Vaniqa cream (eflornithine)

Main use Excessive facial hair growth in women

Active ingredient Eflornithine

Manufacturer Shire

How does it work?

Vaniqa cream contains the active ingredient eflornithine, which is a type of medicine known as an antiprotozoal. Eflornithine works by blocking the action of an enzyme called ornithine decarboxylase. This is an enzyme found in hair follicles and is needed for hair to grow.
The cream is applied to the skin to reduce the growth of unwanted hair. It is used to treat unwanted facial hair growth in women, usually around the lips or under the chin.
Eflornithine only slows down the growth of unwanted hair. It does not actually remove hair so another method for hair removal such as plucking or shaving may need to be continued whilst using Vaniqa cream.
The benefit of using Vaniqa cream may be seen within two months after starting the treatment. If no improvement is seen after four months then treatment may be stopped by the doctor.
Vaniqa cream needs to be used continually once the benefits of reduced hair growth on the face have been seen. If treatment is stopped then re-growth is likely to occur within two months.

What is it used for?

• Treatment of excessive hair growth on the face (facial hirsutism) in women.

Warning!

• Vaniqa should only be used on the face and under the chin.
• Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes and the moist membranes lining the inside of certain parts of the body, eg mouth, nasal passages (mucous membranes). Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs.
• Avoid using on broken or irritated skin.
• Do not use on skin immediately after using any other hair removal method. It is necessary to wait for at least five minutes.
• Wash your hands after applying the cream.
• For maximum effect, you should not clean the treated area of skin within four hours of applying the cream. You can use cosmetics (including sunscreens) on the treated areas, but don’t apply them sooner than five minutes after applying the cream.
• If your skin becomes irritated by the cream you should try using it less frequently. If the irritation persists, stop using the cream and consult your doctor.
• Excessive hair growth due to underlying diseases needs to be investigated and treated before using Vaniqa.

Use with caution in

• Decreased liver function.

Not to be used in

• Males.
• Girls aged under 12 years.
• Pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It should not be used by pregnant women or by those planning pregnancy. An alternative method of hair removal should be used.
• It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk, but it is possible that it may. As a result, it should not be used by mothers who are breastfeeding.

Label warnings

• For external use only.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Acne.
• Skin irritation – burning, stinging.
• Redness of the skin.
• Rash.
• Ingrown hair.
• Flushing of skin.
• Skin bleeding or blistering.
• Cold sores.
• Dry or numb lips.
• Dry skin.
• Abnormal hair texture and growth.
• Changes in skin pigmentation.
• Itchy dermatitis.
• Skin cysts.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already using, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any new medicines while using this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
You can apply cosmetics (including sunscreens) to the areas of skin treated with this medicine, but don’t apply them sooner than five minutes after applying Vaniqa cream.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredient

There are currently no other medicines available in the UK that contain eflornithine as the active ingredient.

Crotex hair removal cream

F.A.Q.

Why do I need to take a skin test?
The thing is that skin is a complex organic structure and it indeed responds to any changes in endocrine profile of a human body. Since your skin condition changes rather frequently, then in order to avoid irritation you must conduct a skin test before using the cream for depilation.
What if I have sensitive skin?
If no irritation occurred after you conducted a skin test on a small area of skin, then go for using the cream for depilation with no fears.

