Cosmetic Concerns

[kmb501]

I work as a teacher, and I want to save money, but I was wondering should I start a budget to address certain issues I've been having with the way I look? I suffer from a hormone imbalance that makes me rather hairy. It's most noticeable on my chin, cheeks, and upper lip. I've also gotten little pockets of fat around my chin and neck area. My skin also isn't very clear. I've thought about seeing a dermotologist and maybe getting some laser hair removal, but the initial consultation with the dermotologist is probably going to be pretty expensive. Plus, the procedure is probably not going to be covered by insurance. Should I try to fit it into my budget anyway or should I refrain from doing anything and just try to save more money?  I make about $2500 per month.

[thingamabobs]

What budget?? You have another thread  in which you're hemorrhaging $1400/month, have no clue where it's going and now you're asking if you should "try to fit it into my budget"????? Try getting your spending under control first.

[kmb501]

What budget?? You have another thread  in which you're hemorrhaging $1400/month, have no clue where it's going and now you're asking if you should "try to fit it into my budget"????? Try getting your spending under control first.

Yes, I plan to plug that leak as soon as possilbe by tracking my expenses and creating more realistic categories that actually reflect my spending habits and set agreeable boundaries for me. I certainly don't plan to stay in my current situation.  I was just wondering if I should go to a dermatologist and see if this issue could be fixed, or should i just continue to ignore it and try to save more money?

[lbmustache]

Well, to be honest, the skin and hair issues will not clear up unless you address the hormonal issues. Is it PCOS? Are you on birth control or anything like that?

I would look at that first, and then maybe some at home or cheaper remedies (waxing or threading the hair) before going to a dermatologist and laser hair removal - which are quite pricey.

[Jakejake]

For $30 you could get an epilator. The first couple times you use it, just do a tiny tiny area - because if it's in a new spot, it will feel a little like you put your face in a nest of fire ants. But I swear if you redo the same area in a day or two, and then do it weekly, it ends up not hurting and you will thank me. It might even make sense to do the first test in a less sensitive spot, over a few days, so you see what I mean - like try the top of your thigh, then a day or two later, and again a third time. You'll see it stops hurting.

What's nice about it is after that first investment of $30 and pain, then you have a free lifetime of a solution.

[kmb501]

Well, to be honest, the skin and hair issues will not clear up unless you address the hormonal issues. Is it PCOS? Are you on birth control or anything like that?

I would look at that first, and then maybe some at home or cheaper remedies (waxing or threading the hair) before going to a dermatologist and laser hair removal - which are quite pricey.

Most likely it is PCOS. I have gone to the doctor for it, and she put me on birth control pills, but it hasn't cleared up the hair at all. If anything, it's thicker now than it was before, but I think that's because I've resorted to shaving.

[kmb501]

Well, to be honest, the skin and hair issues will not clear up unless you address the hormonal issues. Is it PCOS? Are you on birth control or anything like that?

I would look at that first, and then maybe some at home or cheaper remedies (waxing or threading the hair) before going to a dermatologist and laser hair removal - which are quite pricey.

Epilators really hurt. I've tried them, but the disappointing thing is they don't do a great job. I also have threading tools, but using them correctly is difficult and time consuming. I've also tried waxing, at home and going to a professional; it takes hours to get the spot completely clean.

[lizzzi]

After I read that Elizabeth Taylor shaved her face once a week, and that Kim Kardashian does, too, I just thought "What the hey." I bought a women's pink re-chargable razor and clean my face up when necessary. Also tried a Venus-type disposable razor and very gentle woman's shaving gel, but that was just too much trouble and mess. I used to go to the salon to get my mustache area and chin waxed...got tired of using up time and money. My re-chargable works just fine, and (except for this forum), no one need know. And it gives me a lot more control over my appearance--don't need to wait for a salon appointment--just clean it up anytime.

[Jakejake]

So are any of the other women in this thread suddenly not into our personal forum titles so much?

