Smooth skin that is free of any hair can be achieved in a variety of ways. In addition to shaving or epilation, hair removal is also possible with a special cream that Depilatory cream, possible.
What is depilatory cream?
Depilatory cream is a product that, depending on the version, has a different consistency that can be similar to that of ointment or shaving foam.
The cream can basically be used on any area of skin to be depilated and is suitable for hair removal on legs, arms, back and virtually all other parts of the body. There it is simply applied, removed after an exposure time, which can vary depending on the product, and leaves behind the depilated skin.
However, some caution is necessary, especially on sensitive skin, as depilatory cream works with very aggressive substances that not every user can easily tolerate. Particularly allergy sufferers or people who already have previous skin diseases should use depilatory creams extremely carefully and seek advice from a pharmacist or even a dermatologist first.
Medical & cosmetic application & effects
In contrast to shaving or epilation, the hair is removed from Depilatory cream neither cut nor torn out. Rather, the part of the hair lying above the skin is completely decomposed or dissolved.
This happens through the decomposition of the keratin, the "basic structure" of the hair, which is responsible for its stability. The active ingredient that decomposes the hair during the exposure time is thioglycolic acid, an aggressive chemical substance. Although depilatory cream dissolves the hair under the skin, the hair root is not destroyed, but remains intact. Therefore, the effect only lasts for about 7 to 12 days, depending on the strength of the hair growth.
Using depilatory cream is simple and straightforward. The area of skin that is to be depilated is evenly covered with the cream. Depending on the type of depilatory cream, you have to wait 10 to 15 minutes for the ingredients to take effect. Then the depilatory cream is showered off together with the remnants of the loosened hair or removed with a spatula, which is often included in the pack.
The long exposure time does not apply to special depilatory creams that are intended for use in the shower. Often only a very short exposure time of 2 to 3 minutes is required - the cream can then be rinsed off again immediately.
Herbal, Natural & Pharmaceutical Depilatory Creams
Commercially available Depilatory creams are available in every drugstore and are often specially designed for a single area of skin. There are depilatory creams for arms, legs, genital areas, face, etc. Apart from the package size and different fragrances, however, these do not differ significantly.
Special depilatory creams for allergy sufferers or people with sensitive skin can be found in pharmacies. However, the main active ingredient thioglycolic acid is also contained in each of these skin-friendly products, since without it the hair will not break down. However, depilatory creams from the pharmacy often do without additional chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide, which can be found in drugstore products.
Nevertheless, depilatory creams, which are touted as being kind to the skin, remain a chemical product. Although there are depilatory creams based on herbal active ingredients, these are designed to reduce hair growth or weaken the hair structure through regular use over several weeks. The complete dissolution of hair through the exclusive use of herbal or homeopathic substances is not possible.
Risks & side effects
Before using Depilatory cream every manufacturer recommends a tolerance test to ensure that there is no allergy to any of the ingredients.
Nevertheless, not all risks are excluded by such a compatibility test. Long-term effects can occur with long-term use of depilatory cream. In the long run, the affected skin becomes more prone to allergies and itching. Particularly in areas with sensitive skin, such as the face or intimate areas, depilatory cream should be used with extreme caution.
The application must be canceled as soon as irritation occurs. In addition to the immediate irritation of the skin to be depilated, the appearance of stinging vapors when using depilatory cream can also lead to irritation of the mucous membranes or irritated eyes.