What is the concept behind how the cream works?
The cream is an innovative depilation beauty aid. It contains active principles which act upon a hair bulb thereby destroying a hair papilla attached to the lower part of the hair bulb. The hair papilla (it is also called a hair cuticle) is a very important part of a hair bulb since it acts sort of as a computer which controls condition and growth of a hair. If a hair papilla dies, then a hair it controls dies as well.
Can all people use depilation creams?
The creams can be used by women, by men, and even by pregnant women, in case they comply with all the regulations written in the guide sent to you in the parcel with the cream.
Can I tan after using the cream?
We do not recommend you tan within the first 24 hours after using the cream since it can cause irritation in some cases.
Can I use other beauty aids (such as antiperspirant, perfume, or tanning lotions) right after depilation?
We do not recommend that you use any beauty aids within the first 24 hours after using the cream since it can cause irritation in some cases.
Can I use the Crotex cream if I have acnes, wounds or sores on the skin area I want to apply it on?
No. We do not recommend that. Use the cream after the skin area is completely healed.
Can I use the Crotex cream to remove facial hair?
Yes, feel free to apply the cream for depilation on your facial skin.
Does hair stop growing after the Crotex cream has been applied on a skin area for real?
Yes, after you applied the cream on a certain skin area, hair will never grow back there.
Are there any counter indications against using the Crotex cream?
Clinical testing has not elicited any other than rare allergic reactions to some components of the cream.
What if I changed my mind about purchasing the cream, but the money has already been sent?
In order to cancel the purchase, you have to send a cancellation notice to the email indicated in the invoice. If you do so, your funds will be returned to the account where they have been sent from. The transaction will be processed 60 days after the release date.
Can I use the Crotex cream after chemical peeling?
You can use the Crotex cream 14 or more days after chemical peeling.

Revitol Hair Removal Cream

Revitol Hair Removal Cream, marketed by Revitol.com (a proud member of the Natural Products Association), is an advanced hair inhibiting system that comes in a convenient cream form. In addition, the Revitol approach to hair removal is painless, effortless and quick acting. The commercial formulation is adequate for both men and women.

So whether you’re out to remove hairs from your underarms or excess hair on your legs, the cream can be used just as effectively throughout the body. If you’re tired of re-applying other hair removal products or shaving off those body hairs, perhaps it’s time that you tried and efficient and painless way of doing things.

How Revitol Hair Removal Cream Works?

Revitol Hair Removal Cream is easy to use and has moisturizing properties, as well. The cream contains the following ingredients:

Water, Calcium Hydroxide, Thioglycolyic Acid (80%), Calcium Thioglycolate, Mineral Oil, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Cetyl Alcohol, Peg-75 Lanolin, Stearyl Alcohol, Steareth-20 and Aloe Vera Extract

The system works in 3 easy steps:

Step 1: Apply the cream on the areas targeted for hair removal. It’s important that you do not rub in the product.

Step 2: Simply use a clean towel to wipe the hairs away from their original place in the skin.

Step 3: Use lukewarm water to wash the area (don’t use soap).

Hair Removal Trends For Men

Can you imagine getting a bikini wax alongside your woman? Neither can we. However, men have come a long way since the days of showing up to work in an unbuttoned button-down that revealed an army of hair fighting its way past the nape of their necks -- haven't they? While you likely won't go the Brazilian route, you might be surprised (or not) to hear that men are taking it off -- their body hair, that is.

Is it weather-related? Is she hinting at it? Or, have you been curious about how you would look with less hair? Whatever the motivation, men have already arrived at this point. Between waxing, shaving, electrolysis, tweezing, trimming, and laser hair removal, men of all ages, sizes, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, and professions are getting rid of excess body hair.

AskMen is here to help by bringing these hair removal trends for men to your attention. We're not advocating waxed legs or arms -- jeez, a dude should look like, well, a dude -- but we do advocate taking the time to do your homework to figure out what's best for you.

Waxing and sugaring

What is it? Waxing is a hair removal trend for men that involves spreading hot wax on to the desired area, and then applying a strip of cloth or muslin onto the wax, rubbing it, and ripping off the strip in one fell swoop -- wax, hair, root, and all. Sugaring is similar to waxing, only it uses sugar paste (which usually consists of a mixture of sugar, lemon, water, and even citric acid and gum arabic) instead of wax and is a method of hair removal that goes as far back as ancient Egypt.

Since some men might be embarrassed about getting waxed at a salon, there are at-home aestheticians who can perform this at home. There are even do-it-yourself waxing kits -- but unless you're a glutton for punishment, it's pretty hard to put yourself through such torture and it can get very messy.

