{"id":8022,"date":"2024-11-12T13:47:07","date_gmt":"2024-11-12T13:47:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/go.simpleonlinepharmacy.co.uk\/uncategorized\/https-www-simpleonlinepharmacy-co-uk-health-advice-facial-hair-removal-does-vaniqa-cream-work\/"},"modified":"2026-06-11T16:39:31","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T16:39:31","slug":"facial-hair-removal-does-vaniqa-cream-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simpleonlinepharmacy.co.uk\/health-advice\/hair-loss\/facial-hair-removal-does-vaniqa-cream-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Vaniqa Cream for Facial Hair: What It Is and How It Works"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While it\u2019s normal for most women to have facial hair, it can cause distress. Especially if it\u2019s thick, dark and noticeable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for ways to remove or reduce your facial hair (beyond plucking and waxing) you may have come across Vaniqa<\/a> cream. But how does it work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Vaniqa Cream?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vaniqa cream<\/a> (topical eflornithine 11.5%) is a prescription treatment used by women with hirsutism<\/a> to reduce unwanted facial hair.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hirsutism is where women have excessive hair on their face, neck, chest, tummy, lower back, buttocks or thighs. It\u2019s common, affecting five to 10 percent of women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vaniqa reduces unwanted facial hair by slowing down hair growth in the areas you apply it to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does Vaniqa Cream Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vaniqa cream works by blocking an enzyme<\/a> (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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It takes time for the cream to make a noticeable difference, usually four to eight weeks of using it consistently and regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But you can combine Vaniqa with other hair removal methods, like shaving and plucking, until you see your hair growth reduce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do You Use Vaniqa Cream?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the treatment works you will need to continue using it, as hair growth will return around eight weeks after you stop using it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Effective is Vaniqa Cream?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vaniqa cream is an effective method of reducing unwanted facial hair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to persist with the treatment if you want to get the best results. But if you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who Is Vaniqa Suitable For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The treatment is suitable for most women over the age of 18, unless you\u2019re allergic to any of the ingredients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be prescribed to both premenopausal and menopausal women. However, it\u2019s not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019re able to use Vaniqa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can order a Vaniqa prescription after a quick online consultation<\/a> with one of our doctors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n