Depilation of facial hair using a special cream is a method common mainly among the female population; Most men prefer to get rid of excess facial hair in a more traditional way - with a razor.
The use of cream for hair removal on the face is completely painless, it is less expensive and safer for the body than laser hair removal. However, this method has not only advantages, but also disadvantages that you need to know about before you start using it.
Hair removal with depilatory cream: how does it work?
Facial depilatory cream destroys hair. As a rule, it includes:
- dimethyl sulfoxide. This is the most aggressive element - it dissolves hairs on the surface of the skin (but the bulb remains intact, and after a certain time the hair will appear again, but darker than before);
- aloe and boswelli extracts - relieve inflammation;
- tocopherol - protects and restores skin cells;
- other chemical components (cream base).
Find out more about how hair removal cream works and how hair gets rid of. What does it consist of, the principle of action, is it harmful and what are the advantages of using it.
Rules for choosing face cream
When choosing a cream for facial hair removal, you should remember that the main thing is the safety of the drug for the body. The components in its composition can cause severe allergic reactions, burns and other negative consequences. Therefore, when choosing, you need to consider:
- composition of the cream and personal tolerance to these substances;
- the time required to influence the hair (it is desirable that it be minimal);
- your skin type;
- smell. Facial hair removal creams do not have a delicate scent, but if you find it unpleasant, then it is better to avoid it;
- intensity and color of tertiary hairline;
- manufacturer;
- packaging integrity;
- shelf life of the drug and storage conditions;
- price.
Important!
The reason for the presence of a mustache above the upper lip in women may not only be heredity. It could be a hormonal imbalance. In this case, an endocrinologist can provide assistance. Statistics show that women who regularly use hormonal contraceptives do not have problems with mustaches.
Skin type
When choosing a depilatory cream, you should take into account your skin type . The packaging must indicate what skin type this product is intended for.
There are universal creams on sale , for example, Vit cream for facial hair removal, which is designed for all skin types (including hypersensitive ones).
However, before using the product, it must be tested:
- apply a small amount to delicate skin (behind the ear, on the bend of the elbow or the back of the wrist);
- wait a few minutes and wash off. If within several hours (up to a day) redness, itching, burning, irritation, dizziness, nausea and other reactions do not occur, the remedy is suitable for you.
Active substances
Removal of facial hair with depilatory cream occurs due to the presence of active substances in their composition. In addition to the dimethyl sulfoxide we have already mentioned, they most often contain thioglycolic acid, salts: thioglycolates of calcium, potassium, etc., hair softeners; alkalis that can destroy keratin, dissolve hairs , but do not damage the hair follicle.
The disadvantage of this effect is the need to apply the product after 2-3 days .
Some creams have the effect of suppressing hair follicles. In this case, hair germination occurs on the 4-5th day. Important! Using depilatory creams on the body to combat mustaches on the face is strictly unacceptable. Due to the high concentration of active substances, delicate facial skin can be seriously damaged.
Manufacturer
The manufacturer is also one of the indicators of whether it is worth purchasing this or that facial depilation cream. When evaluating a product, it is necessary to evaluate them according to the degree of effectiveness (speed of action), safety (gentleness to the skin) and price category.
The most popular and famous brands are those that have proven themselves on the positive side:
- Sally Hansen . This is first of all the cream “Brush-on Hair Remover Creme for face”. It acts effectively and gently, has a slight vanilla scent, and is in the middle price category. The effect of using the product is felt for 6-7 days;
- “Skin So Soft” facial depilatory cream Action time: 2.5 minutes. Economical packaging allows you to apply the cream precisely. The result after use is felt within 7-8 days. The disadvantages are an unpleasant pungent odor and the absence of a spatula; the cream should be removed with a damp cloth.
- The French company L'Etoile presented a depilatory cream for the face BODY NATUR . This cream has a mild effect. Within 5 minutes it effectively affects the hair, suitable for very sensitive skin. Does not have an unpleasant odor, contains chamomile extract and vitamin E. The downside is that it is quickly consumed;
- Spanish is a worthy competitor to French and American brands. Action time: 5-7 minutes. The tube is equipped with a convenient dispenser and applicator, which makes it easy to use the cream at home. The downside is a strong odor and an aggressive effect on the skin. After washing off any remaining product, you should use a special post-depilation cream on your face. Himani Boro antiseptic cream .
