Although normal, facial hair troubles women because of its unsightly appearance. So, women seek ways to get rid of the hair and wax, thread, shave, and whatnot to eliminate it. But it always grows back, right?
Laser and IPL hair removal can temporarily remove unwanted facial hair. However, the long-lasting solution lies in treating the cause or reducing it with lifestyle changes if there is no apparent cause.
In this article, we will talk about supplements to stop facial hair growth.
Table of Contents:
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- Part 1: Facial Hair Growth and Important Factors to Understand
- Part 2: Use of Supplements for Managing Facial Hair Growth
- Part 3:Consideration and Potential Side Effects of Supplements for Inhibiting Hair Growth
- Part 4: Lifestyle Changes for Reducing Facial Hair Growth
- Part 5: Other Approaches to Managing Facial Hair Growth
Part 1: Facial Hair Growth and Important Factors to Understand
Let us understand how facial hair grows and what causes it to be of a certain density.
Facial Hair Growth: A Natural Process
Facial hair growth is a natural process that occurs both in men and women. Before puberty, facial hair growth in both genders is minimal and hair just appears like peach fuzz. However, hormonal changes occur at puberty and the level of androgens increases.
In men, testosterone is more, making their facial hair thicker. However, in women, its level is much lower than estrogen’s, making them have thin facial hair.
Excess Facial Hair Growth: Causative Factors
In some cases, women may also have excess facial hair and men might struggle to grow a beard. So, the factors influencing facial hair growth are given below.
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- Genetics: The number of hair follicles you have and the hair produced by them is determined by genetics.
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- Hormones: Hormones are the most important factor influencing hair growth. Testosterone increases facial hair while estrogen reduces it.
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- Diseases: PCOS, Cushing disease, and adrenal disorders are some pathologies that involve steroid hormones in the body. So, they give rise to excess facial hair.
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- Lifestyle: A well-balanced diet and optimal lifestyle keep facial hair in check while the modern unhealthy lifestyle makes them grow more.
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Regardless of the density of facial hair and gender, it is important to treat such hair as normal, whether you have it or someone else does. You can get rid of it if it bothers you and wear it with confidence as well.
Part 2: Supplements to Stop Facial Hair Growth
Although genetics cannot be changed, the acquired causes of facial hair can be addressed with the following supplements.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a naturally occurring plant and its herb is beneficial for managing facial hair growth. It does so by inhibiting 5 alpha-reductase, an enzyme essential for the formation of testosterone.
The effect of saw palmetto on excess facial hair has been clinically proven as stated in research.
Spearmint Tea
Several recent studies have proven that spearmint tea is a natural alternative to anti-androgenic drugs. One distinguishable study on the effect of spearmint tea on hirsutism is a randomized controlled trial.
Spearmint tea reduces testosterone and sugar levels and helps regulate ovarian hormones.
Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A
Vitamin B6 supplements can be used in the treatment of hirsutism caused by increased levels of prolactin in the body as it inhibits prolactin.
Vitamin A is an anti-oxidant that reduces the effect of testosterone on facial hair and vitamin E reduces the production of testosterone itself. However, the effect of these vitamins has not been proven clinically yet.
Magnesium and Zinc
Magnesium and zinc supplements have similar effects as compared to vitamins in managing excess facial hair. The effect of vitamins might not be clear.
However, mineral supplements have reduced the symptoms of hirsutism according to a trial carried out in research published in PubMed.
Turmeric
It contains a phytochemical called curcumin, which also inhibits facial hair growth. Turmeric paste, its extract, and oil can be more effective in reducing facial hair regrowth.
Also, a study explains how beneficial turmeric can be for reducing facial hair and glowing skin.
Green Tea Extract
Just like turmeric has curcumin, green tea has catechins. Their role is similar to that of other products used for balancing hormonal levels in the body. Green tea reduces the production of DHT, the active form of testosterone, which reduces facial hair growth as well.
