Unwanted Facial Hair

[miss_understood]

Hello. I'm new to this message board, and I hope that someone out there can help me with my problem. I'm 18 years old, and I have a very serious problem with unwanted facial hair. Luckily, I do not have any around the upper lip, but I do have a really large amount of hair under my chin (neck area) and on the sides of my face. Most of the hair is white and can't be noticed unless you're really looking for it, but knowing that it's there is what really concerns me about my image. Often some of the hair will be black, and I will pluck them with a tweezer and not have to worry.

Lately, though, the hair has been multiplying itself and it's really bothering me. I can skim my fingers across my neck and feel the thickness of it. I really do not want the hair to be there, but I certainly have no idea how to get it removed. I have read a little bit about it on the internet, and a lot of sources say that being overweight can cause this problem. I'm safe to say that I'm very overweight, and it may be the main reason I have it, but also, I have irregular periods, too. Does anyone know how I can solve this problem? By losing weight will the hair vanish for good? Thanks in advance!

[Anonymity]

Okay, I have no clue about the weight and hair link or the irregular periods.

I do know that I have some body hair that I dislike and that can't be waxed and comes back ingrown if I pluck it. I can't afford electrolosis or expensive laser treatments either, so I talked to my dermatologist.

He prescribed Vaniqa, which is a cream specifically designed for facial hair. It does not remove the hair (you still have to do that), but it works at sending the hair root into hibernation. Theoretically, if you keep using it, the hair root will eventually stop sending up new hair, and you won't have to remove it.

It wasn't too expensive- $20 (with insurance) for a tube that will last quite some time! You do have to apply it twice a day consistently, and even then, some people don't respond. It may be worth a try in your case, however, especially if your insurance covers it.

Good luck.

P.S. I'm trying to do the weight-loss thing too, and it's hard over the holidays, I know. Wish me luck, and I wish luck to you!

[miss_understood]

Thank you very much for replying. For a minute there, I thought I was being ignored, but I'm not!

Where exactly can I find this product? And does it work anywhere on the body? I'm a little scared to use it, but at this stage...I will try anything. How long does it take for immediate results and will it permanently remove all of the hair once I go in sindication with using the production? Thanks!

[Anonymity]

Um, I believe it's prescription only. You may not have to see a dermatologist, though- sometimes family doctors will handle these things.
I think it's proven to work on the face for some people. I don't know that they've studied its use on body hair. Also, I know it doesn't necessarily work for all people.
I think it takes several months to see results. I'm not sure if it removes all the hair; it may just thin it out, depending on the person.
Also, I do know that if you stop using it, the hair will eventually come out of hibernation and regrow.

I'm sorry that I don't have for-sure answers! You might try looking up Vaniqa on a search engine and finding the manufacturer's website. I would think there'd be more information there. Good luck!

[RainbowBright]

I would recommend seeing a Dr. You may have PCOS (poly cystic ovary syndrome). The symptoms are irregular periods, being over weight and unwanted body hair. My sister has it. Until you address the underlying cause of the hair growth eg. hormonal, then no matter what treatment you choose the hair will keep coming back. Untreated PCOS can cause infertility in later life. A Dr will be able to tell you whether this is the cause or not. PCOS is quite common and if it is the cause than you will feel heaps better once it is treated. Make sure when you see your Dr, you tell them that you want a test for PCOS, too many Dr misdiagnose it.

All the best...
RB