Depilatory Creams: A Painless Alterative of Removing Unwanted Hair
Removing unwanted hair from the body has been practiced by almost all human cultures. Certain codes of conduct are in play concerning hair and the removal of it in society, and those who do not adhere to these aesthetic codes can face major social issues.
Consequently, many different methods have been developed to remove excess hair. The use of cream and chemical depilatories is one popular and effective technique to temporarily eliminate excessive and culturally unacceptable body hair with immediate results.
The History of Depilatory Creams
Depilatory creams date back as far as 4000 - 3000 BC when women made their own creams which contained ingredients such as starch and arsenic to remove the hair from their bodies. In Roman times, creams were modified and developed and were seen as a popular alternative to the bloody mess caused by blades.
In the 19th century, it was popular for women to experiment with homemade depilatory creams that contained more natural ingredients, such as wine, oak, and walnut oil. Today, depilatory creams continue to be an effective method of removing unwanted hair from the body.
How Hair Removal Cream Works
Unlike other methods which destroy the follicle of the hair, depilatory creams work by removing the part of the hair above the surface of the skin.
The hair is made up of a protein called keratin, and depilatory creams contain a mixture of slightly caustic chemicals including sodium and calcium thioglycolate, which break the bonds that link the keratin together and give hair its strength. After several minutes, the chemicals dissolve the keratin in the shaft of the hair at the surface of the skin, causing the hair to fall out.
How to use Hair Removal Creams
While using hair removal creams is a simple and straightforward procedure, there are certain steps that need to be followed in order to achieve optimal results. First, a small test patch should always be performed before applying the cream to a larger area, as some people can be sensitive to the chemicals in the cream.
If an adverse reaction does take place, the skin tested will turn red and may itch and cause irritation. For the majority of people, however, no such reaction occurs and they can continue to apply the cream.
Make sure the area where the cream is to be applied is clean, dry, and free from any oils or lotions, as these products can stop the chemicals from working correctly. Also always ensure the area is free from any cuts or irritation, as hair removal cream applied to broken skin can be very uncomfortable. Apply the cream generously but without going overboard, ensuring that the whole area is covered.
It is important not to rub the cream in, instead use the spatula that is usually provided with the cream and gently dab it onto the skin. Leave the cream on for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. Don't guess the time; use a watch, and take off the cream when instructed, as leaving it on for too long can cause burning and irritation of the skin.
Remove the cream and hair with the spatula provided, scraping the residue in a downward motion. Rinse with warm water to ensure all of the depilatory cream has been removed and the area is clean. Dry the skin and if an after lotion has been provided with the cream, apply it liberally.
Alternatively, a mild body lotion can be used to help soothe and moisturize the skin. Refrain from using any harsh products on the area for several days as they could irritate the skin.
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The Advantages of Depilatory Creams
Unlike most other hair removal methods, using creams to achieve hair-free skin is completely painless. Given this fact, depilatory creams are the ideal solution to removing hair from sensitive areas such as the bikini line, and also areas where it can be difficult to shave like the underarms. Depilatory creams are an inexpensive method of hair removal.
Although the price can vary slightly from brand to brand, most hair removal packages, which include the cream, an after-lotion, a plastic spatula, and instructions, will rarely cost more than $5.00 US. Compared to the thousands needed to pay for many permanent hair removal techniques, depilatory creams cost next to nothing. Another major advantage of using these creams is the fact that they can be done at home. The procedure is relatively quick, lasting no longer than ten minutes and the creams are extremely easy to use.
As mentioned earlier, depilatory creams are ideal for removing hair from awkward, hard-to-reach, and sensitive areas, namely the bikini line. Unlike other hair removal techniques which only work on hair of a certain color and texture and on certain types of skin, depilatory creams remove all shades and textures of hair, from any skin type.
While finer hair will come away more easily, thicker, coarser hair will also be removed, although it may take a while longer. To accommodate these different requirements, depilatory creams are available for specific parts of the body, as the strength needed for the fine hair on the face will differ quite considerably from the strength needed to eliminate thick and coarse pubic hair from the bikini line.
Unless there is an adverse reaction to the cream, which causes irritation of the skin, this method of hair removal is a painless and pleasant alternative to many of the other eye-watering techniques such as plucking and waxing.
The Disadvantages of Hair Removal Creams
Because hair removal creams work by chemically dissolving the hair, the chemicals have to be mildly acidic. Caustic chemicals are usually slightly pungent, and although depilatory creams are perfumed, they have a distinct smell which many people can find off-putting.
This hair removal method can also be quite messy, especially when using it on the bikini line. Unlike shaving, depilatory creams can cause an allergic reaction which can cause some stinging and discomfort. Hair removal creams are not suitable for all areas of the body and should be refrained from being used near the eyes or where there is any broken skin.
Similar to shaving, depilatory creams need to be used very frequently, because regrowth appears several days later. This method of hair removal is only temporary, and some people find having to repeat the process as often as every three days, tedious and unappealing. Although these creams do usually prevent re-growth for a day or so longer than shaving does.
To adhere to the ever-increasing quest for ultra-smooth and hairless bodies, depilatory creams have gradually become harsher as more caustic ingredients have been added to become more effective tools in removing hair. The high pH level found in hair removal creams can have a negative effect on the skin, especially mature skin. As skin matures, it becomes more susceptible to the harsh elements it has been relentlessly exposed to.
The caustic nature of hair removal creams can therefore have a detrimental effect on the skin, especially if the skin is mature or sensitive. It is therefore of paramount importance to carry out a patch test and follow the instructions provided with the depilatory cream package. If the procedure is carried out correctly, depilatory creams are an effective, versatile, inexpensive, painless, and almost instantaneous method to conform to society's expectations regarding body hair.
©Hairfinder.com
See also:
Waxing
Hair removal medication
Abnormal hair growth in women
