Beat Your Facial Fuzz

By Lois Joy Johnson

If your age-related "ick -list" includes wrinkles, jaw-line sag and brown spots, you might as well include chin and mustache hairs. Their timing is purely sadistic- just as the hair on our scalp goes skimpy and thin, our faces start to sprout. The culprit: the ups and downs of hormone levels before, during and after menopause. But exactly how much excess facial hair you have depends on individual chemistry, genes and other possible health factors or problems. See your doctor if the amount suddenly escalates or appears excessive. Some women are plagued by only a few coarse hairs or fine pale downy fuzz that interferes with makeup application. Others find a slightly shaggy lip line with a mustache-like shadow that dooms the most fabulous lipstick or freshly whitened teeth. You have two choices: DIY or go to a pro. Here are your best options:

Tweezers Plain old plucking's fine for a random hair or two, but splurge on a quality slant-tipped tweezer to precisely grab your victims. Numb the area with an ice cube first, use a magnifying mirror and work in direct light near a window. You'll feel the regrowth before you see it, so wait till the stubble is long enough before a redo. (Tweezerman Slant Tweezer, $22, sephora.com)

Depilatory Creams Facial depilatories are O.K. for normal skin that tolerates at-home facials, masks, microdermabrasion and peels without discomfort. Since chemicals dissolve the keratin bonds in the hairs you want a gentle formula-don't even think about using a stronger body/ leg depilatory on your face. New steps and ingredients minimize irritation and include prep and post removal balms, vitamin E and aloe formulas and mess-less application systems...and the old chemical smell is for the most part gone. Try: Sally Hansen Insta- Smooth Pods Crème Hair Remover for Face ($10.99, ulta.com) or Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo ($ 22.94, ulta.com)

Threading This salon method has roots in Middle Eastern culture and requires an experienced practitioner. Ask around because skill varies and word-of-mouth is the best source. The pro runs a knotted thread over the skin to pull out hairs at the roots. It doesn't involve chemicals or an MD, so this can be a quick, inexpensive solution for those with delicate skin. It'll run you anywhere from $ 10 to $20 depending on the salon and expert.

Waxing This "ouch" method can a salon or at-home solution and gives a smooth satin finish, which fans swear gives a finer regrowth. The downside is possible irritation. Don't try DIY waxing unless you've had at least one salon waxing experience and no negative skin reaction. If you use prescription Retin-A or Renova in a hair -removal spot be sure to clear waxing( or any hair removal method )with your doctor to avoid possible irritation or skin damage. Stop any non-prescription topical de-aging creams containing glycolic acid or retinoids for a few days before and after waxing. Never wax( or use a depilatory either ) over a mole, cut or abrasion or if you have had laser surgery. Usually the warm wax is usually applied with a spatula, and then covered with muslin strips that get ripped off taking excess hairs with them. The result is smooth hairless skin. You have to wait for at least a 1/4 inch growth to redo so be prepared for stubble days. Some of the newer kits have updates like no strips because the wax just peels away, or retouch strips that are pre-treated with wax and require no heating. Others include wax that can be heated in the microwave to a comfortable temperature and post wax soothing lotions to minimize the sting. Try: Bliss Poetic Waxing Wax Strips Face ($ 25 for 20 strips, sephora.com) or Sally Hansen Microwaveable Eyebrow, Face & Lip Wax ($5.99, ulta.com)

Laser Hair Removal . This dermatological procedure is a fresh long-term alternative to electrolysis and much less painful, although neither is pain-free. Lasers target hair follicles below the surface and work best when there's contrast between the hairs and skin tone. It's useless on pale skin with blonde, white or grey facial hairs though some newer lasers effectively treat dark hair on darker skin tones. The cycle of new hair, growth stage and shedding is always in progress, so several treatments (sometimes eight to ten) will be necessary to nab hairs during the active growing phase. Don't pluck or wax if you see hairs sprouting between treatments. Shave instead...and don't go for a laser treatment if you are tan. The extra melanin in your skin causes problems with the absorption of laser energy. You'll spend $ 300 to $1000 depending on the area and degree of hairiness. Chins and mustaches, for example, will be far less than a bikini line, forearms or underarms.

About the Author

Lois Joy Johnson is ThirdAge's Beauty and Fashion Director. She is the author of "The Makeup Wakeup."