Depilatory creams can be a fantastic way to remove hair and keep your skin radiantly smooth. But, if you misuse them, they can pose serious harm to your skin.
While it is advisable to use these creams only if you feel you are capable of following the directions carefully, knowing how it works and the chemistry behind it can definitely improve your knowledge on this subject matter.
It is understandable to have a little doubt on creams that can just remove the hairs on your skin in just one wipe and less pain. I am sure you want to know the chemistry behind it and how these hair removal creams work.
But while we discuss how depilatory creams work, we can not rebuff the fact that they provide a fast, safe and easy method to remove unwanted hair right in our homes.
Taking effect in only a few minutes, these creams, often white in colour, dissolves hair at the surface of the skin.
Are you in doubt about shaving or using a depilatory cream? Just know that reaching out to hard places on your legs and bikini lines that shaving typically misses is a great advantage of these creams. In this post, you will find out everything about depilatory creams, how they work and how you can use them properly.
So What are depilatory creams?
Generally, the word depilatory means ‘hair removal’. It is a better substitute for shaving, waxing or laser treatments to remove body hair. And like I mentioned, they save you from rashes, razor burn, and the likes. In the same connection, they are one of the quickest and convenient methods of hair removal today.
Depilatory creams are convenient hair removal methods, only when you use them in the right way.
The products topping the game now when it comes to hair removal creams are Veet, Nair, and Olay. Hardly will you Google depilatory creams without coming across these brands.
These brands will mention that their creams contain a mixture of alkaline chemicals formulated to dissolve hair at the roots without damaging the skin. The mixture of alkaline is to ensure a softer, thinner hair and less stubble.
Having grown quite popular in recent times, these creams can be used at home and in the shower.
How does depilatory cream work?
Depilatory creams work by effectively breaking down the keratin structure within the hairs on the skin when applied on the skin. This causes hair to dissolve and can be easily wiped off the skin without pain.
In other words, when applied to the skin, the formulation breaks down the chemical bonds that hold the protein structure of your hair together. Once a depilatory succeeds in dissolving the keratin, the hair becomes weak enough to be wiped off from its follicle.
What I have just explained will not happen if not for the presence of a number of alkaline chemicals that these creams contain.
While they’ve been mixed to bear down proteins, they are also safe for your skin.
It is best to understand what you are applying on your skin as Different skins have different levels of sensitivity of course. To this end, I’ll advise that you use the right one for you. A practical way is to test an amount of the cream on a small patch of skin 24 hours before you attempt to remove hair over a larger area.
The hair removal creams discussed in this article are referred to as chemical depilatories as they contain alkaline chemicals which include sodium thioglycolate, strontium sulfide, and calcium thioglycolate, that react with the hair on your body.
I will explain what each of these chemicals does in the cream. Can you identify those strange odours that emit from the creams? Yes, it is caused by a mixture of calcium thioglycolate and sodium hydroxide. Although, You may not find it pleasant.
But with the recent product coming out, we can see some changes as some creams, however, now containing additional ingredients that emit pleasant aroma, but it’s important to bear in mind that even these fragrances can be chemical irritants. That’s just a little thing to be worried about anyway.
You can get depilatory in vast varieties such as gels, lotions, aerosols or roll-ons.
You know how these depilatory creams work on your skin, yeah? It’s time to find out what one tends to gain for using these creams.
Benefits of using depilatory creams
You are provided with a number of benefits by using depilatory creams instead of shaving or electric razors.
The first and major benefit that I will like to mention is the removal of unwanted hair. Not only this, but there are also several ways to remove body hair, so it helps to clarify how depilatory stands out among other methods of hair removal.
Your hair becomes softer and finer
Your hair remains softer and finer because of the process in which hairs are being dissolved. They remain at an untampered end, which feels softer to the touch.
Unlike shaving where the hair ends are left squared off ( yes, because they are actually cut through)
After some time, don’t be surprised to discover that your hair is actually growing back finer than it was.
It is a quick, painless method
When using depilatory creams, you do not need to bother yourself with treating razor bumps because you are not dealing with blades
It is a very easy process and can be done in the shower or before then. This is possibly the most obvious, and important, the benefit of depilatory creams.
No stubble hairs for longer days
Remain stubble-free for up to four days using the depilatory cream. They dissolve the hair just below the surface of the skin, unlike shaving, which slices through the hair just above the level of the skin.
Now, that you have minimized pain, less possibility of razor bumps and stumble free finer hairs, what other methods could you think of?
Are depilatory creams safe to use?
It is okay to feel doubt at one point or the other. Because, really, they work like magic. And that may have you thinking if they actually do more damage than good.
So you may ask, are they safe to use?
The answer is YES… and NO.
If you use them in the right way, Depilatory creams are generally safe. However, it is hard to escape messing up and causing injury especially when you are inexperienced. This is because these creams contain strong chemicals that can, in fact, cause damage to the skin.
Avoid leaving depilatory creams on your skin for too long
Quickly and attentively Take a look at these hacks to prevent any downside of hair removal creams in general
- You will invite skin rashes, blisters, chemicals burns, and the likes to your skin when you leave these creams on your skin for longer than the recommended time. This makes proper use extremely important.
- Additionally, there are special body parts where depilatory creams can only be applied.
- Do not apply the creams around your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Refer once more to the information provided with your chosen cream to see for which areas of the body it is approved.
- Generally speaking, it is not wise to use depilatory creams on more sensitive bodily areas.
