Prescription Hair Removal Creams: All You Need to Know

Unwanted hair on the face and the body becomes a source of continuous stress for women as it impacts their self-esteem adversely. For women’s sensitive skin, harsh and painful hair removal methods like shaving and waxing add to the stress. Thus, hair removal creams including prescription and depilatory creams serve as a gentle and pain-free method of hair removal. While depilatory creams only remove unwanted hair from the body, prescription creams also slow down hair regrowth. Prescription creams offer additional benefits beyond simple hair removal, as they may help to reduce the rate at which hair grows back. Thus, let us talk about prescription hair removal creams in this article along with their working principle, instructions to use, benefits, suitable candidates, and much more.  This article will provide a comprehensive overview of prescription hair removal creams, detailing their benefits and how they can be effectively used. Table of Contents: Part 1: What is Prescription Hair Removal Cream? Part 2: Common Prescription Hair Removal Creams Part 3: Why to Use Prescription Hair Removal Creams? Part 4: How to Obtain Prescription Hair Removal Creams Part 5: Alternative to Prescription Hair Removal Creams Part 1: What is Prescription Hair Removal Cream?  Below is the explanation about prescription hair removal creams.  Prescription Hair Removal Creams  Prescription hair removal creams were designed by pharmacists and dermatologists to reduce the growth of unwanted hair on the face for women suffering from hormonal disorders resulting in fast and thick hair growth on their bodies. Prescription hair removal creams specifically target hormonal imbalances that can lead to excessive hair growth, providing a tailored solution for affected women. Commercially available in the market with the brand name “Vaniqa”, these topical creams are FDA-approved medical treatments for unwanted hair.  Vaniqa is a well-known brand that exemplifies the advances in dermatological treatments for unwanted hair, representing a significant option for those seeking relief. Their Major Ingredients with Uses The major ingredients of Vaniqa hair removal cream are given as,  Understanding the ingredients in Vaniqa can help users appreciate how these components work together to effectively reduce hair growth. Eflornithine Eflornithine is a key ingredient that inhibits hair growth by affecting cellular metabolism, making it a vital component of Vaniqa. Ceteareth Ceteareth serves as an emollient in hair removal creams, enhancing the cream's texture and aiding in skin absorption. Cetearyl alcohol  Cetearyl alcohol is not only a moisturizer but also helps stabilize the formulation, ensuring that the cream remains effective and smooth for application. Glyceryl stearate  Glyceryl stearate is commonly used as an emulsifier, helping to blend oil and water in cosmetic products. Methylparaben  Methylparaben serves as a preservative, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and mold in the cream. Mineral oil  Mineral oil acts as a moisturizer, helping to soften and smooth the skin during and after hair removal. Propylparaben  Propylparaben is another preservative that helps extend the shelf life of the product by inhibiting microbial growth. Phenoxyethanol  Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative and serves to protect the product from spoilage. Most of the ingredients used in Vaniqa cream are similar to other hair removal and personal grooming products as they are used to stabilize or preserve the product.  Here the ingredient worth noticing is Eflornithine. Eflornithine is a chemical substance that was first used in medicines to treat African sleeping sickness. Currently, it is used as a hair growth reduction substance. Eflornithine is noteworthy for its dual role, initially serving as a treatment for a serious illness and now also for reducing hair growth. Mechanism of Action  Eflornithin works actively to slow down the rate of the hair growth cycle and also makes the hair grow back thinner and finer. It acts as an irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase enzymes.  Eflornithine's unique action on hair growth makes it a significant ingredient in hair removal creams, impacting the overall effectiveness. Eflornithine binds to the active site of the enzyme while modifying its structure. As this enzyme plays an important role in the hair growth cycle by stimulating the hair follicles, its inhibition results in the slowing of the stages of hair growth.  Consequently, the hair growth is reduced.  Difference Between Prescription Creams and Over-the-Counter Hair Removal Creams  In contrast to eflornithine which inhibits the enzymes acting on hair follicles, depilatory creams contain salts of thioglycolic acid which dissolves the protein in the hair strands. Thus, prescription creams reduce hair growth while depilatory creams remove unwanted hair. Furthermore, prescription creams are obtained after consultation with a dermatologist and you can get hair removal creams over-the-counter.  