How does hair removal cream work?

Hair removal cream is a chemical substance that was specially developed for removing hair on the surface of the skin. Typical ingredients in hair removal creams are:

• natrium hydroxide
• thioglycolic acid

These alkaline chemicals weaken and destroy the protein structure of the hair (the keratin). Sodium hydroxide opens the pores, so the thioglycolic acid can penetrate better and dissolve the keratin.

The keratin gives hair its strength – if it is dissolved, the hair loses its strength, breaks off at the surface and can be wiped away easily.

Hair removal creams also contain nourishing ingredients, such as aloe vera. These can minimise the irritation caused by the chemicals to the skin. Fragrances ensure the cream smells nice.

It is easy to use hair removal cream:

1. Prepare the skin

Before you apply hair removal cream, you should ensure your skin is clean and dry. By cleansing thoroughly in advance, dirt or superfluous sebum, which could impair the effect of the cream, can be removed from the skin Make sure you don’t use the cream on irritated skin, just after shaving or if there are open cuts on the skin. This could lead to redness and burning.

2. Apply the cream

Apply the hair removal cream evenly on the area where hair is to be removed. Use the spatula, which is always supplied with such a cream, or your finger. Make sure that all the hair you want to remove is completely covered. The layer that you apply should not be too thin so you can be sure the cream reaches all the hair effectively.

3. Do not leave the product on longer than stated in the instructions

The length of time it should be left on varies according to the product but usually it is not more than five to ten minutes. You should not exceed the recommended time, as otherwise your skin could become irritated. Whilst the product is working, the chemicals dissolve the keratin in the hair.

4. Remove cream and hair

When the time is up, you can wipe off the hair removal cream with a spatula or simply use a damp cloth. You will notice how easily the hair comes off and is removed from the skin along with the cream. If any hair remains on the skin, you can repeat the application but under no circumstances should you exceed the total application time given in the instructions in the pack.

5. After treatment

Wash the treated area thoroughly with lukewarm water until all the cream is removed without a trace left behind. Dab the skin dry and then apply a moisturiser to calm and nourish the skin.

Like all other hair removal methods, the use of hair removal cream has its pros and cons.

The pros are:

• By contrast with epilation, hair removal is painless (as long as you don’t suffer from any irritation).
• You can remove the hair yourself at home without the need for a professional.
• The result lasts longer than shaving – after using the product, you won’t need to reach for the tube again for another seven to ten days.
• The method is fast – within a quarter of an hour, you are done with preparation, application, exposure time and moisturising the skin afterwards. You can then take pleasure in having smooth skin.
• Hair removal cream can be used for every area of the body and is therefore highly versatile.
• The hair is removed directly from the surface of the skin, so usually grows back softer and thinner. This is a plus point over shaving.

However, there are also cons:

• The result only lasts for a short time compared with methods like waxing or epilation.
• The chemicals in the hair removal cream irritate the skin and can lead to redness or even allergic reactions.
• Some people find the chemical smell unpleasant.
• If the cream is left on for too long or is applied to skin with open cuts, it can cause irritation and burning.
• Hair removal creams are not suitable for all skin types. People with skin diseases or particularly sensitive skin should exercise caution when using them.

There are hair removal creams for different regions of the body – some are explicitly suitable for the face or bikini area. Make sure you use the right product when you buy hair removal cream. After all, the skin in the bikini area, for example, is more sensitive than the skin on the legs.

In general, hair removal cream works for all hair types. However, people with thicker or more heavily pigmented hair might possibly need several applications to remove all the hair. People with sensitive skin should either opt for a product that is specially developed for sensitive skin or stay away from hair removal cream.