[lizzzi]

  What do you mean, Jakejake? (Maybe I'm just being dense.)

[Jakejake]

Under my user name, it says bristles. Under yours, pencil stache.

[lizzzi]

Oh...I never look at those...don't even remember what they mean.

I hope my post up above helps the OP. Using my own girlie razor saves so much time and money, and I think my face looks better now. And there is no pain or discomfort. I use a tweezer for my eyebrows, and once in a while for an extra stray hair here or there that I find. Easy peasy.

[kmb501]

I must be doing something wrong then, because I retain that dreaded "five o'clock shadow" after I shave. It makes it clear what was there before I shaved, yuck. If I want anything near clear skin, I have to suffer being waxed and plucked or threaded. Really, I kind of wish some genius would find a way to make facial hair on women socially acceptable; it would make my life much easier. Mine is so thick, though, that some of my "darling little angel-faced kids" have asked me if I was once a man. *blush* and *cringe*

[lizzzi]

Maybe get the closest shave you can, and then just a little make-up? I am on the fair side--hairs are mostly blonde with a few annoying, coarse dark ones. If you are darker-complected, you are one of millions. (like the Kardashians or whoever) All these darker-haired girls must have some of the same issues. I'm going back a ways...Sophia Loren, Racquel Welch, etc., etc. How about Salma Hayek, Jennifer Lopez...maybe Sandra Bullock. They've gotta be doing something.

[pbkmaine]

Go to a dermatologist for a check up. This should be covered by insurance. While there, you can ask about these issues and options. Specifically, what are your most cost-effective options?

[MrsStubble]

my sister got a hair removal trial on group-on (5 session for $500 i think).  It may be worth it to try and check, because different lasers do different things depending on the type of hair it is.  The sessions she had didn't work for her blond hair, but they did give her a equivalent discount to do another type of laser which worked better.  You may also want to look for places that do testing.  I had my armpit hair removed permanently as a lab rat (aka cosmetic tester) and they paid me $150 to do it.   

Good luck!

[Student loan stomper]

I don't put to much stock in doctors or meds... My doc said I had PCOS and tried to put me on BC but I didn't see the need for that and worried it would wreck havoc on my emotions and cycle.  Instead I did some reading and started on a paleo diet, lots of excersise, and Vit C and garlic pills.  The first two did a great job on preventing further hair issues and keeping my cycle super regular.  But I still had some acne issues.  Getting rid of stress and the garlic and Vit C helped a ton with those.  I would say work on stress, eating habits and lifestyle for about 4 months.  If you are still feeling the same then save for the specialist but from what I have read most things they will prescribe are fixing the side effects rather than the issues.  Also read up on you BC and it's potential side effects see if they could be to blame and try something else if you think that is the case.

Good luck!

[kmb501]

I don't put to much stock in doctors or meds... My doc said I had PCOS and tried to put me on BC but I didn't see the need for that and worried it would wreck havoc on my emotions and cycle.  Instead I did some reading and started on a paleo diet, lots of excersise, and Vit C and garlic pills.  The first two did a great job on preventing further hair issues and keeping my cycle super regular.  But I still had some acne issues.  Getting rid of stress and the garlic and Vit C helped a ton with those.  I would say work on stress, eating habits and lifestyle for about 4 months.  If you are still feeling the same then save for the specialist but from what I have read most things they will prescribe are fixing the side effects rather than the issues.  Also read up on you BC and it's potential side effects see if they could be to blame and try something else if you think that is the case.

Good luck!

I have issues with anemia related to my cycle. I stopped taking the pills for a while, and on one doctor visit, my iron was so low that they had to give me blood and keep me for observation. Those birth control pills prevent things like that; I'm not sure I should be without them.

[mozar]

I kind of wish some genius would find a way to make facial hair on women socially acceptable; it would make my life much easier.

