There are plenty of hair removal methods available. The question is, which one should you pick? Shaving? Waxing? Forget about those. Chemical creams? Laser hair removal?
Both are valid hair removal methods. And they both have their pros and cons. Now, which one is the best? Should you stay for a short-term method such as hair removal creams?
Or go for a long-term option such as laser hair removal?
How does chemical creams work?
Creams are a very famous hair removal option. They simply remove hair. How is it better than, say, shaving or waxing?
Well, for once, precision is not needed. You will not cut yourself if you are not precise and careful. As for waxing, well, it is obvious.
The pain. You will not have to clench your teeth when removing unwanted body hair with chemical creams.
All in all, such creams offer a quick, convenient and seemingly safe way to remove unwanted hair. And all of that at home of course!
How do they work?
Chemical creams break down the keratin structure of the hair. This dissolves the base of the hair. The latter becomes so weak, it breaks. And goes when wiped away.
Depilatory creams typically contain several alkaline chemicals. All which are specifically designed to break down the proteins in the hair.
One cream will not fit all. Indeed, each patient has a different tolerance to pain. Sensitivity varies from one person to another.
Not so sure about creams? What about you try a small amount on a small patch of skin? Wait for 24 hours. Your skin's reaction will be a good indication as per whether you should try a larger area.
The pros and cons of depilatory creams
All hair removal methods have pros and cons. Creams do too.
The pros of chemical creams
Time
Removing hair with chemical creams takes no time. In theory. You apply it, you let rest 3 minutes, you wipe it away. Easy. And all under the shower.
Pain
Yes, depilatory creams do not hurt. Not like waxing. As long as you are not allergic of course. But overall, the experience will not be unpleasant.
The cons of chemical creams
Cost
Sure, in the short term, creams seem cheap. The thing is, you will need to use chemical creams every other week. And buy more of it. So the cost will add up.
Results
Chemical creams dissolve the hair. But it does not damage the follicle. Results are akin to shaving. Your hair will grow back immediately.
Skin irritation
Ingredients can cause varying amounts of skin irritation. It can can vary from a mild tingling or burning sensation to the appearance of a rash.
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. Allergic reactions may include swelling, welt formation, rash, hives, difficulty breathing and dizziness.
Chemical burns
Depilatory creams combine two main active ingredients: potassium thiogycolate and calcium hydroxide. Those can create a potent chemical mixture that can burn if left too long on the skin.
How does laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is a hair growth reduction method. It reduce hair growth by up to 95%. The FDA does not classify the procedure as permanent hair removal.
However, a lot of patients do experience permanent hair removal.
During a session, a laser sends a beam of light onto the skin. The light targets the pigment in the hair. The melanin just needs to absorb the energy.
Once it is done, the energy travels to the hair follicle. There it turns into thermal energy. The heat will damage the follicle, prevent future hair growth.
Laser hair removal relies on the hair growth cycle. It only works when the hair is in the anagen phase of growth. It is the only time the hair and follicle connect.
Any other time, the energy cannot get to the follicle. The thing is, only 20% of all hair is in the right stage of growth at any point in time.
Thus, one laser session can treat up to 20% of hair. That is why patients need several treatments. Each session mush be six weeks apart.
Laser hair removal works on all skin tones and hair colors. It helps prevent ingrown hairs and has no downtime.
The pros and cons of laser treatments
Laser hair removalpros
Cons of laser hair removal
The cost
Laser hair removal costs in the short-term. You indeed need to pay for your package upfront. It may seem steep and can deter prospective patients.
Side effects
Side effects are rare. They still exist. They include minor burns, irritated skin, redness, hyperpigmentation.
Most of the time, they fade after a few hours.
Exposure to the sun
Patients should stay away from the sun. The skin is vulnerable to the sun after a treatment. Plus, tanning can interfere with the treatment.
Pros of laser hair removal
The cost
Laser hair removal is cheap. Yes, we said earlier that it is not. But it is. You just have to pay once. And then you are done.
Time
Sessions can last as little as ten minutes. You can come in for your treatment over your lunch break. Even a full legs session will not take more than 30 minutes.
Ingrown hair
Are you struggling with ingrown hair? Laser hair removal is what you need. It destroys the follicle. No hair, no ingrown hair.
Permanent results
Laser hair removal damages the hair follicle. It is unable to produce new hair. That is why results lasts. You may need a touch up here and there. However, overall, hair removal will no longer be a worry.
Pain
Laser hair removal does not hurt. It feels like pinching or rubber band snapping against the skin. Treatment are quite comfortable.
Chemical creams vs laser hair removal
So, which should you choose? Chemical creams or laser hair removal?
In terms of cost, laser hair removal wins. Creams may seem cheap at first. However, considering you will buy a bottle each week, the cost will add up.
On the other hand, laser hair removal is a one-time cost. You pay your treatment upfront and you are good to go. You may need a touch up session here and there. Yet the cost still remains low.
Laser hair removal is much more affordable than what people think. At Infinity Laser Spa, we offer great packages that you can pay in installments.
In terms of the results, well, once again, laser hair removal wins. Simply because chemical creams produce results that do not last over a week.
Thus, you must repeat the procedure each week. It is a lot of effort (and money) to keep your legs smooth. Laser hair removal removes up to 95% of body hair.
You do the math.
Laser hair removal also helps to prevent ingrown hair.
Yet, the biggest argument in favor of laser hair removal is the results. Sessions are fast and straightforward. The procedure has no downtime.
A no-hassle life. That is what expect you after you undergo laser hair removal. Never shave, wax or use chemical creams ever again.
Never have to worry about body hair ever again!
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