If you opt for waxing, go to a professional. If you choose to get your genital area waxed, keep in mind that most spas and aestheticians simply wax the areas surrounding your crown jewels -- so only the regions around and above the base of the penis get the royal treatment.
Men are also booking appointments at salons or spas for eyebrow waxes. With guys like David Beckham boasting nicely shaped brows, it seems men aren't settling for less. According to the spa director at Esthetique, in Hamden, Connecticut, 86% of his male clientele get their eyebrows waxed.

Guys, this really isn't about becoming a pretty boy -- it's about not walking around with a unibrow. Makes sense. Don't aim for a perfectly arched eyebrow, but waxing is a good way to get rid of eyebrows that are out of control.

Ideal parts to wax: Eyebrows (unibrow), back of neck, back, chest, toes, and knuckles
Pain factor: 8/10
Bottom line: With repeated use, hair gradually becomes thinner because the roots are weakened, but the hair will grow back, albeit at longer intervals. So, if you want to lessen the hair that grows on your toes or chest without permanently abolishing it, this would be the ideal way to go.

Electrolysis

What is it? While electrolysis sounds more threatening, the premise behind this method is that a needle zaps the hair at its root and kills it. Electrolysis offers permanent results, but, of course, there is no guarantee and effectiveness varies from guy to guy, hair follicle to hair follicle. This procedure must be performed by a professional electrologist and requires regular appointments for optimal results. The upside is that electrolysis weakens hairs at the root and eventually eliminates growth.

Ideal parts to zap: Eyebrows (unibrow), back of neck, sporadic hairs on body
Pain factor: 6/10
Bottom line: Since it's significantly more expensive and more time-consuming than waxing (it could take up to a year to eliminate body hair completely), save the electrolysis for your unibrow or other small patches of hair that you want to get rid of for good.

Laser treatments

What is it? FDA-approved, laser treatment involves a laser beam basically killing the hair follicles. Results depend on your skin pigmentation and the color of your hair (dark hair absorbs the laser energy, making it easier to treat), so you will first need to find out if you are a good candidate for the procedure. The best results occur with men who have fair skin and black hair. Keep in mind that you cannot receive treatment if you are tanned, as a tan messes with your skin's pigmentation and can lead to blistering or permanent discoloration. This is why darker-skinned men might not make good candidates; thus, consult with a practitioner or dermatologist first.

While laser hair removal offers a permanent reduction in quality or quantity of hair, it's also the most expensive method, with each session possibly running you a few hundred dollars. The total cost depends on the size of the desired body part, as well as factors like hair density and number of treatments required.

Laser hair removal requires several sessions. Although it's expensive, it can be considered an investment as you will never need to worry about hair removal in the desired area again. Just ask your woman how many times she's had to go for a wax. Laser hair removal is especially popular for athletic men who feel that their body hair hinders their performance, and even men who want a tattoo on their back, for example.

Ideal parts to laser: Back, unibrow, nape of neck
Pain factor: 7/10 (it kind of feels like an elastic band flicking your skin)
Bottom line: This is the mother of all hair removal methods in terms of price and efficiency, so keep in mind that while your back might be a good place to eliminate hair for good, you might not want to say a permanent goodbye to other hairy parts (in which case waxing might be a better alternative).

Tweezing

What is it? With the help of a trusty pair of tweezers (the sharper, the better), pluck away at the hairs you want to eliminate.

Unless you have lots of time on your hands and can take the constant pinching sensation, save the tweezing for those smaller regions that are covered with excess hair (or for ingrown hairs). Of course, this method is far from permanent.

Ideal parts to pluck: Eyebrows (unibrow), nape of neck
Pain factor: 4/10
Bottom line: Spending more for high-quality tweezers is worth the price. Don't forget to keep up with regular maintenance.

Trimmers

What are they? When it comes to body hair that you'd like to keep short, electric trimmers can do the trick with no pain, fuss or mess.