The way to make facial hair on women socially acceptable is for women to not remove their facial hair. I know a woman who has a large mustache and she won a lawsuit (job asked her to shave it) that meant she never had to work again. So you can't be fired for it. And kids are stupid. They end up being mean because they are uneducated. I used to work in an elementary school and the kids had never seen a woman with short hair before. They kept asking me if I was a girl or a boy. I said I was a goy (cross between a boy and a girl) just to mess with them.
If you are diagnosed officially with pcos then your dermatologist might be covered. I'm pretty sure laser never is. I paid $1200 to remove hair on my tummy 8 years ago, and it's all coming back now.
Shaving is the second best option. The first best option is doing nothing. PCOS is really serious though. You have to really be on it in terms of stress, sleep, and diet or you will gain weight very quickly. My ex had pcos and when they stopped exercising every day their weight shot up. For acne, the only thing that has ever helped me is getting enough sleep.
Here's a woman who wears her beard like a boss:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/juliegerstein/this-bearded-bride-will-change-the-way-you-think-about-beaut#.dkA35bVvM

Eta: 29 is about the time I started going grey. Suddenly people weren't so interested in my appearance because I was now "old." It's makes it easier to not care.

[SarahMD428]

You should refrain from doing anything and just try to save more money.

[jrhampt]

Go see the dermatologist ASAP (or whatever other medical specialists you get referred to).  I have rosacea but didn't know it initially and struggled with various DIY approaches for almost a year before I finally went to the doctor.  Voila, diagnosis, some prescriptions, and problem solved.  I wish I had just gone sooner.  You may be surprised what is covered by insurance.

[iamlittlehedgehog]

PCOS cyster here. I too am hairy and broke (going back to school while paying down my student loans). Honestly from what I have found move lasers, creams, etc. do not work very well on us because the root of our hair is a hormone imbalance. Some of us will always be hairy. I've tried the $300 laser treatments, waxing, shaving. It all comes back. But there is hope.
My body and facial hair has stopped growing as much since I've maintained a low carb diet, reduced my fatty liver (many people with hormone imbalances have non-alcoholic fatty liver which can leave to hirsutism is women) and drink 16 ounces of spearmint tea a day. Spearmint is a known androgen blocker and reduce body and facial hair. I buy it bulk to save money.

[Midcenturymater]

Sorry you are dealing with that. As a teacher you are on display so I could understand you wanting to tweak appearance if it possible to do so.

I think it us totally personal. If you don't have to get into debt and you value it enough to spend the money on it then do it. Some people would not be bothered by it do would not spend the money. I agree get the hormonal front sorted. A friend had the same thing but you would never know as she spent money to change it as her job as dancer meant it affected her success at auditions. So it was money well spent for her.

But aside from buying a house or securing life changing health care nothing else is worth getting into debt for in my opinion.

[ShoulderThingThatGoesUp]

A high school Spanish teacher of mine was a bearded woman and I think she dyed it so it was less noticeable. Anyways, nobody gave her crap about it to her face, but it sounds like you are dealing with younger kids.

[pbkmaine]

I have a number of friends with facial hair and they shave, just like a guy would.

[esq]

Tria, an at-home laser, is basically the same type and strength as in salons, according to research I've done online.

I bought a Tria, and it really works.  You put some ice on beforehand and immediately after, and you're good to go.  I found mine for $200 used.  Highly recommend. 

I also have to second the low carb way of eating - very healthy if you do it right. 

Best of luck dealing with this - kids can be tough.  The kids at my school used to ask if I was pregnant before I went low carb.  I'd tell them, "nope - just fat".  LOL.

[kite]

Waxing yourself is pennies in materials.  I need to do my beard 2x month. 
My SIL bleaches hers, but I prefer waxing & plucking. 

[lizzzi]

I've tried to wax myself over the years, but it just didn't work. The over the counter products aren't any good, IMHO. I think I've tried them all. It would probably work better to buy the wax that beauticians use, and melt it in that little electric pot they have...but I would be afraid to use that without some training. I think you could really hurt yourself.

