Benefits Of Spearmint Oil For Removing Facial Hair

Overview

Facial hair can be a source of distress for many women, particularly those suffering from conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Many people try many commercially available products to get rid of facial hair. But people always tend to rely more towards natural remedies. Among natural remedies, spearmint oil has garnered attention for its potential to manage hormonal imbalances and reduce facial hair growth.

Spearmint, scientifically known as Mentha spicata, is a common mint variety known for its distinctive, refreshing flavor. It's not just a staple in culinary and wellness practices; spearmint oil, derived from the leaves of the plant, contains several compounds like carvone and rosmarinic acid that demonstrate beneficial health properties, including antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

One of the most intriguing benefits of spearmint is its potential impact on hormonal balance, particularly testosterone levels. High levels of this hormone are often associated with increased facial hair growth in women, a condition medically recognized as hirsutism. Spearmint oil is believed to reduce these levels and thereby decrease unwanted hair growth.

The Role of Spearmint Oil in PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, characterized by symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, acne, and excessive hair growth. Managing these symptoms often requires a holistic approach, involving diet, lifestyle changes, and sometimes, natural remedies like spearmint.

Several studies highlight spearmint's role in adjusting hormone levels. Drinking spearmint tea twice a day during the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle has been shown in some small-scale studies to reduce free and total testosterone levels while increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. These hormonal adjustments are crucial for women with PCOS trying to manage symptoms, including reducing facial hair growth.

How To Use Spearmint Oil To Remove Facial Hair

Using spearmint oil to help manage facial hair involves a combination of topical application and potentially incorporating spearmint in other forms, such as drinking tea. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use spearmint oil effectively for this purpose:

Topical Application

1. Dilute the Oil: Spearmint essential oil is very concentrated and should not be applied directly to the skin. Dilute it with a carrier oil to prevent irritation. Suitable carrier oils include jojoba oil, coconut oil, or even olive oil, which are gentle on the skin. A typical dilution ratio is about 1-2% essential oil concentration, which translates to about 6-12 drops of spearmint essential oil per ounce (30 mL) of carrier oil.

2. Patch Test: Before applying the oil mixture to your face, it’s important to conduct a patch test to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction. Apply a small amount of the diluted spearmint oil to a patch of skin on your inner forearm. Wait for 24 hours to see if any irritation or redness occurs.

3. Application: If the patch test shows no adverse reaction, you can apply the oil mixture to areas of unwanted facial hair. Use a cotton ball or a clean fingertip to apply the oil, targeting the areas gently. Avoid contact with the eyes.

4. Frequency of Use: Use the spearmint oil mixture once or twice daily, preferably at night, to allow the oil to work without interference from sun exposure or makeup.

Drinking Spearmint Tea

1. Prepare the Tea: To complement the topical application, you can drink spearmint tea. Brew 2 cups of spearmint tea each day by steeping dried spearmint leaves in hot water. You can use about 1-2 teaspoons of dried spearmint per cup of hot water, steeping for about 5-10 minutes.

2. Consistency: Drinking spearmint tea regularly may help in managing hormonal levels, particularly lowering testosterone, which is often linked with excessive facial hair in women. Ensure to drink the tea consistently for a period to observe its benefits.

Additional Tips to Consider

• Consistency is Key: As with any natural remedy, consistency is crucial. Continuous and regular use of spearmint, both topically and internally, is necessary to see potential results.
• Monitor Your Skin's Response: Pay close attention to how your skin reacts over time. If you notice any irritation or adverse effects, discontinue use and consult with a dermatologist.
• Consult Healthcare Providers: Before starting any new treatment regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions like PCOS or are taking medication, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider.

DIY Recipes Using Spearmint To Reduce Facial Hair

Recipe #1 - Spearmint and Lavender Oil Blend

Ingredients:

• 5 drops of spearmint essential oil
• 5 drops of lavender essential oil
• 30 mL (1 oz) of jojoba oil as a carrier

Instructions:

• Combine spearmint and lavender essential oils with jojoba oil in a small, dark glass bottle.
• Shake well to ensure the oils are well blended.

How to Use:

• Apply the oil blend to the area with unwanted facial hair using a cotton ball or pad.
• Perform this application once every evening, after cleansing the skin.

Benefits:

• Spearmint contains antioxidant compounds that may help balance hormones, potentially reducing facial hair growth.
• Lavender essential oil is known for its soothing properties. It also contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties reducing skin irritation and redness.
• Jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural oils, promoting a balanced skin environment without clogging pores.

Recipe #2 - Spearmint Tea Tonic

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of water
• 1-2 tablespoons of dried spearmint leaves

Instructions:

• Boil the water and add the spearmint leaves.
• Simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
• Strain the leaves and allow the tea to cool.

