Hair removal cream: A safe and effective option for smooth skin

What is hair removal cream

Depilatory cream is a thick creamy substance that is spread on the skin that has hair, then left on for a few minutes to weaken all the hair strands. It is then wiped off without any pain leaving the skin soft and smooth.

How does hair removal cream work?

Hair removal creams work thanks to their main active ingredient, thioglycolic acid.

Thioglycolic acid is a substance in the form of salts added to other ingredients that break down keratin (the natural hair protein).

You cannot use these creams on all areas of the body. There are some creams made specifically for sensitive areas, such as: the face and the bikini area..

1. Hair removal cream ingredients

Most hair removal creams contain the following ingredients:

• Glycerin.
• Shea Butter.
• sorbitol.
• Potassium thioglycolate.
• Paraffin liquidum.
• Cetearyl alcohol.
• calcium hydroxide.
• Magnesium trisilicate.
• Potassium hydroxide.
• Propylene glycol.
• Lithium Magnesium Sodium Silicate.

2. The process of using the hair removal cream

Before starting the cream hair removal process, do a spot test, in order to make sure that your skin does not react badly to the cream before using it.

Test the cream on a small area of ​​your skin, if you feel a burning sensation, rinse it off with cold water immediately.

Do not use stronger or harsh formulations on sensitive areas, irritated or damaged skin.

As for the time of leaving the cream on the hair, it is supposed to be left anywhere with hair from 3 to 10 minutes, taking into account the instructions written on the cream packaging.

After the specified time is up, wipe off the cream and then rinse your skin with cool water. You may feel skin irritation at first, which is normal and will go away within a few hours.

Use a soothing, unscented cream after you’ve finished your hair removal cream, in order to ease any irritation.

Pros of hair removal cream

Both shaving and depilatory creams are pain-free options for easy home use, but they only remove hair from the surface of the skin.

Among the advantages of the hair removal cream are:

• The creams do not irritate the skin.
• It does not leave skin lesions or papules.
• Irritation from them fades faster than razor cuts.

Damage to hair removal creams

Despite its advantages, like other hair removal methods, it also has its disadvantages:

1. Chemical burns:

When left on for a long time, or used on an area of ​​skin for which it is not intended, first, second, or third degree burns can occur. Chemical burns caused by hair removal creams are caused by the chemicals that dissolve the hair.

Remove the cream immediately and rinse your skin with cool water if you feel any discomfort or burning sensation.

2. Annoying smell:

Some hair removal creams have a specific smell, which some describe as smelling like rotten eggs. The reason for this smell is the chemical reaction between the cream and the hair.

Precautions for using hair removal cream

Take the necessary precautions to avoid side effects of the cream:

1. Allergies

To avoid allergic reactions associated with these creams, do a patch test before application. The cream may damage the skin due to the interaction of the pH level of these creams and the pH of your skin.

2. Chemical burns

Protect your skin from burns, and make a fair judgment about it! Not all products will be suitable for you even if they are the easiest to use.

While breaking down the hair, the cream can also break down your skin! Which leads to first or second degree chemical burns.

3. Skin irritation

Chemicals, including calcium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, found in hair removal creams irritate or darken the skin.

Comparison of hair removal cream with other hair removal methods

indicate American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) that there are a range of methods for hair removal, you can choose the most suitable for your skin:

Comparing hair removal cream to waxing, shaving, and laser hair removal

The razor only cuts hair from the surface of the skin, and its results are short-lived, which makes you need to shave daily or every few days.

Frequent shaving leads to skin irritation, ingrown hairs, as well as injuries, such as cuts and scars.

• Wax

Wax works by placing it hot on the skin and then removing it quickly in order to pull out the hair, and its results last for several weeks or more.

Waxing can be used on any area of ​​the body, including: legs, genital areas (the skin above the upper lip).

If the wax is too hot it may burn your skin and may cause irritation for a short time.

• Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal technology destroys hair follicles and makes them unable to grow again, as the laser emits a beam of light that is absorbed by the dye (color) in your hair.

This technique is done by a dermatologist, and it takes about 6 treatments (lots) to destroy the follicle, after each treatment the hair will grow back thinner and finer.

Factors to consider when choosing a hair removal method

Before proceeding with cream hair removal, he must consider the following factors:

• There are different creams to remove hair from different areas of the body, and different skin types.
• Make sure to use the product as directed on the package and follow the directions.
• If using these creams causes you a skin problem, or you suddenly have a lot of hair after using them, go to a dermatologist to explain what is happening and recommend the right options for you.

Tips for using hair removal cream

If you are among the following conditions, thioglycolic acid is dangerous for your skin:

Does hair removal cream remove hair from the roots?

No, depilatory creams do not remove the hair shaft, not the roots. It spreads over the surface of the skin and dissolves the keratin in the hair until the hair is dissolved and then wiped off.

Does hair removal cream affect sensitive areas?

Yes, chemicals such as calcium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide in hair removal creams affect the skin and lead to irritation or darkening, in addition to unpleasant sensations in people who have sensitive skin, and they may end up with rashes.

Finally, after reading the article, share with us your opinion in the comments and your experience with one of the types of hair removers mentioned in the article. Share the article!