For women over 40, menopause is either knocking at the door or it’s already here, bringing a bundle of not-so-fun symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and changes in bone density that can last for months or even years.
One of these less-than-ideal symptoms is unwanted facial hair, affecting around 40% of women over 45, especially on the chin. But there’s hope! Regardless of the kind of hair that’s shown up, whether it’s peach fuzz or the notorious “menopause mustache,” there are ways to bid them farewell.
So, what’s causing this facial hair fiesta during menopause?
When it comes to menopause, the dropping levels of estrogen often bring about a rollercoaster of symptoms for millions of women each year, typically hitting between the ages of 45 and 55.
Hormonal imbalances during this time can lead to hair thinning on the head and an increase in hair in other areas, particularly on the face, thanks to a rise in testosterone-like hormones. As estrogen decreases, it no longer counterbalances testosterone, leading to these hair changes.
For some, it’s not just light peach fuzz – it’s darker and coarser hair, notably appearing on the upper lip and chin, and in some cases, resembling a beard or mustache. This sudden facial hair can be quite a confidence-knocker in our everyday lives. But don’t worry, there are ways to tackle it head-on.
If you’re spending extra time plucking those unwanted facial hairs, stop the routine! Constant plucking can lead to irritation, redness, and more hair waiting to sprout up.
The best ways to remove menopause facial hair
Threading:
Facial threading has been used for centuries and is gaining popularity for its precise and effective results. This method involves using a twisted cotton thread to swiftly glide over the skin, capturing and removing unwanted hair from the follicle.
It creates clean, well-defined lines, making it an excellent choice for shaping eyebrows or removing unwanted hair on the upper lip, chin, or cheeks. It’s considered gentler than waxing or plucking and typically leads to less skin irritation, making it an appealing choice for those with sensitive skin. With its ability to target even the tiniest and finest hairs, facial threading provides a smooth and long-lasting hair removal solution, promoting a clean and polished look
Sugaring:
Sugaring, a mixture of sugar, lemon juice, and water, gently removes hairs from the root without harming your skin, making it an excellent alternative to plucking or waxing.
For a homemade sugaring paste, bring 2 cups of sugar, ¼ cup of lemon juice, and ¼ cup of water to a boil in a saucepan.
After cooling, apply the paste with a wax stick against hair growth, then remove it quickly in the direction of hair growth.
Dermaplanning:
For peach fuzz, dermaplaning is a temporary option that both removes hair and exfoliates the skin, enhancing smoothness and reducing dullness. However, if you’re DIY-ing this at home, be cautious to avoid skin irritation and possible infection.
Bleaching:
Lightening the hairs using home bleaching kits makes them less visible without removing them. Remember to always conduct a patch test before using such products to ensure they’re suitable for your skin.
