Peach Fuzz: How Can You Get Rid of It

While everyone has peach fuzz on their face, some people have more of it than others. These fine, short hairs are completely normal, but it is also understandable that you may want to get rid of them. This is especially true if they look a bit more visible and stand in the way of seamless makeup application or just a smooth all-natural look. 

The good news is there are lots of ways to remove those fine hairs on your forehead, cheeks, upper lip, and chin area. Continue reading as we learn more about peach fuzz, its purpose, the benefits of removing it, and ways to get rid of it if you want to.

What is peach fuzz?

Also referred to as vellus hair, peach fuzz refers to the fine and soft hairs that appear almost anywhere on the body. It is often lighter in color, which is why it is mostly visible (in the majority of cases) up close. Peach fuzz is different from thicker, longer, coarser, and darker hair you have on the head, which is called terminal hair.  

Peach fuzz (sometimes called baby hairs) got its name because of its resemblance to the fuzz or little hairs on the skin of a peach. These thin hairs have the main purpose of regulating temperature or keeping you warm. They provide added insulation, as well as help the body wick away sweat to cool you off.

What causes abnormal or increased growth of vellus hair?

The amount or visibility of peach fuzz varies from person to person. Factors including aging, genetics, and hormonal fluctuations can affect the amount of peach fuzz you have. This is why some people have more visible vellus hairs than others. There are also certain conditions that encourage increased growth of these hairs, including:

• Cushing’s syndrome – is a condition that causes an overproduction of the hormone cortisol. It can lead to a variety of symptoms, including an increased growth of peach fuzz on the face and body. 
• Hirsutism – causes dark or coarse hair growth on areas of the body that usually have vellus hair.
• Hypertrichosis – is a condition that causes abnormal hair growth in different areas of the body. 
• Eating disorders – such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa may lead to an increase in vellus hair. Lack of nutrition from the body may trigger lanugo or soft, feathery hair that’s thicker than peach fuzz.
• Alopecia – this causes terminal hairs to become thin, turning into vellus hairs. This leads to hair thinning and loss. A 2018 study also found that those who suffer from alopecia (balding) may notice an increase in vellus hair.

What are the benefits of removing peach fuzz?

It is totally up to you if you want to remove your peach fuzz. If you decide to, however, with a method that works best for you, you may be able to enjoy the following benefits. 

• Soft and smooth feeling face
• Exfoliated skin due to the removal of dead skin cells
• Helps with seamless makeup application
• Allows skincare products to go on your skin smoothly
• Makes skin appear brighter or more vibrant

How to get rid of peach fuzz

Removing peach fuzz, for the most part, is cosmetic, mainly because people don’t like the way it looks. If you feel the same way, it is good to know that there are several methods for effectively removing it. Talking to a skin or aesthetic doctor can help you determine the best option for you.

Methods for removing peach fuzz include: 

• Dry shaving – is the easiest and most accessible as you can use a regular razor (or an electric one) to shave your face. Shaving, however, is not always ideal, as it just cuts or trims the hair, which will require you to shave daily for optimal results. It can also increase your risk of cuts, razor burns, and ingrown hairs.
• Waxing/sugaring – pulls the hair from the root using a paste that is applied to the skin and is ripped off or peeled back afterward. It lasts longer than shaving, with results lasting three to four weeks. This method can be done at home, but it is best to see a professional for optimal results.
• Depilatories or hair removal creams – are chemical-based products that weaken the hair follicles and cause the hair to dissolve or break off from the skin. Depilatories are usually applied to the skin and left for a few minutes before wiping or washing them off. Just do take note that it can cause irritation or an allergic reaction if you have sensitive skin.  
• Threading – uses two cotton threads that are twisted and rolled over the skin to pull the hair out. As it removes the vellus hairs from the root, it can be painful or uncomfortable for some people. It may also irritate the follicles and trigger a condition called folliculitis, which looks like tiny pimples with pus.
• Dermaplaning – uses a small scalpel or razor to exfoliate the skin’s top layer, as well as effectively remove vellus hairs. It can give you smooth, soft skin, as well as make makeup application easier or more seamless. Unfortunately, it is not ideal for those with darker hair in patients with conditions that cause excess hair, as it could potentially worsen hair growth.
• Laser or light-based therapy – provides lasting results as this uses a device that targets the follicles and inhibits future hair growth. At Cutis, we have several laser- and light-based options that can remove unwanted facial hair and give you silky, smooth skin. These include:
  • Laser hair reduction – uses a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser that delivers light energy to hundreds of hair follicles. It bypasses the melanin on the skin, making it safe and effective for people with darker and tanned skin.
  • ProWave LX – is an intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment that uses a specially tailored light source to heat the follicles and disable hair growth. It can treat fine and light hair, different skin types (Fitzpatrick I-IV), and both small and large areas of the body.
  • SHR or Super Hair Reduction (Removal) – uses low fluence laser pulses at a higher frequency to stop hair growth. It targets the hair’s melanin and the cells responsible for hair production to help achieve permanent hair reduction. SHR is safe, effective, virtually pain-free, and suitable for all skin colors and hair types.
  • LHE (Touch Elite with LHE) – uses both light and heat energy (LHE) to destroy the hair follicles. Both energies target the follicles, not the skin, which means that there is no damage to the skin during the procedure. LHE can remove unwanted hair from the face and body, including larger areas like the back.

If your peach fuzz is making you self-conscious, there is nothing wrong with considering removing it. Just make sure to see a healthcare provider to find out which method suits you best. You can also contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore and schedule a consultation with our medical and aesthetic doctor.