While it’s normal for most women to have facial hair, it can cause distress. Especially if it’s thick, dark and noticeable.
If you’re looking for ways to remove or reduce your facial hair (beyond plucking and waxing) you may have come across Vaniqa cream. But how does it work?
This article tells you all everything you need to know about Vaniqa. Including what it is, how to use it, and how effective it is.
What is Vaniqa Cream?
Vaniqa cream (topical eflornithine 11.5%) is a prescription treatment used by women with hirsutism to reduce unwanted facial hair.
Hirsutism is where women have excessive hair on their face, neck, chest, tummy, lower back, buttocks or thighs. It’s common, affecting five to 10 percent of women.
Vaniqa reduces unwanted facial hair by slowing down hair growth in the areas you apply it to.
How Does Vaniqa Cream Work?
Vaniqa cream works by blocking an enzyme (ornithine decarboxylase) in hair follicles in the face, which stops the hair from growing as fast. It does not remove facial hair, it only slows down growth.
It takes time for the cream to make a noticeable difference, usually four to eight weeks of using it consistently and regularly.
But you can combine Vaniqa with other hair removal methods, like shaving and plucking, until you see your hair growth reduce.
How Do You Use Vaniqa Cream?
Apply a thin layer of Vaniqa cream to clean and dry skin twice a day, at least eight hours apart, and rub it in thoroughly.
You can still wear make-up after you apply the treatment, but wait five minutes before you do so. You should not wash your face for at least four hours after applying the cream. And wash your hands after using it.
If the treatment works you will need to continue using it, as hair growth will return around eight weeks after you stop using it.
How Effective is Vaniqa Cream?
Vaniqa cream is an effective method of reducing unwanted facial hair.
In one study involving 596 women, 35% of participants using Vaniqa saw an improvement after using the treatment for 24 weeks. Some 29% saw a marked improvement, while 6% saw unwanted facial hair clear completely.
It’s important to persist with the treatment if you want to get the best results. But if you’re not seeing a benefit after four months, you should stop using it. Talk to your GP, who might be able to recommend an alternative treatment.
Who Is Vaniqa Suitable For?
The treatment is suitable for most women over the age of 18, unless you’re allergic to any of the ingredients.
It can be prescribed to both premenopausal and menopausal women. However, it’s not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
You should seek advice from your GP about the cause of your hair growth to make sure any underlying conditions are being addressed and that you’re able to use Vaniqa.
You can order a Vaniqa prescription after a quick online consultation with one of our doctors.
Key Takeaways
- Vaniqa cream is a prescription treatment for women with hirsutism. It reduces unwanted facial hair by slowing down its growth through the inhibition of an enzyme (ornithine decarboxylase) in hair follicles.
- Vaniqa doesn’t remove hair, but prevents regrowth over time. You should see noticeable results after two to four months.
- It’s effective, with 29% of women in one study seeing a marked improvement after 24 weeks. Some 35% saw an improvement, and 6% saw unwanted facial hair clear completely.
- You need to use Vaniqa consistently to maintain effects, as hair growth returns after about eight weeks after you stop using it.
- Vaniqa is suitable for most women over 18 but should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
References
Barman Balfour, J.A. and McClellan, K. (2001). Topical Eflornithine. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2(3), pp.197–201. doi:https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200102030-00009.
patient.info. (n.d.). Eflornithine cream. Hair removal cream. [online] Available at: https://patient.info/medicine/eflornithine-cream-vaniqa.
Medicines.org.uk. (2022). Vaniqa 11.5% cream – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) – (emc). [online] Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6398/smpc [Accessed 12 Nov. 2024].
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on December 18, 2020. It has been updated for accuracy, readability and comprehensiveness.
Authorship
Authored by Ian Coakley
Medical Content Writer
Ian is a content writer at Simple Online Pharmacy. With a background in science communication, editing, and freelance writing, Ian aims to empower readers with accessible health information.