Ideal parts to trim: Ear hair, nose hair, nape of neck, pubic hair, arms, legs, the possibilities are endless.
Pain factor: 1/10
Bottom line: A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. There are so many electric and nonelectric trimmers out there for a guy to choose from, so go for it.

hair today...

Between the various hair removal trends for men, there is no reason for a guy to let his pubic area grow out of control or his unibrow to attract attention. You could always stick to shaving, but there are some areas that require more care and shaving can cause irritation and razor burn.

Sugar Hair Removal

Sugar Hair Removal - How To Get Great Results

Note: Hair inhibitors and sugar hair removal compliment each other well. As sugaring paste pulls the hair out from the roots, hair inhibitors can have a maximum effect in disabling the hair follicle and slowing down and preventing future hair growth.
To remove the hair by the root it must be at least 1/4 inch or 6 mm long. Longer hair should be trimmed to this length.
Hair must be clean and dry before starting hair removal sugaring. Remove all creams and oils, towel dry and then apply talcum powder to ensure the skin is completely dry.
Apply the sugaring paste in the direction of the hair growth.
When pressing the cotton strip on top of the paste, leave a small section at the end free so it will be easy to hold when pulling back.
If using a spatula to apply the paste use the edge not the flat side. This will help ensure a very thin layer is applied.
Pull the strip back sharply against the direction of the hair growth. Do not lift the strip up or out away from the skin.
Hold the skin firmly with one hand while you pull the strip back sharply with the other hand.
Treat small areas at a time when hair removal sugaring on sensitive parts of the body.
When heating the paste, either by microwave or oven, be absolutely sure the paste is just warm to the touch not hot. Otherwise burns to the skin may result.
If using hot water to warm the paste container, be sure not to allow water into the paste. Sugar paste is water soluble and will be spoiled if the container is not sealed properly and water gets in.
Sugar Hair Removal: Recipes to Try at Home
While many natural waxing and sugaring solutions are inexpensive to buy, some persons get satisfaction from making their own sugaring pastes at home.
Note however that while the recipes are quite simple, getting the correct proportions of the ingredients, the precise temperature and the cooking time exactly right can take much practice. It is an art to produce a sugaring paste with the right consistency which provides best results.
Recipe #1
Ingredients:

• 2 cups of sugar
• 1/4 cup of lemon juice
• 1/4 cup of water

Directions:
Put the sugar in a large saucepan, add the lemon juice and water.
Stir constantly over a low flame until the sugar is a dark brown.
Pour into thick plastic storage containers and allow to cool. (These can be put in a microwave later for reheating if necessary.)
Allow the sugar paste to cool until it is warm and spreadable.
Be sure to test the warmth on a small portion of skin first. It is easy to burn oneself if the paste is too hot!
If it cools too much and looses the correct consistency, put in a microwave oven for 10 to 20 seconds. Again, test the temperature before applying over a large area.

Recipe #2 - Sugar Syrup
Ingredients:

• 8 parts sugar syrup
• 1 part lemon juice
• 1 part mussed oil
• 2 parts water

Directions:
Put it on a medium heat for 45 minutes.
When the mixture turns brown remove it from the heat.
Add a little glycerin and let the mixture get cold.

Recipe #3 - Honey
Ingredients:

• 5 spoonfuls of honey
• 1 spoonful of lemon juice

Directions:
Put it on a medium heat for 30 minutes
Remove it from the heat and add a little glycerin
Sugar Hair Removal Facts
What is sugaring?
Using a technique which originated in Egypt, a paste made primarily of sugar is applied to the surface of the skin. The paste is then removed taking the hair along with it.
How does sugar hair removal work?
The paste is warmed and then applied thinly to the skin in the direction of the hair growth. Reusable cotton strips are then pressed firmly onto the paste and then sharply pulled back thus removing the hair with the paste.
On what areas of the body can sugar hair removal be used?
Practically all areas including:

