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Some argue that removing hair with a special cream is no better than a razor, only more expensive and trickier. But we do not agree with this approach. Let’s find out how the depilatory cream works.
What is a depilatory cream and why is it needed?
The main competitor of this method is a razor, which, like depilatory cream, removes hair under the root (but not along with it). A logical question arises: why do you need a depilatory cream when the task can be solved in no time with a razor and soap suds? Do not rush to conclusions – depilatory cream has its advantages:
the effect of perfect smoothness lasts noticeably longer than after shaving – this is the main advantage of depilatory cream;
hairs grow softer and less prickly;
it is more convenient and safer to remove hair with a cream in hard-to-reach places;
there is no risk of injuring the skin;
creams are produced for different types of hair (hard, thick or thin, vellus) and for different areas (body, face, intimate and sensitive areas).
The disadvantages of this method are that the active components of the depilatory cream act quite aggressively and can cause irritation and redness of the skin, even though manufacturers enrich the formulas with softening, moisturizing and protective ingredients.
Another disadvantage is that the active substance has a noticeable “chemical” smell, which is not completely camouflaged even with fragrances.
How does a depilatory cream work?
So how does depilatory cream work?
It breaks down disulfide bonds within the hair shaft, making this at-home hair removal method more advanced and effective than old-fashioned shaving. But you should always keep in mind that the cream does not affect the hair follicle in any way, so you can’t count on a result comparable to waxing or shugaring, when the vegetation is removed from the root.
The first growth begins to appear on average after 3-4 days, in individual cases, smoothness can persist for a week. In addition, depilatory creams often add substances that slow down hair growth.
The cream is applied in a thick layer, aged for a certain period (usually no more than 10-12 minutes, the exact time is indicated in the instructions), then removed with a spatula along with the hairs.
The depilatory cream is applied in a thick layer.
The composition of the depilatory cream
How the depilatory cream works is more or less clear. Let’s understand the composition. Typically, the formula includes three components:
calcium trioglycolate (potassium salt) destroys disulfide bonds and also gives the formula a characteristic odor;
sodium hydroxide enhances the penetration of the first component;
the emulsifier degreases the skin and increases the bioavailability of the first two components;
Additional Ingredients:
soothing herbal extracts;
emollient oils;
hydrant;
substances that slow down hair growth.
Recommendations for the use of depilatory cream
Depilatory cream is easy to use, but this is a specific product, so you must strictly follow the instructions and observe safety precautions.
Check the product for tolerance by applying a small amount to the skin for 10 minutes, if there is no reaction within a day, you can use it.
Apply the cream in a thick layer with the supplied spatula, do not rub in under any circumstances.
Do not overexpose the composition for longer than indicated in the instructions, usually the time should not exceed 10-12 minutes.
Remove the cream with a spatula, and then rinse the skin well with warm (not hot!) Water without the use of cleansers, do not rub.
If the hairline has not been completely removed (which happens if the product is not applied thickly enough or the composition is underexposed), it will be possible to repeat the procedure in the same area no earlier than after 3 days;
Too long hair is best pre-cut to 3-4 mm.
It is unacceptable to get the cream for depilation on the mucous membrane.
Do not use body formulas on the face.
Skin care after hair removal cream
How does depilatory cream work on the skin? Due to the high content of alkaline components (it is they that provide the effect of hair removal), the composition dries the skin, breaking its hydrolipidic barrier. This effect is leveled by useful additives in the form of softening, moisturizing components, but after using any depilatory cream, you need to follow some rules during the day. Namely, during this period you need to refrain from:
beach;
solarium;
swimming pool;
saunas;
self-tanning;
antiperspirant;
perfumes and products with a pronounced fragrance on the treated areas.
As for care, after the depilatory cream, products with a moisturizing effect and light texture will not interfere with the skin.
Overview of Moisturizers
In our review, we have collected the most suitable, from our point of view, body moisturizers with a light texture. Instantly absorbed, they saturate the skin with moisture and help strengthen its protective barrier so that dryness and roughness are less disturbed.
Melting body milk with bifido complex and oat milk, Garnier
The hypoallergenic composition is suitable for adults and children (from 3 years old), the milk will moisturize and soothe the skin, create a feeling of comfort, give it softness, smoothness and elasticity immediately after application. Thanks to the light, really melting texture, it is absorbed instantly.
Body milk “Precious milk of beauty”, Garnier
This milk, although saturated with nourishing oils (argan and almond), is absorbed quickly and does not leave a greasy feeling on the skin – only softness, smoothness and a delicate aroma.
Body milk against dryness Lait Corporel, Biotherm
Lightweight, instantly absorbing product, which contains thermal plankton extract and vitamin E, moisturizes and softens the skin, perfect for daily body care.
Milk for very dry skin Lipikar Lait, La Roche-Posay
Rich but not heavy body milk with shea butter, lipids, soothing niacinamide and fragrance-free to immediately relieve the discomfort caused by dryness, soften the skin and protect it from dehydration for a long time.
Moisturizing lotion for dry and very dry skin of the face and body, CeraVe
Non-greasy lotion with hyaluronic acid and ceramides provides 24-hour hydration and maintains the skin’s barrier function, fragrance-free.
Summary results
How does a depilatory cream work?
Depilatory cream destroys the disulfide bonds of the hair, as a result, the smoothness effect lasts a little longer than after shaving. At the same time, the cream, like a razor, does not affect the follicles and bulbs, so the hair begins to grow back after a few days.
Due to what components does the depilatory cream work?
Depilatory creams traditionally contain substances such as calcium triglycolate, which destroys the disulfide bonds of the hair, sodium hydroxide, which enhances the penetration of the first component, and an emulsifier, which degreases the skin and increases the bioavailability of the remaining components. Also, the composition is usually enriched with ingredients that moisturize and soften the skin to reduce discomfort and substances that inhibit hair growth.
Does depilatory cream cause irritation?
Due to the active alkaline composition, the cream can cause a negative reaction (redness, burning). The day before use, test the product on the wrist or forearm and make sure that there is no allergic reaction, and never exceed the application time indicated in the instructions.