Hair Removal Cream Safety Tips For Young
And Old By
Jack Brooks As
we age, our skin loses elasticity from the inherited factors of
reduction in the production of collagen, the main protein in connective tissue, and fewer skin
cells are being replaced. Also, nicks, cuts and scrapes take longer to
heal. Years of exposure to sun, wind and harsh weather age our skin,
along with smoking, drinking, extreme sports and other injurious
activities. Our skin usually holds up reasonably well with some care and
consideration, so when we apply products to mature skin, such as
make-up, sunscreen, dermatological medication or even a soothing balm,
we should be aware of its natural or man-made ingredients, any possible
side effects, and whatever benefit it claims to offer. Depilatory
hair
removal products, having an aggressive effect on tissue as well as
hair, really need our careful scrutiny before we apply any of them to
our bodies, whether we have a “milk and honey” complexion or more
“experienced” skin.
What’s
In The Mix
 | Early
depilatory “products” used more organic elements, such as
resin, animal fat, the gall and blood from various creatures,
feline waste, and even powdered viper! Later on, more
caustic ingredients such as quicklime and orpiment,
a variation of arsenic, were incorporated. It’s no wonder that
the razor became so popular when it was invented! |
The main
ingredient in hair removal creams today are highly alkaline chemicals
that literally dissolves the protein structure of the hair thus making
it easy to wipe or scrub it off the treated area. It
is the high ph level in all
these related chemicals that enables them to dissolve hair. Be aware
that they can also have a negative effect on skin, which is why many of
the additional ingredients in depilatory products are there to sooth the
skin during and after the hair removal process.
It’s easy to see why more technical hair removal methods like
electrolysis and
laser depilation procedures became readily accepted, as some of the
possible side effects of depilatory creams range from slight reddening
of the skin to actual chemical burns. Thus care in the use of chemical
depilatories is
always recommended.
Remove
Hair With Care |  |
Now
that we have some idea of what’s in the depilatory product we’ve
chosen, what is the safe way to use it? The
FDA and other consumer agencies cannot fully protect us from chemical
harm in using cosmetic products. One analysis of industry and government
sources shows that 89% percent of the ingredients used in depilatory
products haven’t been examined thoroughly for safety.
So we, as safety-conscious consumers, must exercise caution. Some
cautions in using depilatory products are:
Follow
the most widely repeated warning in manufacturer’s literature as
well as consumer publications, which is to always try the
product on a small area of skin for 24 hours, watching it carefully
before applying it to a larger area. Doing this takes more time but
is well worth the effort to avoid damaging sensitive or delicate
skin.
Carefully
follow all the directions for depilatories; read the product label
first to select the formulation appropriate for the intended area of
your body. Some depilatories are for use only on the legs or arms,
while others are formulated for more sensitive areas, such as the
bikini line, underarms and face.
The
time specified for the product to remain on the area to be treated,
as well as the frequency of application, is important.
Remember,
more IS NOT better! The product is usually designed to work for a
specific time period and have a designated number of applications.
Skin damage could occur if it’s in contact with the
chemical depilatory too long, so follow these directions strictly.
NEVER
apply any depilatory product on (or even close to) any damaged or
cut skin surface. Use extreme care applying depilatory products near
eyes, mouth, genitals, ears, and any other bodily orifice. Remember,
the active ingredients are powerful chemicals.
If
you have any additional questions or experience a skin or other
reaction to a depilatory product, consult your doctor or a
dermatologist.
Unlike
the past, this has become the age of an instant fix for seemingly every
problem and the cosmetic industry is all too happy to oblige. Remember,
it’s our responsibility as more experienced consumers to watch out for
Number 1!
Disclaimer
Grooming
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