Permanent Hair Removal Cream - The Facts

In order for hair to be permanently removed, the hair follicle has to be treated so that the hair can never grow back.

The most effective permanent hair removal method is electrolysis. A fine probe is inserted into the follice, then a small electrical pulse is applied which stops the hair follicles from growing any more hair.

Some companies claim to offer "liquid electrolysis." Liquid electrolysis involves using a caustic substance and can cause severe irritation to the skin. Again, talk with your dermatologist about it before doing anything with it.

LIfe would be so much easier if all it toook was a simple cream to permanently remove hair. Few, if any, facial creams promise permanent hair removal and you should discuss the ones that do so with your dermatologist prior to use.

Most hair removal creams do not get into the follice, and as outlined above, that's the critical are in order to inhibit hair growth.

When thinking of permanent hair removal creams, instead of using the word permanent, it might be use the term "slowing growth:. Few topical products may legitimately retard hair growth long term. One of these is VANIQA , a topical anti-androgen ointment. Vaniqa must be used twice a day. It does not remove hair--its role is to slow the re-growth of new hair. Therefore, Vaniqa must be used in conjunction with a hair removal method such as shaving.

VANIQA is available by prescription only and is mainly for women and not a solution for permanent hair removal for men. VANIQA is the only prescription product approved by the FDA to reduce the growth of unwanted facial hair. Many women will see results within 4-6 weeks.

Note what it says..."reducing the growth" That's not the same as permanent but it may be what you are looking for. It is also not for use by women who are nursing or pregnant. VANIQA should be used only on the face. If VANIQA is discontinued, facial hair will resume growing at its usual speed.

Some over the counter creams offer permanent hair removal. An example is Hair No More, which offers both a hair removal and a hair inhibitor cream. As long as the hair inhibitor is used regularly, the companies claim, the hair will not grow back. Since these over the counter products tend to be expensive, talk with your dermatologist before making a costly purchase.

If there's one underlying message here, it's that electrolysis is truly permanent, but whatever you do, get advice from your dermatologist first.