Smooth skin, free of any hair, can be achieved in a variety of ways. In addition to shaving or epilating, hair removal is also possible by using a special cream, the depilatory cream.
What is depilatory cream?
The cream can basically be used on any part of the skin to be depilated and is suitable for hair removal on legs, arms, back and just about any other part of the body. Depilatory cream is a product that has a different consistency depending on the version, which can be similar to that of ointment or shaving cream. The cream can basically be used on any part of the skin to be depilated and is suitable for hair removal on legs, arms, back and just about any other part of the body. There, it is simply applied, removed after a contact time, which can vary depending on the product, and leaves behind depilated skin. However, some caution is necessary, especially on sensitive skin, because depilatory cream works with very aggressive substances that are not tolerated by every user without problems. Especially allergy sufferers or people with known pre-existing skin conditions should use depilatory creams extremely cautiously and first seek advice from a pharmacist or even dermatologist.
Medical and cosmetic use and effect
Unlike shaving or epilating, depilatory creams do not cut or pull out the hair. Rather, the part of the hair that lies above the skin is completely decomposed or dissolved. This occurs by decomposing the keratin, the “basic framework” of the hair, which is responsible for its stability. The active ingredient that ensures the decomposition of the hair during the exposure time is thioglycolic acid, an aggressive chemical substance. Although depilatory cream dissolves the hair to under the skin, the hair root is not destroyed, but remains intact. Therefore, the effect lasts only about 7 to 12 days, depending on the strength of hair growth. The application of 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, it is now necessary to wait for 10 to 15 minutes so that the ingredients can take effect. Then the depilatory cream is showered off together with the remains of the dissolved hairs or removed with a spatula, which is often included in the package. The long exposure time is not required for special depilatory creams intended for use in the shower. Here, 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 and pharmaceutical depilatory creams.
Commercial depilatory creams are available at any drugstore and are often specifically targeted to a single area of skin. There are depilatory creams for arms, legs, the genital area, the face, etc. However, apart from the package size and different fragrances, they 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 more skin-friendly products, as without it the hair will not dissolve. However, depilatory creams from pharmacies often do without additional chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide, which can be found in drugstore products. Nevertheless, even depilatory creams that are touted as gentle on the skin remain a chemical product. While there are depilatory creams based on herbal ingredients – they are designed to reduce hair growth or weaken hair structure through regular use over several weeks. Complete dissolution of hair by using only herbal or homeopathic substances is not possible.
Risks and side effects
Before using depilatory cream, each 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. In case of permanent use of depilatory cream, late effects may occur. In the long run, the affected skin becomes more prone to allergies and itching. Depilatory cream should be used with extreme caution, especially in areas with sensitive skin, such as the face or intimate areas. Discontinue use as soon as irritation appears.In addition to the immediate irritation of the skin to be depilated, the presence of pungent vapors during the application of depilatory cream may also cause mucous membrane irritation or irritated eyes.
