It is common for women to experience increased facial hair, especially with age. It can be inconvenient and require regular manual hair removal, which can be both time-consuming and irritating to the skin. It is also common for this to affect self-esteem, as it is not the norm for women to have facial hair.
Common causes of female facial hair
- Increased hair growth in women can be an indication of hormonal imbalances in the body. Women normally produce lower levels of male hormones, but with age the hormonal balance can change. Reduced oestrogen production makes more room for testosterone, which can affect facial hair growth.
- It may also be due to genetic factors or ethnicity. The term for characteristic male hair growth in women is hirsutism, and it can occur on various parts of the body including the face.
- DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a hormone commonly associated with male pattern hair loss, but it can also affect women. In women, increased levels of DHT can result in increased hair growth on various parts of the body, including the face, chest, back and stomach. This condition can be associated with various factors, including hormonal imbalances, genetics and certain medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS and hair growth
Increased hair growth in women can also be linked to the condition polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which can also lead to hair loss and thinning. If you experience increased facial hair growth, it is important to consult a doctor to investigate any underlying causes.
Facial hair removal options
Common methods such as waxing and plucking can stimulate hair growth and irritate sensitive skin. Shaving can result in rougher skin and is not always suitable for women's skin. Many people choose to bleach their hair or use hair removal cream for temporary relief. For a more permanent solution, laser hair removal may be an option. It is an investment, but it can provide long-term results and eliminate the need for regular hair removal. At Akacia Medical we use the latest technology, Soprano ICE Platinum, for effective and permanent hair removal on all skin and hair types.
Removing facial hair permanently
Permanent facial hair removal is an option that many people consider. Waxing or plucking is usually not considered the best option, as it can stimulate hair growth and result in coarser hairs. In addition, sensitive skin can be irritated by the impact of waxing on the outer layer of skin. Although it is currently popular to shave your face as a woman to make your make-up look better, women's skin is not as resilient as men's, which can lead to rougher skin in the long run.
Laser hair removal is an effective method to stop hair growth for good. Many people choose to make the investment that permanent hair removal actually costs and thus avoid having to worry about ingrown hairs when removing hair and getting a hair-free face.
At Akacia Medical we use the latest in permanent laser hair removal, Soprano ICE titanium treats unwanted hair growth at three depths to provide a complete and effective laser hair removal treatment on all skin and hair types that is permanent.