How to Use:

• Drink one cup of spearmint tea twice daily.
• Alternatively, the cooled tea can be used as a facial rinse in the morning and evening.

Benefits:

• Drinking spearmint tea might help in reducing testosterone levels, as studies have suggested, which could decrease facial hair growth over time.
• Using the tea as a facial rinse can provide a soothing and toning effect on the skin, enhancing overall skin health and appearance.

Recipe #3 - Spearmint and Green Tea Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of green tea powder (or finely ground green tea leaves)
• 5 drops of spearmint essential oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• Enough water to form a paste

Instructions:

• Mix the green tea powder and spearmint oil with honey and add water slowly until a paste is formed.
• Apply the mixture to your face, focusing on areas with unwanted hair.

How to Use:

• Leave the mask on for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
• Use this mask 2-3 times a week.

Benefits:

• Green tea contains antioxidants that are beneficial for the skin, helping to reduce inflammation and protect against environmental damage.
• Spearmint oil in the mask may help with hormonal balance.
• Honey is a natural moisturizer and antibacterial agent, keeping the skin hydrated and clean.

Recipe #4 - Spearmint and Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of sugar (white or brown)
• ¼ cup of olive oil
• 10 drops of spearmint essential oil

Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients in a bowl until you get a consistent scrub texture.
• Store the scrub in an airtight container.

How to Use:

• Gently massage the scrub into the skin in a circular motion, focusing on hairy areas.
• Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
• Use this scrub 1-2 times per week.

Benefits:

• Sugar acts as a natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and helping to unclog pores.
• Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and hydrates the skin without clogging pores.
• Spearmint oil may assist in hormonal balance, potentially affecting hair growth.

Risks And Precautions Of Using Spearmint Oil For Facial Hair Reduction

While spearmint oil is celebrated for its potential benefits in reducing facial hair through hormonal balance, particularly for women with conditions like PCOS, it's important to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions. Here’s a detailed look at the considerations you should keep in mind when using spearmint oil for facial hair reduction:

Risks Associated with Spearmint Oil

1. Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions: Essential oils, including spearmint oil, are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. This can range from mild redness and itching to more severe dermatitis.

2. Hormonal Effects: Spearmint oil might influence hormonal levels, particularly testosterone and estrogen. While this can be beneficial in reducing facial hair, unintended shifts in hormonal balances can lead to other health issues, including menstrual irregularities or changes in mood.

3. Interaction with Medications: Spearmint oil can interact with certain medications, particularly those related to hormone regulation or liver function. Such interactions can potentially alter the effectiveness of the medications or increase side effects.

Precautions When Using Spearmint Oil

1. Dilution: Always dilute spearmint essential oil with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin. Suitable carrier oils include coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil. A general guideline is to use about 1-2% essential oil concentration, which translates to about 6-12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.

2. Patch Testing: Before using spearmint oil on your face, perform a patch test. Apply a small amount of the diluted oil to an inconspicuous area of your skin, such as the inside of your forearm, and wait for 24-48 hours. If there is no adverse reaction, it should be safe to use on your face.

3. Moderation and Monitoring: Use spearmint oil sparingly and monitor its effects on your body and skin. If you notice any adverse reactions, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare provider.

4. Consultation with Healthcare Providers: It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions like PCOS, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or currently taking medication.

5. Avoiding Sensitive Areas: When applying spearmint oil, avoid sensitive areas such as the eyes, inside of the nose, and any broken or damaged skin to prevent irritation.

6. Limit Sun Exposure: Some essential oils can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. While spearmint oil is not specifically known for this, it’s always a good practice to apply sunscreen and limit direct sun exposure when using essential oils on the skin

Conclusion

In conclusion, spearmint oil and extracts offer promising benefits for those looking to naturally manage and reduce the growth of unwanted facial hair, particularly for women with hormonal imbalances such as PCOS.

By potentially regulating hormone levels, specifically lowering testosterone, spearmint can be an effective complement to more traditional treatments. Beyond its application in reducing facial hair, spearmint also brings a host of other health benefits, including antioxidant properties and antimicrobial effects, which contribute to overall wellness and skin health.

When considering the use of spearmint oil, it is crucial to implement it responsibly. Proper dilution, careful application, regular monitoring, and consultation with healthcare professionals are necessary steps to ensure safety and effectiveness. Additionally, maintaining realistic expectations about the results and understanding that its efficacy can vary among individuals is essential.

Ultimately, the use of spearmint extracts and oils could be a beneficial addition to your skincare routine, helping not only to improve the appearance and condition of your skin but also potentially enhancing your hormonal health. By embracing these natural remedies with an informed and cautious approach, you can make the most of what spearmint has to offer in a safe and effective manner.