Prescription creams are designed to be more effective in reducing hair growth compared to over-the-counter options, which primarily focus on hair removal. Lastly, the effects of depilatory creams are transient while those of prescription creams are long-lasting. The long-lasting effects of prescription creams can lead to a more significant reduction in hair density over time. Part 2: Common Prescription Hair Removal Creams As Vaniqa is the most commonly used FDA-cleared prescription cream for unwanted hair removal, we will use it as a reference to discuss common prescription hair removal creams.  Vaniqa is often favored due to its proven efficacy and is a key example of a prescription hair removal cream. Vaniqa Hair Removal Cream Vaniqa is the leading prescription hair removal cream with 11 to 14% content of eflornithine in this. It is mainly formulated to be used on the face of women with dense hair growth as a result of hormonal imbalance or side effects of some medications.  How Does it Work As we explained earlier, the main ingredient of prescription creams is eflornithine. In vaniqa, it is present in the form of hydrochloride monohydrate. So, it works exactly the same way as discussed in the mechanism of action in part 1.   Steps to Use Vaniqa  Below are the steps to use Vaniqa cream with little to no side effects.  Get a prescription for Vaniqa after a detailed discussion with your dermatologist Give the instructions pamphlet a read before applying Vaniqa  Understanding the instructions is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of Vaniqa and minimizing any potential side effects. Remove the unwanted hair from the desired area of the treatment by hair removal methods like shaving, tweezing, or waxing  Proper hair removal ensures that the Vaniqa cream can effectively target the hair follicles. Wait for 5 to 15 minutes to let the skin calm down after removing the unwanted hair from it  Allowing your skin to calm down helps minimize irritation and prepares it for the cream application. Wash your face and pat it dry  Washing your face removes any residual products or impurities, ensuring a clean surface for the cream. Take a small amount of cream on your fingertips and apply a thin layer of it on the area with removed hair Applying a thin layer of cream allows for better absorption and effectiveness. Gently rub the cream into your skin until it is fully absorbed  Gently rubbing the cream helps it penetrate the skin, enhancing its efficacy. Wait for about 4 hours before rinsing your face Waiting before rinsing allows the cream to work effectively on the skin for optimal results. Use this cream twice a day 8 to 12 hours apart for at least 3 to 6 months or until you achieve desired results  Consistency is key; using the cream regularly can lead to better outcomes in hair reduction. Wash your hands well to remove the leftover cream  Washing your hands is crucial to prevent any accidental transfer of the cream to other areas. Suitable for  Vaniqa hair removal cream is only suitable to be used on the face, especially on the chin. Using it on areas like arms, legs, and intimate areas is not recommended. Also, note that vaniqa reduces unwanted hair growth gradually for several months instead of stopping it completely. So, you will see your hair growth rate return to normal as soon as you stop using Vaniqa.  It is important to understand that Vaniqa is designed for gradual hair reduction, meaning consistent use is necessary for noticeable results. Part 3: Why to Use Prescription Hair Removal Creams?  Here are the conditions where the use of prescription hair removal creams can prove to be beneficial.  Prescription hair removal creams can be particularly useful for individuals dealing with hormonal imbalances or conditions that cause excessive hair growth. Hirsutism  Hirsutism is associated with excessive and fast hair growth in different areas of the body including the face. While hair growth in other areas of the body might not be affected by eflornithine-containing creams, they work efficiently to reduce unwanted hair on the face.  Furthermore, frequent use of other hair removal methods on sensitive skin can irritate the skin. The use of prescription creams along with other hair removal methods reduces the frequency of shaving and waxing as it slows down hair growth.  Hormonal Disorders  One of the major symptoms of hormonal disorders like PCOS and adrenal diseases is the presence of coarse, thick, and dark hair on the face. Medical guidelines on the symptomatic treatment of such diseases recommend using prescription creams to get rid of such hair.  Unwanted Hair You might not have hirsutism or hormonal disorders yet have annoying facial hair. Regardless of the causes of unwanted facial hair growth, Vaniqa and other prescription creams with eflornithine can help you inhibit the enzymes involved in the hair growth cycle and thus slow it down.  