• eyebrows
• upper lip
• underarms
• legs
• arms
• stomach
• bikini line

Men have one exception - they cannot use sugaring on the beard due to a different hair root system.
How long before hair regrows?
Generally sugar hair removal lasts between 4 and 6 weeks depending on the level of hair growth. The hair is removed from the root. Repeated treatments can tend to weaken the hair so it becomes easier over time.
Is it painful?
Some report a slight sting comparable to ripping a sticky tape from the skin. The skin may be red for a while afterwards but this usually disappears within 24 hours.
Is sugar hair removal safe?
Yes, the ingredients are all natural. Sugar even has healing properties. Paste solutions which are purchased can also contain other ingredients such as citric acid and gum Arabic.
The citric acid is an astringent which can tighten the skin making hair removal easier and the gum Arabic gives a proper consistency to the paste making it easier to remove.
What are the differences between sugar hair removal and waxing?
Wax adheres to the hair and the skin.
Sugar paste adheres only to the hair so there is less discomfort.
Wax is applied either hot or cold (in precoated strips) to the skin.
Sugar paste is used at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Wax often contains chemicals which can be a little hard on the skin if used repeatedly.
Sugar paste is completely natural and gentle on the skin.
Wax can be messy to clean up due to the petroleum base.
Sugar paste is easily cleaned up with water.
Where can I obtain supplies?
Sugaring solutions can be ordered online with a quick delivery time and a money back guarantee.

Hair Removal Methods

The desire to remove excess or dark hair usually begins in adolescence and seems to continue until the day we die. Whether it is hair on the face, armpits, legs, bikini line, or other body parts, many women AND men are intent upon having the hair on their scalp be the only visible hair on their bodies. With the emphasis on smooth, hairless skin, it is interesting to note that excess hair, especially in women, is still a taboo subject.

There are many options available to remove unwanted hair, but few options to get rid of hair permanently. The different methods of hair removal from the old stand-by, shaving, to the new treatments, lasers and Vaniqa, are discussed here. Each person should chose a method or combination of methods that works best for them depending on cost, time available, skin type, and the desired hair-free area.

Hair Growth

Understanding how hair grows helps us understand how to keep hair from growing. Each hair is contained in a pilosebaceous unit, which consists of a hair shaft, hair follicle, sebaceous gland, and erector pili muscle. Hair growth and shedding is a continuous cycle through 3 phases. The anagen phase is the growth phase, the catagen phase is a transitional state, and the telogen phase is the resting phase. Hairs spend a variable amount of time in each phase determined by genetics, hormones, and area of the body. Hair in the anagen phase is more susceptible to injury than hair in the telogen phase. All of these factors must be considered when choosing a method of hair removal.

Bleaching

Bleaching is actually not a hair removal method, but rather a way to make the hair less noticeable. This is especially useful for areas that already have thin but dark and therefore noticeable hair like the arms, face, or neck. Bleaching is performed by applying a chemical to the desired area, which removes the pigment from the hair.

Hair Removal with Shaving

Shaving is the most temporary method of hair removal because it merely cuts the hair off at the skin surface. Shaving does not make the hair shaft thicker, darker, or grow faster or slower. However, the short hair shaft may be more noticeable as it grows out because it has a blunt tip instead of the normal tapered tip. Shaving should be done after applying some type of moisturizer to the skin to help the razor glide over the skin, not cut or scrape it. Common moisturizers include water, shaving cream, hair conditioner, or body wash.

Physical Hair Removal

Physically pulling the hair out of the follicle is a common and fairly inexpensive method of hair removal. None of these methods changes the color, texture, or density of the hair. The hair takes longer to grow back because it must grow to the surface of the skin before it is noticed. Because hair grows at different rates, some of the hair that has been physically removed may take more time to grow back in. Repeatedly pulling hair out of the follicle may damage the follicle enough over time to keep it from producing more hair.

Physical Hair Removal - Plucking

Plucking hair with tweezers is an effective way to remove hair but can be very time consuming. The hair shaft must be long enough to grasp with tweezers.

