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Peach Fuzz Is a Thing When You're Over 40. Here's How to Get Rid of It

Here's what works -- and what most definitely doesn't
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Laser Hair Removal
Just say no to lasers -- at least for peach fuzz-removing purposes. Lasers work when the melanin, AKA pigment, in the hair absorbs the energy and damages the follicle so that the hair doesn't grow back. Since vellus hairs don't have any pigment, there's nothing to absorb the energy from the laser and damage the follicle, Tummala points out. Save zapping for other parts of your body.

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Electrolysis
Here's another hard pass. While this method is permanent, which may seem appealing, it's no bueno for facial hair. Electrolysis uses an electric current to destroy each hair follicle, but won't work on super fine hairs, like, you guessed it, the ones on your face.

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Waxing
In theory, yes, wax will work, but be careful. As a general rule, waxing tends to be a rougher method of hair removal, cautions Tummala; there's not only the risk of ripping your skin, but also potential for burns. If it's your tried-and-true jam, go for it, but it's also not a bad idea to save it for the skin below your chin.

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Sugaring
Often lumped in with waxing, the two techniques are very different. "Sugaring resembles waxing in terms of the process, but the sugaring gel is made by melting sugar, water and lemon juice to create a honey-like consistency. It's sticky enough to remove the hair, but not as sticky as wax where it's also removing the top layers of your skin," explains Tummala. This makes it both less painful, and less likely to cause redness or irritation, always a good thing when dealing with your complexion. The one potential drawback: Because it isn't super sticky, it may take more than one pass to completely de-fuzz an area.

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Depilatories
Again, this is another case where they'll work, but user beware. "Depilatories contain chemicals to essentially dissolve the proteins of the hair, making it weak enough to be broken off when the cream is wiped away," explains Tummala of the process. It's effective, but read the directions carefully and follow them to the letter (seriously, this is not the time for creative license). Also important: Be sure to use a formula especially made for facial hair, like Sally Hansen Brush-On Hair Remover for Face, $6.99. And if your skin veers towards sensitive or is easily irritated, you may want to try one of these other methods.

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BY MELANIE RUD CHADWICK | NOV 14, 2017 | SHARES
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