Therefore, any woman who wants to make her facial hair grow slower, thinner, and lighter can use eflornithine-containing prescription creams.  Eflornithine-containing creams are specifically formulated to target unwanted facial hair, making them a potential solution for those seeking less noticeable hair. Part 4: How to Obtain Prescription Hair Removal Creams?  As the name shows, prescription creams are obtained with a prescription by a doctor. Thus, you need a dermatologist consultation to obtain prescription hair removal cream. For this, go to a dermatologist, and explain the condition of your facial hair, any underlying disease, and your expectations. Then the dermatologist will determine if using vaniqa is suitable for you as it might not be compatible with,  Related reading How to Heal an Armpit Rash? Hair Removal Cream vs Shaving: Which is Better for You? Why is IPL Not Suitable for Dark Skin? (6 Safety Methods Suggested) Pregnant or breastfeeding ladies Pregnant or breastfeeding ladies should consult their healthcare provider before using prescription hair removal creams to ensure safety for both mother and child. Ladies with hypersensitivity to eflornithine  Women with hypersensitivity to eflornithine may experience adverse reactions, so it’s crucial to inform your doctor about any allergies before starting treatment. Certain herbal medications and drugs Some herbal medications and drugs can interact with hair removal creams, so it's important to disclose all medications to your healthcare provider. Severely acne-prone skin Those with severely acne-prone skin should exercise caution, as certain ingredients in hair removal creams might exacerbate their skin condition. If you do not have any of the conditions mentioned above, you can get vaniqa. The doctor will also tell you the right dose, method, and technique to use Vaniqa.  Furthermore, the cost of Vaniqa hair removal cream is not covered by insurance in many cases. This is because vaniqa is a cosmetic treatment and most cosmetic treatments are not covered by insurance in the USA.  Since the cost of Vaniqa is often not covered by insurance, it’s advisable to check with your provider and plan your budget accordingly before treatment. Part 5: Alternative to Prescription Hair Removal Creams There are two important points to note about prescription creams; first, these creams only slow down hair growth when used in combination with other hair removal methods and do not actually remove hair, and second, the effects of such creams only last as long as you use them.  So, here are the two alternatives to prescription hair removal creams.  Over-the-counter depilatory Hair Removal Creams  Prescription creams are insufficient for women with the main goal of removing unwanted body and facial hair painlessly rather than merely slowing down its growth. For women seeking a more effective solution, over-the-counter options may provide a better fit for their hair removal needs compared to prescription creams. These creams slowly dissolve the hair strands allowing the hair to be removed in one wipe. However, remember that the results of depilatory creams are transient and only last for 3 to 7 days.  Transient results mean that users will need to reapply the cream regularly to maintain hair-free skin, making it important to consider the frequency of use. IPL Hair Removal  If you are looking for a hair removal method that won’t only remove the unwanted hair from your body and face but also minimize the growth, IPL hair removal proves to be the ultimate choice. IPL hair removal devices like If you are looking for a hair removal method that won’t only remove the unwanted hair from your body and face but also minimize the growth, IPL hair removal proves to be the ultimate choice. IPL hair removal devices like Ulike Air 10 IPL hair removal handset give out a beam of light that is absorbed into the hair.  After absorption, it reaches the hair follicles where it kills the follicle. Consequently, hair growth is significantly reduced. This way, you can achieve 99% hairlessness within a few months. Also, note that results of IPL last for up to 6 months after completion of the treatment.  Conclusion  Vaniqa cream is a prescription hair removal cream with eflornithine as the main ingredient. Eflornithine inhibits the enzymes involved in the hair growth cycle while reducing the rate of hair growth. Recommended for conditions like hirsutism, PCOS, and hormonal disorders, vaniqa can be obtained after consultation with a dermatologist.  Also, it is associated with side effects like allergies making the consultation an essential step in obtaining it. Therefore, talk to your doctor before using Vaniqa and also use it as per instructions for the best results. Lastly, you might want to try prescription cream alternatives like IPL hair removal. Mariela