste to remove hair. It is gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin and is effective in shaping eyebrows and removing peach fuzz without causing any damage to the skin.
Tip: Sugaring can be performed on sensitive skin, but it is recommended to avoid it if you have skin conditions like eczema.
Using An Epilator To Remove Facial Hair
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An epilator is a tool that works similarly to tweezers, but it removes hair more quickly and efficiently by plucking it from the roots. There are various types of epilators available, so select one that is designed specifically for removing facial hair and meets your requirements.
Tip: Exfoliate your skin a day or two before using the epilator to prevent ingrown hair.
When to Seek Medical Help?
It is important to seek medical assistance if:
- You have concerns that medications are contributing to an increase in unwanted facial hair growth.
- The hair growth is occurring rapidly.
- You are experiencing male-pattern physical changes such as a deep voice, acne, male-pattern hair loss, increased muscle mass, reduced breast size, and an enlarged clitoris
In conclusion
Facial hair is a common occurrence and should not cause shame or discomfort. Prioritize maintaining a healthy lifestyle and accepting yourself. If you still feel concerned, you may try the home remedies mentioned earlier, which may provide some benefits. However, if you experience symptoms such as an increase in hair growth due to medication, or male physical changes such as a deep voice, acne, male-pattern hair loss, increased muscle mass, reduced breast size, or an enlarged clitoris, it is important to seek medical assistance.
FAQ
- What causes facial hair in women?
Typically, women have low levels of the male hormone androgen, but an excess production of androgen may result in facial hair.
- Are there any natural remedies to remove facial hair?
Several home remedies that may help in reducing facial hair include the use of spearmint tea, lavender and tea tree oil; turmeric; a mixture of amla and pimpali; a combination of besan, turmeric, sandalwood paste, and lemon juice; and a mixture of lemon juice and honey.
- Can PCOS cause facial hair growth?
Yes, PCOS is a common cause of facial hair growth
- Is having facial hair a serious concern?
Facial hair is a common issue, but if you experience an increase in hair growth, have male features, or feel anxious or self-conscious, it may be necessary to consult a doctor for proper treatment.
- Is spearmint tea effective for removing facial hair? Spearmint tea has been shown to potentially help in reducing facial hair. Research has indicated that spearmint oil can lower testosterone levels in the blood and reduce androgen levels in women with PCOS.
- Can lavender and tea tree oil be used to remove facial hair? Applying lavender and tea tree oil topically may help in reducing facial hair.
Read More: How to Get Rid of Dark Spots on the Face
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