Depilatories, more commonly known as hair removal creams, offer a reasonable alternative to waxing and shaving. Depilatories work by breaking down the hair’s protein structure so that the hair comes out of the skin easily when you rub off the cream.

Depilatories are usually available as creams, but they also can come as gels, lotions, aerosols or roll-ons.

Things to Consider:

• Know your products before you run out to buy them
  
  
• Whether or not hair removal creams will work for you depends on your hair and skin type.
  
  
• Know the body part on which you’re applying cream and the amount of hair you have are factors, too. You should consider how often you are willing to apply cream, as most people need to use depilatories once a week. Hair removal creams also have potential side effects, some of which can be painful.
  
  
• Important to read up on the hair removal cream you wanting to and how they work, what ingredients they contain, and their advantages and disadvantages.
  
  

Important Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Cream

It’s important to consider the type of skin you have. If you have especially sensitive skin and allergies, you should consult your doctor or a dermatologist before choosing a product.

If you are prone to rashes and breakouts or have had reactions to other topical ointments and skin products, you should check with your doctor before trying any hair removal cream. Some creams are formulated specifically for sensitive skin, and they may include moisturiser and aloe to soothe irritated skin. Other creams contain stronger formulations for coarser hair that may cause greater skin irritation.

The next factor to consider is the area of unwanted hair. For example, you should never use hair removal cream designed for your back on your pubic area. You’re best off using a depilatory specifically designed for your bikini line, because the skin around your genitals is so sensitive. You also shouldn’t use a chemical depilatory on any area that your underwear covers, since this can cause additional irritation.

Concerns or Issues With Creams

1. Creams can be messy before they start working, and getting rid of the cream plus broken-down hair is a challenge.
   
   
2. Uneven application. If you don’t spread the cream on smoothly over an entire area, such as your leg, then you might end up with a patchy look in which some spots are hairless and others are not.
   
   
3. The potentially big problem associated with hair removal creams has to do with chemistry. Depilatory creams contain harsh chemicals, and the alkalis that dissolve hair can irritate or burn skin and cause allergic reactions.

Warnings: When using a hair removal cream, make sure that you follow the directions and read any warnings on the product. You should conduct a patch skin test at least 24 hours before applying the cream over a large area, especially if you have not used hair removal cream before. The skin test will indicate whether you have a reaction or are allergic to the chemicals in the cream. Depilatory users have reported suffering from burns, blisters, rashes, stinging sensations and skin peeling If you suffer from any of these adverse reactions, you should wash the area thoroughly and remove all traces of the cream, then wrap the affected area in a loose, clean, dry cloth.

Irritation: If your skin shows a little reaction such as redness, or bumps there is no reaction to the cream, then examine the target area for cuts, scrapes and any other surface damage. Don’t use a depilatory if you’ve shaved recently. You may have razor nicks and cuts that you can’t see. If the cream gets into them, it will irritate your skin. Depilatories should not be used around the eyes, including on the eyebrows. Remember, above all, that hair removal creams are topical ointments meant for the surface of your skin.