- The depilator from the Floresan , as they say, is not for everyone. Reviews on it are the most contrasting: some immediately refuse it, while for others it suits perfectly. The most famous product is the DEEP DEPIL line - “Delicate depilatory cream” with peach oil. Its budget price is also attractive;
- Veet is one of the leaders in popularity. Suitable for all skin types. The French-made product acts within 3-6 minutes. The set contains a special applicator. The smell is rather pleasant. Another property of Veet is that it inhibits hair growth;
- The Polish brand Eveline is represented by a whole line of depilatory products. Of these, “Ultra-gentle 9 in 1” received the largest number of positive reviews. The product works effectively, has a pleasant smell, plant extracts have a beneficial effect on the skin;
- Ukrainian product "Lady Caramel Ultra Gentle" attracts with its very affordable price and fairly high efficiency (impact time - 7-8 minutes). The smell is not so strong, the kit includes an applicator, the remaining cream is easily washed off with warm water;
- Depilator for sensitive areas with rose oil VELVET is an inexpensive but effective product (removes even coarse hair), has a pleasant pink aroma, does not irritate the skin, and has a long-lasting effect after use.
Packaging, expiration date, storage conditions
When purchasing a depilatory cream, you must ensure that the packaging is not damaged (all tubes must be hermetically sealed) and that the expiration date has not expired. The packaging must indicate what type of skin this product is suitable for (and the possibility of using it on the face).
You can buy the cream online, but by purchasing products this way, you will not receive any guarantees of proper storage of this product.
The best solution would be to purchase the drug in a specialty store or pharmacy. Did you know? In Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. (especially in England and France), the practice of getting rid of facial hair began to gain particular popularity among women. This was caused by the fashion for a high forehead. To make the forehead visually appear higher, women got rid of their eyebrows. Since special depilatory creams appeared much later, only at the end of the 20th century, until that time fashionistas made do with walnut oil (rubbed onto their daughters’ foreheads from infancy), vinegar dressings, a mixture of quicklime, manure and dried bats.
Operating principle
The main methods of hair removal are epilation and depilation. The first method involves destroying the hair along with the follicle. The main types of hair removal are sugaring, laser, wax hair removal, as well as mechanical removal using tweezers. It involves removing only the hair shaft while preserving the bulb. The painless method does not injure the skin and only affects vegetation.
Facial hair removal cream contains active elements that destroy the hair stem structure. Do not penetrate the epidermis, safe for high sensitivity. The procedure has a short-term effect and does not involve the removal of the hair follicle.
Read also: Depilatory cream: advantages and disadvantages of use. Rating of the best brands
Which depilatory cream is best to use for the face does not always depend on the price and brand. The duration of the result is influenced by the individual characteristics of hair growth. Regular use of the cream allows you to reduce the area of unwanted vegetation and increase the interval between procedures.
How to properly remove facial hair with cream
Each product requires careful reading of the instructions and strict adherence to them.
Learn more about how to use the cream - general step-by-step instructions. This will not only allow you to use the drug more effectively, but will also protect you from harm to the body. Particular attention should be paid to the methods of application and removal, as well as for time.
How to prepare your skin
At the second stage, it is necessary to prepare the skin for depilation: clean it of cosmetics, fat, dust (especially in the area of the mustache on the face).
To do this, it is better to wash your face with warm water and soap or gel and wipe your face dry with a towel. Important!
It should be remembered that you should never remove hair from the ears, nostrils, or near the eyes using a depilatory cream - this can cause harm to the body.
Application of the product
The next step is applying the cream.
It should be remembered that you need to be especially careful when applying depilatory cream for the face around the eyes, and avoid applying it to the eyebrows. It is also necessary to avoid damaged areas of the skin (wounds, scratches, etc.).
The product is applied in a thin or thick layer, depending on the instructions. After application, a timer is set (if you wait less, the product will not work; if you wait longer, it will cause burns).
Removing depilatory cream
After the required time has passed, the facial hair removal cream is removed:
- using a special applicator;
- using wet wipes;
- wash off with warm (cool) water without soap or other products.
Removal methods depend on the drug used and its instructions.
Then you need to wipe (not rub, but blot) your face with a towel and treat the skin with a special moisturizing cream, balm or gel (many depilatory products come with similar preparations). These products relieve irritation and also slow down hair growth.
The use of hair removal cream causes facial hair to grow more slowly. During the day after the procedure, you should not take sunbathing or a solarium, or use cosmetics.
Use of gels and ointments during pregnancy
The pregnancy period does not stop women on the path to a beautiful body. Especially before childbirth, when the bikini area needs to remove unwanted vegetation. Removing unwanted hairs in the bikini area is a very painful and difficult process, especially during pregnancy. Using tools such as a razor or depilator is inconvenient for a pregnant woman. And removing hair in intimate places using wax and sugar paste is dangerous due to painful sensations, to which the female body is more susceptible during pregnancy.
