Why You Need To Stop Using Depilatory Creams

People usually go through stages in their fight against body hair. Those who wish to be rid of the hair I mean. They usually start with razors. After all, shaving is quick, easy, convenient, and inexpensive. Even though the combined cost of shaving will add up with the years, in the short term, it seems very worth it. Then, people tend to move onto depilatory creams, believing that the results hold longer than razors. Wrong, but we’ll get onto that later.

As a topical ointment, depilatory creams come in a variety of solutions such as lotions, gels, and sprays. They are applied to the area of the body where hair removal is wanted for a specified amount of time before they have to be rubbed off. ideally taking the unwanted hair with them.

These solutions work by breaking up the protein in the hair using harsh chemicals, ultimately weakening the bond between the hair and the follicle. If all goes to plan, this will make it easier to get rid of unwanted hair with a cloth or in the shower

Chemical hair removal isn’t new. Native Americans used a chemical called lye to get rid of body hair. People in ancient Turkey used quicklime, or calcium oxide, to remove hair. Nair, for example, has been around since 1940. It has successfully positioned itself as a fast, easy alternative to shaving and a less painful proxy to waxing.

Can Depilatory Creams Permanently Remove Hair?

Depilatory creams are not a permanent hair removal method. They are not a long-term hair reduction method either. The combination of chemicals present in chemical creams such as Nair or Veet will dissolve the hair shaft. some will break the Keratin. However, everything will happen directly below the skin surface yet still above the hair root.

As a result, the hair will be able to start growing back almost immediately after applying depilatory cream. In the end, using a depilatory cream is similar to shaving, the only difference being there is no blade. The results may last longer since the depth of action is bigger than with shaving. The speed of regrowth will also vary from one person to another as well as their hair growth cycle.

What Are Their Side Effects?

Now, there are many reasons why you should stop using depilatory creams as a way of removing hair. First of all, it is economically not sustainable since it becomes quite expensive in the long term. Second of all, it is not more effective than shaving. Third of all, it will never be permanent nor produce long-term results. However, the main reason why you should stop using depilatory cream is because of all the negative side effects it can have.

Chemical burns:

Depilatory creams combine two main active ingredients: potassium thioglycolate and calcium hydroxide. Those can create a potent chemical mixture that can burn if left too long on the skin. The recommended time of application usually is three minutes. Ten minutes is the maximum. Of course, the probability of getting burns also depends on how sensitive your skin is. Symptoms can be small like redness and forming blisters. However, they can get as severe as vomiting, dizziness, fainting, and weakness. Allergic reactions:

With all those chemicals, experiencing an allergic reaction is also possible. It can turn into a dangerous risk depending on the severity of the reaction. It is always best to test the product on a small area of skin prior to using it fully. Thus, you will be able to see how your skin reacts. Allergic reactions may include swelling, welt formation, rash, hives, difficulty breathing, and dizziness. If you experience an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.

Skin irritation:

Ingredients such as calcium thioglycolate can cause varying amounts of skin irritation. This will depend on how sensitive your skin is and what part of your body you are using the product on. Skin irritation can vary from a mild tingling or burning sensation to the appearance of a rash (chemical dermatitis). The application of a soothing lotion, such as those containing aloe vera, may also lessen skin irritation.

Difficulty breathing:

If you have used depilatory creams in the past, then you are familiar with the harsh chemical smell. There’s no amount of fruity fragrance that they can add to them to cover it up, and it is enough to make breathing to the process a bit of a chore. Especially if you are using it in your face, close to your nose, you might experience nausea or headache.

Leftover hair:

If you manage to find a depilatory cream that doesn’t irritate your skin. It likely won’t do much in terms of getting rid of your unwanted hair. Most people end up having to shave or wax afterward to make up for all the hair the cream missed.