Depilatory creams are chemical-based creams, gels, lotions, powders, roll-ons, or sprays that remove unwanted hair. This method of hair removal breaks down the bonds in keratin in order to easily remove the hair. The hair is only removed from the surface level, and not from the roots.

The ingredients in a depilatory cream are very strong and they are alkaline-based with a pH of about 12. These chemicals include sodium thioglycolate, calcium thioglycolate, strontium sulfide, and strontium hydroxide. The most common brands that specialize in depilatories include Veet and Nair.

Now Let Us Talk About The History of Depilatory Cream

Many assume that due to the focus on chemicals included in depilatory creams that it is a method of hair removal that has only been around in recent years. This is not the case, as historians claim that it was a method used in Ancient Greece and Rome.

One of the oldest stories claims that King Solomon was the one to have first discovered the hair removing qualities of chemical depilatories that was made from mixing lime, water, and an orange-yellow mineral known as orpiment that can be found in hot springs and volcano fumaroles.

The rise of science allowed researchers to create chemical creams that were effective in their task of removing unwanted hair, but safe enough to be used on the skin. Early ingredients included arsenic (like King Solomon’s orpiment) and quicklime, which had a hair-raising effect.

This was no particularly a skin-friendly ingredient, but it did do the trick. Another unfavorable ingredient was strontium sulfide which had a rather unpleasant smell, but fortunately, manufacturers stopped using that sulfide.

Nowadays, the ingredients in depilatory creams are more skin-friendly that they can even be used on sensitive skin. They also use more natural ingredients with hydrating and soothing qualities, like Vitamin E and aloe vera extracts. This allows the cream to do its job of removing the hair without irritating the skin so much.

How Depilatory Cream Works

There might be a lot of science involved in the making of the cream, but the procedure of using it is not so complicated. Since this is a chemical blend that is capable of breaking down hairs, you might want to research a brand before buying it.

Find out if those who have already used had positive or negative experiences, as there might be products out there that mostly have negative results. Once you have a brand in mind, choose the right cream for the area you want to treat. Most depilatory creams are intended to be used on the various parts of the body, but they are not suited for your face. There are, however, specific creams for removing facial hair.

Before you go spreading the cream or spray all over your body, test it on a small section of your skin like the inside of your arm. This is to check beforehand whether the depilatory will have a negative reaction on your skin. It’s best to check before rubbing it all over and then burning and itching afterward. Wait for a few hours or even a day to determine whether it is compatible with your skin.

The product will work best on clean and dry skin, so make sure to wash the area that will be treated first. Use soap to get rid of dirt and excess oils, and then pat your skin dry. Don’t apply any lotion or ointment afterward, because this will interfere with the chemical reaction of the depilatory product.

Now it’s time to apply the product. Apply a generous layer onto the entire area that you wish to be hair-free. There is no need to rub it onto your skin – gently dabbing it on will do the trick. I strongly recommend you use gloves when applying the depilatory cream, or you can use an applicator. If you’re using a spray or roll-on, then you don’t need to get any on your hands.

Different products will have different recommended times on how long you should wait before removing the product. The waiting time can be anywhere between 5-30 minutes. Make sure you follow the instructions clearly.

If it says 5-10 minutes, do not exceed the time frame, because the chemicals might be stronger and if it sits on for too long then it can be harmful.

During this time, the chemicals in the depilatory product will begin to break down the bonds in the keratin of the hairs, transforming it into a jelly-like substance

Finally, all you have left to do is remove the product. Some brands will recommend removing it with a spatula or warm towel in a downwards motion.

However, I advise against this because some areas of your skin will still have the product for a time that’s longer than recommended.

So, my suggestion is to rinse it off in the shower so that all of the product is washed off at the same time. You can use warm or cool water, just not hot water, which can irritate your skin.

The product and the broken-down hair will simply wash away. Afterward, you simply need to dry your skin and you’re done.

THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF DEPILATORY CREAM

Some Of The DO’S You Need To Know:

If you’re using a cream or lotion, make sure to use gloves when applying the product onto your skin.

If you don’t wear gloves, then you have to wash your hands thoroughly afterward to remove all the product, as any trace of it left behind will begin to take action, and if it sits on your skin for too long then you may end up damaging your hands with minor burns and irritations.

Carefully read the instructions of the depilatory product you will use. The different types and brands may not work in the same way as their competitors.

Pay extra attention to the recommended time of waiting before washing off the product. This is one of the most important details to take note of in order to avoid any damage to your skin.

If you have only recently switched from shaving to depilatory products, then you need to wait a good three days before applying the product on your recently shaved skin.

This gives any cuts or razor burns time to heal before applying the depilatory product, which could further irritate any small wounds.

Some Of The DON’TS:

Due to the burning qualities of the ingredients in the depilatory products, you should avoid applying it on any sensitive areas.

This includes recently tanned skin, broken skin and wounds, and sensitive areas such around the eyes and your intimate parts. This is just to be safe rather than sorry.

Avoid the temptation to leave the product on “just a little bit longer so that it can work better”. Do not follow this mindset.

Most products will give you a recommended waiting time within a range, like 5-10 minutes, or 15-30 minutes. You should never exceed that range.

You should expect to feel a slight tingling sensation while the product is working. However, the moment you feel a burning sensation, don’t wait! Wash it off immediately under cool water.

There is a chance that your skin was too sensitive or you might be allergic to one of the many ingredients. This is why a test patch is necessary before you commit to it.

If you still want to give depilatory products a chance after an unsuccessful experience, then you should try a different brand, preferably one with more natural ingredients.

The Advantages And Disadvantages of Depilatory Cream

Since depilatory products can be applied to large areas, you can remove all the hair on your body very quickly.

The whole process shouldn’t take you more than an hour, and that includes the application, the waiting, and the washing off.

Besides, you can spend your waiting time doing whatever you’d like to do. The process of applying and removing the product is also relatively easy.

On the downside, you are applying strong chemicals onto your skin. Not only can they have a really bad smell, but you also stand a high risk of damaging your skin.

There are those less fortunate souls who suffered burns, blisters, rashes, and painful peeling skin. While not common for those who follow the instructions to the letter, these are the risks.

Due to the fact that the hair is only removed on the surface level, you can expect to see hair growing back after just a couple of days. This method might leave you with results that last only a day longer than shaving. So first consider if that’s what you want before committing to depilatory products.

The part of the hair beneath the surface level can still be seen after using depilatories. They leave behind a sort of shadow, which is the dark hair follicle that was not removed.

This may leave you with the unpleasantness of strawberry legs, which is an appearance many do not enjoy.

Depilatories may be effective, but the results are short-lived. Many also don’t think that a few days of hairlessness is worth the risks of all the possible side effects that depilatories have to offer.