Medical expert of the article
New publications
Preparations
How to choose cream for hair removal?
Last reviewed: 10.08.2022
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Cream for hair removal is most popular chemical agent to get rid of unwanted vegetation on body. This tool, invented in 1940, has won trust of both women and men thanks to painless procedure in comparison with mechanical removal (epilators), long effect (as opposed to shaving machine) and accessibility in terms of price.
[1]
Types of hair removal creams
As mentioned above, today depilatory creams have different compositions, which are designed for different skin types and hair hardness. Price of depilatory cream varies depending on its composition and marks:
- Cream for hair removal on face - has the most gentle and soft composition: Eveline «Supertender», Veet «for sensitive skin».
- Cream for hair removal for men. Hair in men is often more dense and rigid than in women, so some brands produce special men line tools for depilation: Cliven Young, Veet «For MAN».
- Cream for hair removal at bikini area: Caramel, Tanita.
- Cream for hair removal on legs and underarm: VELVET SKIN, Hair Away, Veet SPA Aloe Vera, Opilca (Belgium).
But despite high efficiency of depilatory cream, idea, that it is able to help you to get rid of unwanted hair permanently, is erroneous. Fact is that cream destroys only visible part of hair and does not affect its bulb.
Another myth concerning depilatory creams is belief that after use of such creams hair becomes stiffer and grows faster. In fact, if hair does not become softer and lighter as manufacturer promises, it does not for sure change its structure.
How does cream for hair removal work?
Cream for hair removal has impressive chemistry components, which are aimed at destroying structure of hair, and have high pH, which makes dissolution of hair more effective. Sodium, keratin, potassium or calcium thioglycolate, which often are main components of cream, in few minutes soften hair to such an extent that its visible part can be easily removed from skin.
On areas, where cream has been applied, hair does not grow for several days, and sometimes -few weeks.
Principle of usage of depilatory cream is very simple:
- Skin preparation (steaming).
- Application of cream (from 3 to 15 minutes depending on species).
- Removal of destroyed hair with a soft cloth or special scraper.
It is worth noting that despite promises of manufacturer, hair removal cream should be used with caution, because even most harmless depilatory has a large number of chemical components, which can trigger allergic reaction.
One day before the procedure of hair removal by cream for hair removal, you should test product at a small area of skin with hair and observe its reaction. If skin is reddened, burning or itching appeared – this cream is not for you.
You should not make conclusions about creams as whole, having used just one brand. Test every new depilating cream.
Pay attention to composition (perhaps it has intolerable for your components), expiry date and instructions for use of cream.
Remember that skin, on which hair removal procedure was performed, in next 24 hours should not be in contact with direct sunlight - this can cause damage and skin burns.
Contraindications for usage of depilatory creams
Reviews of depilatory creams are different: some people use them all the time, some due to improperly chosen creams, and therefore - unpleasant consequences, prefer other methods of hair removal.
As any agent, having chemical composition, hair removal cream has number of contraindications for its usage:
- Dermatologic (skin) diseases.
- Damage of skin.
- Cancer formations: malignant and benign (fibroma, moles).
- Pregnancy.
- Hypersensitivity to components of cream.
How to choose the best cream for hair removal?
Today, hair removal cream (or depilation cream) is improved so that depending on its composition and purpose, everyone can find a perfect tool for himself.
Depilatory creams of new generation are divided into several types:
- Universal creams (suitable for any type and area of skin).
- Creams for sensitive skin (for bikini and facial areas).
- Creams for coarse hair (legs, underarm area).
- Hypoallergen creams (for those who have hypersensitive, allergy-prone skin).
In addition, almost every brand that produces creams for hair removal adds caring components into cream (oils, plant extracts, vitamins) that moisturize and soften skin after waxing treatments. In addition to creams, manufacturers also producer line mousses, gels and powders for hair removal.
Cream for hair removal is a popular and versatile tool to fight against unwanted vegetation on body, which has number of advantages: ease of use, accessibility, painless procedure of depilation, convenient use in hard to reach places and sufficiently long lasting effect.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "How to choose cream for hair removal?" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.