Posted on November 22, 2007 in Temporary Hair Removal
A depilatory is a preparation in the form of a liquid or cream that is used to remove unwanted hair from the body by applying strong chemicals to the hair follicle which dissolve the hair. Depilatories are available in gel, cream, lotion, aerosol, and roll-on forms.
How does a depilatory work?
A depilatory contains chemicals with a high degree of acidity such as sodium thioglycolate or calcium thioglycolate. These chemicals dissolve the protein structure of the hair. This allows the hair to be easily scraped or wiped of at the base of the hair follicle.
Advantages of Depilatory Hair Removal
- If you’re in a hurry to remove hair, depilatory hair removal is the best method.
- It provides an easy, fast, convenient and, effective method of hair removal.
- Widely available over the counter
- It is a painless process.
Disadvantage of Depilatory Hair Removal
- It can cause skin irritation.
- It can cause chemical burns.
- Some depilatories may cause skin discoloration or staining.
Here are some guidelines for the best use of depilatories. By carefully following these precautions, you can avoid damaging your skin.
- Use the product as directed.
- Never leave the cream on your skin longer than recommended.
- Be sure to use the depilatories only in the area it is intended for.
- Test the cream on a patch on your forearm before using it to determine whether your skin reacts to it or not.
- Instead of rinsing, wipe it off with the washcloth and then rinse.
- If your skin breaks out, wash the area with an anti-bacterial solution (like Betadine) and consult a doctor.
- Avoid applying on skin which has cuts, scratches or other wounds or when skin is sensitive from sunburn.
- If your hair is dark and coarse, be aware that your hair may be more resistant to chemical depilatories than a person with light, fine hair.
- If possible, use a depilatory after a warm bath or shower as the hair becomes softer and the pores open up.
- Do not rub a depilatory into the skin. Just apply a generous, smooth, thick layer onto the skin.
- If the skin becomes itchy or irritated stop using the depilatory and apply a soothing gel such as Aloe Vera or an anti-inflammatory skin cream.
- After using a depilatory, apply sunscreen to areas that will be exposed to the sun.
- Some recommend not using a depilatory more than every 28 days to avoid damaging the underlying layers of skin as a new outer layer of skin is formed every 28 days.
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