However, there is not much scientific evidence on using green tea as a remedy for unwanted facial hair.
Licorice Roots
A study was conducted that concluded that Licorice roots can be used in the treatment of hirsutism. Licorice inhibits the effect of 17 hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase on testosterone hormones. So, testosterone is not converted into its active form and there is no excessive hair growth on the face.
Part 3: Consideration and Potential Side Effects of Supplements to Stop Hair Growth
The supplements we have mentioned above are safe to use and are natural remedies for unwanted facial hair. But they should not be taken without research as half knowledge is dangerous.
For example, spearmint has sedating effects. So, it is best to take it at night. It also interferes with liver functions. Thus, you must avoid taking it with other medicines that might damage the liver.
In addition, saw palmetto has interaction with clotting factors in the blood and must be avoided in women taking blood thinning agents. Additionally, using saw palmetto with hormonal contraception can reduce the efficiency of both.
In conclusion, supplements for hair removal should be taken with caution, in a recommended amount, at a recommended time, and according to the need. Also, always talk to your doctor if you want to try any of such treatments.
Part 4: Lifestyle Changes for Reducing Facial Hair Growth
You can take the following lifestyle changes to manage facial hair growth.
1. Exercise
Exercise is a great modality for dealing with unwanted facial hair. It helps maintain body weight, detoxify the body, and balance hormones. Yoga is particularly useful for managing facial hair as it increases the inflow of estrogen and the outflow of testosterone in the body.
2. Weight Reduction
With obesity comes excess fat which is the precursor to steroid hormones. These hormones stimulate the production of unwanted facial hair.
Reducing weight with exercise and diet control can help reduce facial hair in conditions like PCOS and diabetes.
3. Stress Management
Cortisol levels rise during stress, and it stimulates the ovaries to produce testosterone, which works on hair follicles. Managing stress with meditation reduces facial hair.
4. Dietary Changes
Avoiding the intake of processed meals, saturated fats, excess caffeine, alcohol, and refined meals can help manage facial hair.
Additionally, increased water intake, vegetables, and vegetable oil are also healthy dietary changes.
5. Essential Oil Massages
Topical massage of lavender and tea tree oil also prevents the growth of facial hair by inhibiting the overstimulation of hormonal receptors.
6. Seeds and Herbs
Regular intake of seeds including sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds is recommended for women with PCOS to manage the clinical symptoms. Additionally, herbal teas like spearmint and green tea can prove to be useful.
Part 5: Other Approaches to Managing Facial Hair Growth
Lifestyle changes can reduce the excess hair caused by hormones. However, it takes consistency and perseverance to maintain and the complete elimination of hair might not be possible. So, below are some other approaches to unwanted facial hair.
Homemade Remedies
Homemade remedies include using ingredients like alum, gram flour, lavender oil, sugar, honey, gelatin, and egg white to make facial peel off or scrubbing masks to remove the hair.
IPL Hair Removal
IPL hair removal is one of the most convenient methods of long-lasting hair removal at home. It is affordable, quick, practical, and user-friendly. Moreover, it helps you stay away from the concern of hair growing back for up to 6 months.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is an in-salon procedure. With one session each month, you will be hairless within a year, and this hairlessness will last for two years or more. Moreover, it is a targeted procedure that uses a monochromatic light beam with a wavelength customized for you.
Topical Prescription Creams
FDA has cleared eflornithine as a topical prescription cream that inhibits facial hair growth. Instead of working on the cause, it directly works on the hair roots to kill them without the need for light. But you must consult a doctor before using it.
Conclusion
Simple supplements can reduce facial hair regrowth. Some people take a blend of fruit and flower seeds to treat PCOS, others apply topical oils for hirsutism, and still others reach their goal with herbs and teas.
So, the best herbs to be used for facial hair regrowth reduction are saw palmetto, spearmint tea, licorice root, turmeric, and green tea extracts. In addition, you must fulfill your daily requirement of vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin E, copper, magnesium, and zinc.