[Kitsune]

I spent 2 years forking out 75$/month (35$/half-hour session, twice a month) on electrolysis (because, as a fair-haired lady, I could have grown a pretty fantastic dark-brown and coarse neck-beard, ugh). No joke: best money I have EVER spent, and I have ZERO regrets. That stopped 3 years ago, and nothing at all as come back (wheras with laser there's no guarantee).

The key point, though, is that I HAD that money. I spent that money, and all the rest of my lifestyle, while still saving over 1K/month while in my mid-20s. If you don't have the money to spare, that's not necessarily an option. Address your finances, then address your hormonal issues (which may solve the hair and acne issue), then address the skin issue.

Also, be warned: there is no hair-removal solution that is both permanant and painless. Stock up on ibuprofen and grit your teeth.

[kite]

I've tried to wax myself over the years, but it just didn't work. The over the counter products aren't any good, IMHO. I think I've tried them all. It would probably work better to buy the wax that beauticians use, and melt it in that little electric pot they have...but I would be afraid to use that without some training. I think you could really hurt yourself.

I'm using a hard wax in a little cup that gets heated in a small pan of simmering water.  It's the same stuff the pros use.  And I only DIY on my chin.  For anything else, I'd need help.

[Kitsune]

I've tried to wax myself over the years, but it just didn't work. The over the counter products aren't any good, IMHO. I think I've tried them all. It would probably work better to buy the wax that beauticians use, and melt it in that little electric pot they have...but I would be afraid to use that without some training. I think you could really hurt yourself.

I'm using a hard wax in a little cup that gets heated in a small pan of simmering water.  It's the same stuff the pros use.  And I only DIY on my chin.  For anything else, I'd need help.

I've actually had really good luck with store-bought wax (legs, underarms, bikini - but NOT brazilian, I have no idea how I'd contort myself. Also, regrowth, argh, no). Worth a try, though the hair has to be long enough to catch in the wax.

While we're on the topic, though: I've been seeing recipes online for sugar wax recipes. Has anyone tried them? Do they work? They seem a LOT cheaper than 12$CAD for a jar of wax...

[kmb501]

I've tried to wax myself over the years, but it just didn't work. The over the counter products aren't any good, IMHO. I think I've tried them all. It would probably work better to buy the wax that beauticians use, and melt it in that little electric pot they have...but I would be afraid to use that without some training. I think you could really hurt yourself.

I'm using a hard wax in a little cup that gets heated in a small pan of simmering water.  It's the same stuff the pros use.  And I only DIY on my chin.  For anything else, I'd need help.

I've actually had really good luck with store-bought wax (legs, underarms, bikini - but NOT brazilian, I have no idea how I'd contort myself. Also, regrowth, argh, no). Worth a try, though the hair has to be long enough to catch in the wax.

While we're on the topic, though: I've been seeing recipes online for sugar wax recipes. Has anyone tried them? Do they work? They seem a LOT cheaper than 12$CAD for a jar of wax...

I've tried sugar waxes. They do nothing for me. My hair is way too coarse and thick. Also, I have to actually let it grow out, which is something I hardly ever do because of where I work. The kids are very cruel, and I can hear their comments if I forget to shave. I've thought about just letting them know why I have hair so that maybe they'll be a bit more understanding, but kids can turn on you in a heartbeat. I have hair on my chin, cheeks, and upper lip area, so I do look a bit odd when I don't treat it, and I don't have a regular treatment schedule. I went to the dermotologist for an electrolysis treatment and found it almost unbearable. Plus, they wouldn't put any numbing substance on it, so I was left to suffer. Some of it felt like they were trying to pull part of my face off. It was an awful burning sensation, and it took a couple of minutes to remove each hair. I eventually stopped it and had my money refunded. It took about an hour to remove only a handful of hairs! It was a similar story with the laser treatments, except they were a lot more expensive, and they required I shave before I came in. They also required I not wax or tweeze during the treatments; I gave up when they started applying the ice. The ice itself was making my face burn. 

