Can a face cream increase my facial hair??

i applied a herbal cream for acne for around 20 days, and i noticed my facial hair increasing a lot along the jaw line and sidelocks. I have immediately stopped using the cream. I have never had any facial hair till now.I am 24 years. Will the hair go away over a time period?

This is not a fun problem to have suddenly!  “Herbal” creams are much less regulated than prescription or even other OTC creams.   The U.S. is pretty lax, in my opinion, in it’s oversight of chemicals in creams, lotions, gels etc.  Herbal creams are generally considered to be “safer” by the public because they usually (read the labels though) don’t contain as many chemicals.

This doesn’t mean that they are truly SAFE, because they can still easily cause allergic reactions, irritant reactions, acne breakouts, and even the problem you’re suddenly having – an increase in facial hair.

Hair growth is hormonally stimulated and regulated (think puberty for example). Some plants have hormone interruption and some hormone stimulating effects.  Usually the hair will revert back to normal in a month or two.   If not, please see your dermatologist!

Hope this helps,  Dr. I

 

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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