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julia_k · 05-20-2009, 01:10 AM

The treatments I know of are hair removal creams, waxing, tweezer/threading/shaving, medication, laser treatments. Each person responds differently, and due to your age, I'm not sure which ones are real options for you. Here's what has been my experience.

I started hair removal creams in college and then switched to waxing when I got a job. Eventually, I was having to wax so often, I was embarrassed to go into the salon. By that time, even the removal creams had stopped working. My dermatologist (now) explained why the creams stopped working, although I don't remember why now. Basically, the cream damages the cell in some way that doesn't make this a long term solution (at least for me).

When the creams stopped working, I started tweezing the hairs. This was on my chin/throat and upper lip. I started to get ingrown hairs and bad acne (this was really an ugly time). The hair was also coming in more coarse. I have dark hair, so it's really noticeable.

I went to a dermatologist and have been getting laser treatments for the past 2 years. I wanted an actual Dr as I was nervous about these strip-mall laser "shops". Be aware that there are many types of laser treatments. I wanted the IPL (Intense Pulse Light) laser treatment because it was supposed to be less painful and had some other benefits. Laser treatment affects everyone differently, you can't necessarily judge it from someone else's experience. How well it works is based on your skin color, your hair color, etc. For me, the hair growth has slowed down a lot (I get a treatment every 8 weeks). The hair went from being dark & coarse to light and fine, so even if it starts to grow, you can't see it. This is an expensive option, though, and is considered cosmetic (no insurance).

My next Dr apt is in June, and I plan to ask about medications to control the hair growth. I know there are some but I don't know any details.

Hope you can find a solution that works for you.

Julia