- Pay attention to every detail on your manual guide and follow them carefully.
Laser hair removal Vs Depilatory creams
Most people recognize laser therapy as an effective way to get rid of hair. I’d like us to look into the comparison of both the laser and depilatory creams to know which is best suited for you.
Both methods of hair removal have their advantages and disadvantages. While hair removal creams are not a permanent solution to get rid of your hair; it is cost-friendly, fast and simple.
Lasers may involve a longer period of treatments and all. Laser will require that you consult a dermatologist while depilatory creams are indeed effective DIY remedies.
Depilatory creams are suitable for all skin types but limited to specific sensitive areas of the body while laser, in contrast, is not suitable for some skin types but will work for hairs on any part of the body without grave side effects.
How to Use Depilatory Creams properly
Now, I’m sure it has dawned on you that the proper use of these creams is very important in preventing any negatives.
Understanding how to use hair removal cream can be incredibly helpful. Before I end this article, I’ll show you how to use hair removal cream to get the best results possible for silky smooth skin.
But before then, here are a few steps that I’ve gathered for you. You should and must follow them to make sure you get the smoothest skin possible.
- Make sure you exfoliate your skin as it will help prevent ingrown hairs.
- Depending on the area of the body that you’re removing hair, you’ll want to choose a physical exfoliator, like a salt or sugar scrub.
- Especially if you have sensitive skin, it is important that you Do a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying it to a larger area.
- Lastly, avoid using formulas designated for the body on your face.
So, now that you are ready. It’s time to move ahead and apply them to our skin. Please take these steps seriously.
Step 1: Apply a layer of the cream to fully coat the hair equally, but do not rub it in. Afterwards, wash the cream off your hands immediately.
Step 2: The cream should be left untouched on your skin for 5 minutes, then test a small area for hair removal with a wet washcloth. If you can see hair wiping off easily and painlessly, remove the rest. If otherwise, leave the cream on a bit longer.
Step 3: Lastly, Use warm water to rinse your skin thoroughly. This will help remove the hairs completely. Then dry.
That’s it!
Recommended hair removal creams
When we talk of depilatory creams today, it is advisable that users buy ones that will work effectively. There are notable products of hair removal creams that can not be left out in the context of effective creams for hair removal. Below are some of the notable creams, among others, that is recognized.
Veet Gel Hair Remover Cream
This is so far the number one best selling body hair removal cream on Amazon today. The Veet Gel Hair Remover Cream comes with a variety of hair removal creams in different quantities, size and shape. It is very effective for body hairs and even short ones.
That is why you will hardly come across an online review on body hair removal creams without the mention of veet.
Not only does it leave the skin moisturized, soft and silky but also get rid of unwanted hair in the leg, arms, ankles, knees as well as some other parts of the skin.
It is made up of aloe vera and vitamin E which fixes the worn-out cells of the skin and soothe them. When you need a depilatory cream to get rid of unwanted hair on your body, the Veet Gel Hair Remover Cream can help you achieve that hair-free, silky soft and smooth skin within a few minutes.
It has fast responses to its features and resolves hair effectively. Hairs dissolver by this cream will take longer to reoccur than that of razor shaving.
Sally Hansen Cream Hair Remover Kit
This is also one of the most popular body hair removal creams that most people use. It is affordable and works very effectively.
It is among the best, pain-free hair removal creams for the face, upper lip, and chin area for a long time now.
One added advantage of this particular product is that it has beaten the downside of foul smell that most people complain about when it comes to depilatory creams. The vanilla scent is appealing.
This body hair removal kit contains vitamin E that smoothen the skin and reduce the appearance of reoccurring hair growth. It contains collagen, pumpkin seed and willowherb that makes it function effectively.
A conditioning skincare lotion can be used alongside this hair removal cream to further moisturize and soothe the skin.
Disadvantages Of Using Hair Removal Creams
It is a pure fact that the use of depilatory creams to remove hair from the body is one of the easiest, simple and economically friendly approaches. But while we talk about how depilatory creams work, we should not fail to outline some few disadvantages that they can cause. Most of the side effects caused by hair removal creams are caused by misuse of the product, but the good side is that they can be avoided and cured. Most men and women will not go with the use of depilatory creams as a result of the following disadvantage :
Allergic reaction
I always say that this method of hair removal is not suitable for everyone. Those who have sensitive skin may be allergic to depilatory creams. This may cause people not to use this method of hair removal at all.
Its smell
If you have ever used a hair removal cream, you must have complained about the foul smell that it leaves on the skin when applied. The pungent smell may take an hour to go away even after you have wiped off the cream and washed the skin. Not everyone can accommodate this.
Skin irritation and burning
You will need to pay extra attention and care when using depilatory creams on sensitive areas like the genitals. This is because the harsh chemical mixture in these creams could cause skin irritation or burning.
Not a permanent hair removal method
Yes, the use of depilatory creams will definitely get rid of hairs on the skin. But not permanently like electrolysis therapy. There is a tendency that hair will begin to grow back after a few weeks. It is not a permanent solution at all.
It is not ideal for all body parts
As I have mentioned earlier, there are some parts of the body that are too sensitive for hair removal creams. As a result of the strong chemicals that they are made of, you should avoid Applying them to open areas of the body like eyes, nose and mouth.
Learning how to use hair removal creams can be simple in various ways and you can do it in the comfort of your own bathroom. About all, I hope you’ve been able to find out how depilatory creams work. If you truly want a Silky smooth skin, look no further than using a depilatory cream.