Hair Removal Cream: How Does It Work?

Hair removal cream - also known as a chemical depilatory - has been one of the most common depilation solutions for over a century. In addition to providing a cost effective way to eliminate unwanted growth from large areas of the body, the product has also remained in vogue because it is easy to use and causes no pain. Whereas using home waxing strips and shaving can each cause a slight sting, using a chemical depilatory feels no different than applying skin lotion.

How It Works

The product eliminates hair with the help of an ingredient that dissolves keratin, typically either calcium thyioglycolate or potassium thioglycolate. The user applies the product directly to the skin, and then cleans it away after the growth dissolves. Shaving and using home waxing strips can each take several minutes, but calcium thyioglycolate or potassium thioglycolate dissolve keratin in a matter of seconds. In addition to being cost effective, painless, and easy to use, chemical depilatories are also highly efficient.

Areas of Application

Chemical depilatories are typically used on the arms and legs, though they may also be used on the back, chest, and shoulders. They are not used on the face unless the manufacturer specifies it as an area of application, and they are never applied in the pubic area or near the eyes.

Adverse Reactions

Because the skin contains keratin, hair removal cream can cause irritation. In most cases, this only happens when the application is left in place too long, though an adverse reaction may also occur if the skin has been recently shaved or exfoliated. As mentioned above, the product should be kept away from the eyes and the pubic area to prevent adverse reactions.

Conclusion

Compared to other popular depilatory solutions, such as home waxing strips and shaving, hair removal cream has several practical advantages: it is cost effective, painless when used as directed, easy to apply, and removes growth almost instantly. Some potential drawbacks of the product include: it only keeps growth away for a few days, may leave dark hair visible under the skin's surface, and cause skin irritation if it is left on the skin too long, or applied in the wrong area.

In most cases, a chemical depilatory is preferred to other solutions because it is pain-free and easy to use - two qualities that make it ideal for those who have little experience with depilatory products. If you need help deciding whether the product is the best solution for your needs, contact a provider of salon quality cosmetic solutions today.