Depilatory creams are used to remove unwanted hair. They can be used by both men and women. There are numerous brands to choose from out there. There are pros and cons of depilatory cream. Depending on skin type and other variables, not everyone can use the cream on their skin.
How depilatory creams work
Depilatory creams are applied on clean and dry skin. The packaging usually comes with a tube of the cream and a spatula that you are supposed to use to take off the cream once it has done its job of removing the unwanted hair. Every brand comes with its own instructions but the steps are more or less the same except on how long you should leave it on.
Pros of using depilatory cream
There’s a reason depilatory creams are popular. To put it simply, they work.
Silky finish
The difference between depilatory gels and other traditional methods of hair removal like razors is the fact that the cream works to remove hair right from the root. With a razor, there might be remains of unwanted hair but the cream ensures a smooth finish.
Easy to use
Depilatory cream is fairly easy to use and usually comes with an instruction manual. All that you need to do is apply it on clean skin where you want to remove unwanted hair, leave it on for the time stated in the user manual, and then remove it using a spatula that is usually part of the package. That is basic and can be done by almost anyone.
Affordable
Depilatory cream tubes can last for months. A new tube can be re-used a lot of times and you do not really need much to remove unwanted hair. This is unlike for single use razors or wax strips which will require you to make a purchase for every use.
The results stay longer
Experts recommend depilatory creams because the results last longer. Skin usually starts showing hair a few days after shaving with a razor blade. When depilatory creams are used however, the results might last up to a month which reduces the frequency of shaving and saves time.
Different brands to choose from
The fact that there are a number of different depilatory cream brands to choose from out there means that you will not have to worry about not finding a good product or one that suits your skin. The more brands, the better chances you have of finding a good product.
No pain
Another reason that could make depilatory creams a preferred hair removal method is the fact that there is no pain involved in the process. Unlike waxing where one has to be prepared by sometimes even taking painkillers, there is no pain controlling preparation needed with depilatory creams.
Hair thins out with every use
Research has shown that the more you use depilatory creams, the longer the results will last. This is a good thing because with time, you will reduce the number of times that you do hair removal over a certain period and also the amount of time spent during hair removal process.
Cons of using depilatory cream
Are hair removal lotions too good to be true? Below we look at some of the drawbacks.
Might react with skin
If you do not check the ingredients before making a purchase, you might get a reaction which might be unsightly or take a while to heal. This is definitely not what we are looking to achieve when we are looking for hair removal solutions.
If the instructions are not well followed and the product is not thoroughly removed from the skin, there might be burns or other adverse chemical reactions that might require a hospital visit.
The smell
Anyone who has used depilatory creams before will agree with the fact that the smell is never friendly. Most people report the smell lingering for some time after they are done cleaning the area. This is one of the cons that put a lot of people off from using these creams.
Skin drying out and sensitivity
A number of people who have reviewed depilatory creams have reported skin drying out and becoming more sensitive. The creams that are used to make these creams might dry out the skin and cause it to react more to other external factors such as weather and clothing.
Needs extreme caution
If you are using depilatory creams for shaving and you are not careful, the product might go in to your eyes or other sensitive areas of your body by accident and might even lead to a hospital visit. This is why it is sometimes easier to just use a razor because with that you can just clean an accidental cut with water and use a first aid band.
Not for clumsy people
Since depilatory creams are made of chemicals, they need precision and extreme care when you use them. This means that a wrong move can make a mess of things in no time considering how fast the creams work.
Not ideal for regular use
Regular use of depilatory creams can make skin become more sensitive. Exposure to the sun after use of depilatory creams is not recommended and the creams have also been linked to darkening of the skin. As with all harsh chemicals, there are potentially unknown risks to using them.
Alternatives to depilatory cream
You should try to use an epilator before testing depilatory creams. Depilatory creams chemically get rid of hair from the roots, but an epilator will pull it out without having to use harsh substances. Epilators will leave your skin smooth for weeks and can be just as effective as hair removal gels.
Should you use depilatory cream?
Making the choice on whether or not to use depilatory creams is entirely on you. This should be done depending on your needs, your preferences, what you want to achieve, and other considerations. Using depilatory cream is not a bad option but it’s important to be aware of all of the cons too.
It is important to note that you should never use depilatory creams if you have sensitive skin, cuts, burns, scalds, or broken skin. Kids and pregnant people should also never use depilatory creams.
What to look for when buying depilatory cream
If you have looked at the pros and cons of using depilatory cream and have decided that it is for you, below are a few tips to help you out as you make the purchase.
1. Research on the brand.
Just like hair products, cosmetics, and even food products, depilatory creams come in different brands and it might be overwhelming if you are a first time user and are not sure which one to go for. Look at the brands available in the market, read customer reviews, and talk to skin specialists before you make a decision.
2. Look at the ingredients
Every products usually has a list of ingredients that it is made from. It is important that you look at the list and confirm that there is nothing there that you are allergic to or something that can cause your skin harm before making your purchase.
3. Buy quality
It is important to stay within your budget, but that does not mean that you compromise on quality. If it is too cheap, you should definitely be weary.
4. Do a skin test
There are times when you might not be sure if the product will react with your skin or not. A skin test is the surest way of finding that out. Put a little bit of the cream on a hidden part of your skin and leave it on for the recommended time. Then remove and wait a few days to see if there will be a reaction before making using it elsewhere.