Physical Hair Removal - Waxing

Waxing is an effective method of removing large amounts of hair at one time. In this method wax is warmed to allow it to be spread easily over the skin in the direction of hair growth. The hair becomes embedded in the wax, which cools and firms up grasping the hair. The wax is then quickly pulled off in the opposite direction of the hair growth, pulling the hairs out of the follicles. Cold waxes are available usually attached to strips, which are patted onto the skin. Wax that is still left on the skin must be peeled or scratched off. Caution must be used when heating wax so as not to burn the skin.

Physical Hair Removal - Sugar Waxing

Sugar waxing is a popular form of hair removal that works in the same way traditional waxing does. A thick sugary substance similar to caramel is spread on the skin in the direction of hair growth. The hair becomes embedded in the caramel. A cloth or paper strip is patted onto the caramel and then pulled off quickly in the opposite direction of the hair growth, pulling the hairs out of the follicles. The advantage of this method over traditional waxing is the clean up. The sugar substance is water-soluble and can be removed easier than wax by rinsing with water.

Hair Removal with Depilatories

Depilatories use a chemical called thioglycolate mixed with sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide to literally melt the hair away. Thioglycolate disrupts disulfide bonds, which are chemical bonds that hold skin and hair cells together. The disulfide bonds that hold hair together contain more of the protein cystine than do the disulfide bonds that hold skin cells together. Thioglycolate is more effective on disulfide bonds that contain cystine. The major side effect of a depilatory is skin irritation because the chemical can melt away skin cells.

A depilatory is applied to the area with unwanted hair and left on for 3 to 15 minutes. During this time the chemical dissolves the hair and the resulting jelly-like substance is wiped or washed off after the appropriate time. The chemical should be tested first on a small skin area at least 48 hours before applying it to a large area. Applying a hydrocortisone cream after hair removal may help decrease irritation.

Hair Removal with Electrolysis

Electrolysis involves inserting a fine needle into the hair follicle and applying an electrical current to the follicle root. This procedure actually burns the hair root theoretically preventing it from producing more hair. Each hair follicle must be treated individually and may take several treatments to destroy the follicle. Electrolysis is a permanent form of hair removal but it has several drawbacks. First, there are no standardized licensing guidelines for electrolysis so finding an experienced, effective technician is difficult requiring talking to clients who have experienced permanent results. Second, this method requires repeated treatments for up to 12 to 18 months. Hair follicles that are in the telogen phase are more difficult to destroy than hair follicles in the anagen phase. Shaving approximately 3 days before an electrolysis treatment ensures that the hairs that are visible are in the anagen phase. Finally, side effects can include pain, infection, keloid formation (for people who are susceptible), hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation.

Hair Removal with Laser

Laser treatment of various skin conditions has blossomed, as laser technology has become more understood. Hair removal is a common application of laser technology, but it is not permanent and not for everyone. Lasers work by emitting light at various wavelengths, energy output, and pulse widths. The wavelength used determines the skin structure it will affect such as veins, melanin, or water. Most lasers used for hair removal target melanin and are therefore designed to burn structures that contain melanin. The more melanin, the more damage. It makes sense that laser hair removal works best for light-skinned people with dark hair. As with electrolysis, hair follicles in the anagen phase are more easily destroyed than those in the telogen phase. Therefore, laser treatments for hair removal must be repeated. At this time it appears that laser treatment, while not causing permanent destruction of all hair follicles, does retard the regrowth of new hair.

Hair Removal with Vaniqa

Vaniqa is a prescription-only topical cream that has been FDA-approved for reducing and inhibiting the growth of unwanted facial hair. The active ingredient in Vaniqa is eflornithine hydrochloride, which has been used to treat African sleeping sickness and certain cancers. Vaniqa works by inhibiting an enzyme that is needed for cell reproduction and other cell functions necessary for hair growth. Vaniqa is applied twice a day to areas of unwanted facial hair. Noticeable results are usually observed after 4-8 weeks of therapy. Application must be continued for as long as inhibition of hair growth is desired. Vaniqa continues to reduce facial hair growth for up to 8 weeks after discontinuing treatment.