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What are its advantages and disadvantages? We asked our questions to Elise Baden, a brand manager for Lou De Monte. She tells us everything about this simple, quick and effective hair removal technique.
Hair removal cream, how does it work?
Once described as irritating and sometimes put aside, hair removal creams are somewhat regaining popularity with new formulas that are now gentler and respectful of the skin, even the most sensitive. Some even claim to be vegan. A great step forward.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of hair removal cream?
The most
Unlike wax , electric epilators or laser hair removal, depilatory cream is one of the least painful techniques (along with shaving, which cuts the hair). In addition, it is practical because it is an ultra-fast alternative when you are in a hurry. We also appreciate its easy-to-use and often portable format, allowing us to take it everywhere with us. One last positive point (and not the least)? It is affordable, therefore ideal for small budgets.
The least
Since it only targets the surface hair, depilatory cream does not pull out the root like wax and electric epilators do. In fact, the results are shorter-lasting: you should expect to see about 5 to 7 days of peace and quiet. Not great, but better than a razor after all!
In addition, depilatory cream can tend to dry out the skin. We therefore prefer it enriched with nourishing ingredients such as shea butter or sweet almond oil. “Today, there are a multitude of depilatory creams to delight all skin types,” says the expert. “The trick is to choose the right one. For dry skin , we prefer high-tolerance depilatory creams.”
How to use your hair removal cream correctly?
In practice, nothing could be simpler! Using a spatula, apply a uniform layer of cream to the area to be waxed so as to completely cover the hairs. Leave it on for 5 minutes and then check that the hair removal is working on the downy hair. If it is not enough, leave it on for a few more minutes. “But be careful,” warns the expert, “you should never exceed 10 minutes in total.” Burning sensations or redness could appear. Then remove the cream – and the hairs – using a spatula and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Magic!
What areas should I use hair removal cream on?
Today, there are creams for every need: legs, armpits, bikini line, face. But how do you apply it safely? First, make sure to choose a product that is suitable for your skin type but also for the area you want to remove hair from. While most women are not afraid of applying it to their legs, they have more questions about other areas. When asked: “how to properly remove hair from your bikini line with a depilatory cream?”, the answer is simple: “it is important to choose a depilatory cream specially formulated for this area because the skin in your bikini line is very thin and more sensitive. However, the application remains the same,” explains the expert. And she continues: “However, you should never apply depilatory cream to the mucous membranes and genital areas.” The same goes for removing hair from your armpits and various areas of the face. The only change: the application time is not the same for the lower legs as for the moustache, for example. It is therefore necessary to refer to the instructions before any use. A final piece of professional advice? “For clean and precise hair removal, we turn to products with ultra-precise applicators or tips.”
Hair removal cream: some precautions to take
As we have just seen, it is essential to follow the precautions and instructions for use of the product before taking action, even if the application does not seem rocket science. You can never be too careful! In addition, “when using it for the first time, check the skin’s reaction by doing a small test and applying hair removal cream to a small area to be depilated. If after 24 hours, no reaction has occurred, you can go ahead with your eyes closed,” says the expert. Finally, it is recommended not to expose yourself to the sun, nor to swim or use perfumed products (such as deodorant) in the 24 hours before and after application. A word to the wise.
The right steps to follow before and after hair removal with cream
In order to maximize the effects of hair removal (whatever method you choose), it is advisable to prepare your skin beforehand. The best way to do this is to use exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, regenerate the skin and also prevent the appearance of ingrown hairs .
After? We move on to the hydration stage. “This helps soothe it, slow down hair growth and space out hair removal sessions,” explains the expert. We then favor natural treatments with soothing ingredients – like aloe vera – and especially without alcohol to avoid aggression. We can have fresh and ultra-smooth legs in no time!