Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : April 15, 2016 3:57 PM IST
It s only been a few days that you waxed your legs and arms but to your horror, you find fine hair growing back. After spending a lot on waxing and trying out different methods to get rid of unwanted hair, most people opt for hair removal creams, since it is considered a safe and affordable option. Not just women, even men are trying out hair removal or depilatory creams to get rid of unwanted hair. However, with so many different hair removal creams available, how do you know which one is the right one for you? What chemicals in the hair removing cream should you look out for? Well, before you invest in a hair removal cream, here is what you need to know.
Things to remember before buying a hair removal cream
When asked about what depilatory cream is the best, Dr Rohit Batra, Dermatologist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi said, It is very unlikely for any dermatologist to prescribe a hair removal cream because of its potential to cause many side-effects on the skin. However, there are various hair removal creams available in the market and most people also use it. If you are planning to use one, don t forget to do a patch test to ensure that you don t suffer from any skin irritation. Also read about how to get rid of unwanted facial hair with these chemical-free home remedies.
How does hair removal creams work?
Hair removal creams, also known as depilatories, denature the proteins present in the skin. The breakdown of the protein structure causes the hair follicle to loosen out of the hair shaft easily when you rub the skin. However, if the creams cause breakdown of the skin proteins, it also affects the skin and hence, the chances of skin irritation, skin burns and itching is high.
Do hair removal creams have any side-effects on the skin?
According to Dr Batra, the use of these chemical hair removal creams can cause burning sensation due to the presence of chemicals which react on the skin. Also, if you use it on the face, private areas and other areas with sensitive skin, it might lead to irritation and allergic reaction. Read this before you try any facial hair removal technique.
What will happen if you leave the cream on the skin for a longer than recommended?
If you leave the cream for a longer time than that recommended on the product, it can lead to irritant contact burns i.e., burning of the skin which is in contact with the cream. It can also cause itching, oozing, swelling and appearance of blisters on the skin in rare cases. It can particularly harm people with extremely sensitive skin, explains Dr Batra.
Can it cause skin darkening?
The constant burning or irritation of the skin due to the use of hair removal creams might cause skin darkening. Hence, it is wise to stop the use of these creams in case of any skin problems and consult a dermatologist to treat the side-effects. Wondering which method of hair removal is the safest - threading, waxing or laser? Find out.
Will it lead to excessive hair growth?
Just like threading, waxing, shaving, pulling or any other hair removal methods, use of hair removal creams also results in excessive hair growth. Moreover, there are high chances that the new hair strand will be thicker than the earlier one.
How often should you a hair removal cream?
Dr Batra says, 'It varies from person to person as the hair growth cycle is different for every person. While some people might need to use hair removal creams every week, others just need to use it once a month. However, if you have to use it repeatedly, there are high chances of experiencing skin irritation and skin burns'. Planning for laser hair reduction? Read this!
Image Source: Shutterstock