[Kaikou]

I kind of wish some genius would find a way to make facial hair on women socially acceptable; it would make my life much easier.

The way to make facial hair on women socially acceptable is for women to not remove their facial hair. I know a woman who has a large mustache and she won a lawsuit (job asked her to shave it) that meant she never had to work again. So you can't be fired for it. And kids are stupid. They end up being mean because they are uneducated. I used to work in an elementary school and the kids had never seen a woman with short hair before. They kept asking me if I was a girl or a boy. I said I was a goy (cross between a boy and a girl) just to mess with them.
If you are diagnosed officially with pcos then your dermatologist might be covered. I'm pretty sure laser never is. I paid $1200 to remove hair on my tummy 8 years ago, and it's all coming back now.
Shaving is the second best option. The first best option is doing nothing. PCOS is really serious though. You have to really be on it in terms of stress, sleep, and diet or you will gain weight very quickly. My ex had pcos and when they stopped exercising every day their weight shot up. For acne, the only thing that has ever helped me is getting enough sleep.
Here's a woman who wears her beard like a boss:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/juliegerstein/this-bearded-bride-will-change-the-way-you-think-about-beaut#.dkA35bVvM

Eta: 29 is about the time I started going grey. Suddenly people weren't so interested in my appearance because I was now "old." It's makes it easier to not care.

I wish I got paid to have a mustache

[Road42]

Jolen cream bleach. Takes ten minutes, doesn't hurt, tiny newly-white-blond hairs are barely noticeable. Costs $10 at the drug store.

I know from personal experience that derm laser doesn't always work, and even if it does you have to do it many, many times.

I will also up vote the epillator suggestion. I do my arms and it's awesome - better than the waxing I used to do. You just have to practice a couple of times to get the hang of it, and if you're doing your face, get the one with the tiny head so you can reach all the spots.

[kmb501]

Jolen cream bleach. Takes ten minutes, doesn't hurt, tiny newly-white-blond hairs are barely noticeable. Costs $10 at the drug store.

I know from personal experience that derm laser doesn't always work, and even if it does you have to do it many, many times.

I will also up vote the epillator suggestion. I do my arms and it's awesome - better than the waxing I used to do. You just have to practice a couple of times to get the hang of it, and if you're doing your face, get the one with the tiny head so you can reach all the spots.

I've used Jolen. It's actually pretty good. I only have a few problems; I usually have to leave it on a little longer than recommended for it to change the hair so that it's clear enough to not be noticed, and the darker hair usually grows back a little from the root each day, so I have to keep reapplying bleach. Also, Jolen does not come pre-mixed. I have to mix it myself, and sometimes I use too much bleach and burn myself. 

As for the epilator suggestion, do you have one you would recommend? I have a cheap one I ordered off of Amazon, and it honestly hurts.

[Jakejake]

As for the epilator suggestion, do you have one you would recommend? I have a cheap one I ordered off of Amazon, and it honestly hurts.

Mine's just a cheap one too, and the first time I used it, I'm not gonna lie - it left me questioning why the CIA went with waterboarding.

There are some great tips here though for getting through the initial phase without ending up with PTSD: http://epilatorgirl.com/reduce-epilation-pain/

[Ebrat]

I lurve my epilator!  Actually, I have 2: 1 with a smaller head for my bikini line, etc. and one with a bigger head for my legs and armpits.  On my face, I like to use something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Leegoal-Facial-Remover-Threading-Beauty/dp/B001S6O0YW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452450380&sr=8-1&keywords=epi+stick

They're kind of expensive at the drugstore but really cheap online and last a really long time.  You don't need to look in the mirror while you do it, so you can do it while you play on the computer or watch TV.  It takes a little practice and isn't super accurate like tweezing, but I'm amazed at how many little hairs it picks up.