By Mariela
Updated: November 8, 2023
6 minutes
Unwanted hair is one of the biggest problems for all, primarily girls. There are several methods girls experiment with for good results. Some of them are wax, razor, and hair removal creams. Wax is a painful way, so girls usually avoid it. Razors are rare due to cuts and short-term results.
Hair removal creams have mixed results. They are nearly painless and quick but short-term and irritating. Girls commonly use it as they can get desired results quickly. Ulike Sapphire Air3 IPL is an excellent alternative to hair removal creams. They have everything you need in a hair-removing experience.
So, let’s explore tips and tricks for hair removal creams to get good outcomes.
Table of Contents:
How do Hair Removal Creams Work?
Hair is a protein called Keratin. You need something to break it down. Hair creams are depilatory and are alkaline. They have sodium thioglycolate, strontium sulfide, Thioglycolic acid, and calcium thioglycolate. These chemicals react with the bonds that hold hair protein and break it. After bond breakage, Keratin dissolves, weakening the strand and removing it at the level of the skin’s surface.
You might have noticed the pungent smell if you have used hair removal creams. This smell is also due to this chemical reaction. However, these days, companies have devised formulas that don’t sting and have a good smell.
Step-by-Step Guide on Using Hair Removal Creams
Hair removal creams are one of the easiest ways to remove hair. Still, we suggest you read the proper instructions before using it. Here is the step-by-step guide if you are using hair removal creams for the first time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Skin
It is essential to prepare your skin before putting hair removal creams on the skin. You can use any gentle cleanser without active ingredients. Actives can make your skin sensitive, which might lead to skin reactions or burning after applying hair removal cream.
Step 2: Apply the Depilatory Cream, AKA Hair Removal Cream
Dry the area with a clean towel and ensure your hair is not wet. Now, apply a thin layer or the quantity mentioned on the cream to where you want to remove hair. Note that all of your hair is fully covered.
Step 3: Wait As Per Required Instructions on the Packaging
Leave it for 3-5 minutes, or check the instructions on the cream for how long you should leave it.
Step 4: Check a Small Section to See if the Hair is Coming Off
After some time, remove from a small section to check whether hair is removed. If not, keep the cream for two or more minutes. Also, never leave it on for longer than 15 minutes.
Step 5: Remove the Cream Rest of the Cream and Hair
Using the spatula, remove the cream with light hands and minimal pressure. Don’t scratch it; your skin may irritate and become red.
Step 6: Moisturize the Skin Afterwards
As mentioned earlier, these creams have chemicals that can dry out or itch your skin. So, make sure you use any thick moisturizer with soothing ingredients.
Tips and Tricks for Using Hair Removal Creams
Hair removal creams are tricky to use, so we have gathered some tips and tricks to help you out and save you from any skin problem:
1. Choose the Right Hair Removal Cream
You’ll find hundreds of hair removal creams on the market, but not all are worth it. Avoid creams without an ingredient list on their box or have highly alkaline ingredients like sodium or calcium hydroxides and sulfides without soothing ingredients to counteract their harsh effects. Finding a cream with hydrating ingredients like aqua, glycerine, and shea butter would be great.
2. Always Read the Instruction Before Use
Whenever we buy a product, we rush to use it directly without reading instructions. You must check the instructions like how to apply, the duration, and for whom it is for exactly. For example, if you have sensitive skin and the product is for dry skin, it’ll burn your skin.
3. A Patch Test is a Must
Never apply cream directly to the large skin area. Do a patch test before using any skincare or body care product. You can apply cream to a small portion of your leg or hand. If you feel any burning sensation, remove it instantly and don’t use it.
4. Gently Wipe the Cream Off
What will you do if the hair does not come out after the removal cream application? Most people start scratching vigorously. It is wrong and can tingle and burn your skin. In contrast, you should gently remove it using a spatula or wipes. It’ll come off with all the hair and cream.
5. Never Go Beyond Time Limit
Every cream has its time duration mentioned on the cream. Always use it for that time, and don’t exceed the time limit. Overtime can break down your skin while breaking hair. So, always set a timer and remove it on time.
6. Cover the Hair Completely
To get the best result, apply an even layer of cream all over the area simultaneously. If you leave some parts and use cream later, the results may differ due to time or application.
7. Never Use it in Sensitive Areas and Open Wounds
Some areas on your skin are pretty delicate, like your face, head, ears, or private parts. Avoid using depilatory cream in these areas. You should also not use creams on cracked or damaged skin. Cream can aggravate the condition of your wounds, delay healing, and make dermatitis worse. So, be mindful before using it on any part.
8. Do not Overuse Depilatory Creams
It sometimes happens when all that hair does not come off after the first application. In this scenario, you should wait to apply the cream again and give at least three days of gap for the next application. Also, you should use it only twice a month.
Pros and Cons of Hair Removal Creams
Every hair removal method has some pros and cons. You choose them based on your preferences. Here are some pros and cons of hair removal creams. You can then decide what you want and what not.
Pros of Hair Removal Creams
1. Nearly painless Experience
Hair removal creams give you results without any pain. You might feel tingling but not have a painful experience like waxes.
2. Quick for Instant Results
You can remove hair literally in several minutes and get ready for any event. There are no extra steps for using it.
3. Inexpensive Solution
As you just need to buy hair removal cream, it’s pretty affordable. You don’t need any wax strips, wax, or any other thing.
Cons of Hair Removal Creams
1. Can be Harsh on Skin and Cause Reactions
You can face burning, itching, or irritation after applying hair removal creams for a long time or regularly. It can develop rashes that are sometimes hard to cure.
2. May Cause Ingrown Hair
Depilatory creams dissolve hair, but they leave hair follicles in the skin. These hair follicles cause strawberry legs and infections.
4. Temporary Solution
You have to use it after every two weeks for consistent results. Hair comes back again fast if you don’t remove it regularly. You only get short-term results.
5. Cannot be used on Sensitive Areas
Hair removal creams are harsh on sensitive skin. You can’t use them in these areas and must choose another option for better results.
What Can You Do Instead of Hair Removal Creams?
Most people use hair removal creams for quick and nearly painless results. What if we tell you that there is a better alternative available?
Intense pulse light technology (IPL) gives excellent results without pain, smell, or burns. Some IPL treatments are also dangerous because of high temperatures, but I like Sapphire air3 because of its feasible usage, skin-friendly application, and nearly painless treatments.
It doesn’t affect the epidermis and removes unwanted hair with ease. This device is very gentle on the skin and provides a long-term solution. Hair removed using Ulike Sapphire IPL grows slowly and less in the area.
Conclusion
How you want your skin to look depends on personal choices. Traditionally, people who wished to smooth skin used waxes, hair removal creams for instant results, and razors to avoid darkening. These all are good options. The most widely used one is hair removal creams. Nevertheless, you must follow proper instructions and be careful while using them.
Some people are also shifting to lasers, and home IPL is convenient and affordable. You can do it yourself and enjoy beautiful, smooth skin.
