Depilation is the process of removing unwanted hair from the body. Depilatory creams are one of the modern ways to do this, and they have been around for nearly a century. Depilatory creams are thick substances that you spread on your skin, and they contain chemicals that break down the keratin protein in your hair. The main active ingredients in hair removal creams are thioglycolic acid and its salts, such as calcium thioglycolate and strontium sulfide. These chemicals weaken each strand of hair, making it easy to wipe off painlessly, leaving your skin soft and smooth.
Positive aspects of depilatory creams include:
- They are efficient, effective, and painless.
- They are a fast and affordable way to remove unwanted hair.
- They dont irritate the skin as much as shaving and leave fewer skin lesions or papules.
- They penetrate into the skin and are often loaded with moisturizers, which can make the hair come back slightly finer than it was to begin with.
Negative aspects of depilatory creams include:
- They can cause chemical burns if used incorrectly or on damaged skin.
- They contain chemicals that react with the protein in the skin, albeit at a much slower rate than with hair, so they must be left on the skin for only a short while.
- They can have side effects that can be severe, so they are not for everybody.
To use depilatory creams safely, its important to do a patch test on a small patch of your skin before using any such cream on a large part of your body. After using the cream, you can use a soothing cream to relieve any irritation, and if your skin is dry, use an unscented moisturizing cream on the area. Its important not to use products that are perfumed.
