The hair removal creams are applied to the area with unwanted hair and left for 3-15 minutes. During this time the chemicals present in the creams dissolve the hair after which it should be wiped off and washed with water. Hair removal creams have been popular because it is one of the easiest methods of removing hair without pain.
These creams contain chemicals like thioglycolic sodium (or potassium) – a substance that weakens the connection between the hair keratin fibrils, resulting in brittle hair which get easily destroyed. Unlike shaving cream it destroys not only the surface of the hair, but also part of the bar which is in-depth into the skin. Nevertheless, after depilation, as well as after shave, hair not only grows rapidly, but often grows into the skin, causing pseudofolliculite. Such depilatory creams with thioglycolate are also mixed with sodium hydroxide or calcium, which practically melts the hair.
In addition, depilating creams in many people cause skin irritation, especially if the skin gets small cuts (such as after shaving), or other damage. Modern creams contain various additives to reduce skin irritation, as well as substance facilitates deeper penetration of the cream into the hair. But nevertheless, if the skin is sensitive and hair thick enough, the pain may occur earlier than the cream starts the process of destroying the hair.
The result is a red irritated skin, but still covered with remnants of hair. With repeated procedures, the hair usually begins to show greater stability to the cream and the skin but carries it towards all worse conditions. Some people have allergies to thioglycolate – the main active ingredients of most depilatories, so before the first application of the cream one must test it on a small area of skin, preferably on the crook of the elbow.
One may use ointments like Hydrocortisone after hair removal, which helps in reducing irritation. However, if the problem persists stop using such creams and consult a dermatologist.