It is difficult to say whether it is safe to use creamy formulations for depilation of the bikini area during pregnancy. More often, this procedure is allowed for women whose skin is less delicate, there is no toxicosis and microtrauma in the bikini area, and there are no allergies.
Now various types of creams have appeared on the market, including formulations that are recommended for pregnant women. Cosmetics and hygiene products for pregnant women have their own requirements and features of use. Following some rules will help you avoid skin health problems and make the hair removal process enjoyable.
Rules for using depilatory gel for pregnant women
- It is better to use creams with a neutral odor or carry out the procedure in a ventilated area;
- Repeat the procedure more often to make your hair soft. Frequency of repetition of the procedure: once every three days.
- Hypoallergenic formulations for sensitive skin are preferable, otherwise allergic reactions that were previously uncharacteristic can be provoked.
Natural ingredients will be safer for a deep bikini.
The female image is the result of a girl’s painstaking work on herself. This costs time, patience and money. And so that creating this image does not bring headaches, you should approach the choice of depilation products with knowledge and follow the rules for their use.
Possible complications
The use of such drugs threatens with possible complications - we should not forget that they are based on very strong chemically active substances that can liquefy or burn hairs and will not spare delicate skin.
Even the presence of emollient and protective substances in creams that partially neutralize the harmful effects may be ineffective.
Did you know?
In ancient China, the wives of the emperor and noble women rubbed their faces with natural silk twice a day. Static electricity healed the epidermis and slowed down the growth of facial hair.
Irritation
Irritation on the face after depilation with cream is a very common phenomenon. This is a normal reaction of the body to the effects of chemically active substances (especially during the first sessions).
Such irritations, as a rule, quickly disappear when using special balms, gels, etc. But sometimes they become protracted. In these cases, you should stop using this drug and consult a dermatologist. Even the best depilatory cream for the face can cause such a reaction.
Minor irritations can be relieved with moisturizing creams that contain aloe vera, chamomile, calendula, as well as decoctions of celandine, string and chamomile.
Before using anti-irritation products, the problem area of the skin should be pre-treated with chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide or alcohol (dry).
Contraindications
Depilatory cream contains reagents that often cause allergies. It is necessary to test the product by applying it to the delicate skin on the bend of the elbow. If nothing appears after a day, feel free to use it. The product should not be used for diseases and pathological conditions of the body:
- acute dermatological diseases;
- open wounds in the area of depilation;
- pregnancy or breastfeeding;
- allergy to one of the components.
If you experience discomfort, blisters, or other redness in the depilation area, cancel the procedure.
Burns
Burns from cream on the face are also common. The alkaline environment is very active and can damage mucous membranes and sensitive skin. The causes of burns are:
- improper use of the drug (for example, using a product for depilation of body hair on the face);
- exceeding the time recommended in the instructions for which the product is applied;
- use of low-quality or counterfeit drug.
In case of a chemical burn, the area where the alkali burned the skin should be rinsed with cool water, blotted with a soft towel and applied Bepanten and Panthenol ointment.
Possible consequences
If your skin is too sensitive, the composition was chosen incorrectly, or the recommendations were ignored, negative consequences may occur after the procedure. Most often this is irritation: the skin becomes covered with small pimples, but after applying lotion or any soothing agent, the irritation goes away. Typically, such lotions eavesdrop on the dermis; after use, you need to lubricate the affected area with a nourishing cream.
Another negative consequence is a burn. There may be severe redness, swelling, and blistering. If such consequences occur, it is important to see a doctor.
After using the cream incorrectly, a burn may occur on the skin.
Adviсe
Before purchasing this or that product, it is best to get first-hand information - read what users write about popular products. They have already tried them on themselves and can tell you which drug is the best cream for facial depilation.
For example, there are many useful reviews on various forums, on the websites “Otzovik”, “Expert Review”, etc. (although there are also custom articles there).
Watch a video from a YouTube blogger about facial depilation.
Disadvantages of the procedure
It is much more difficult to point out the disadvantages of the procedure. More relevant to low-price products:
- poor quality hair removal;
- rapid growth in 3 days;
- ingrown hairs;
- unpleasant odor;
- irritation;
- need for frequent use;
- quick consumption of cream.
Modern cosmetic brands have long eliminated these shortcomings, so depilatory cream is one of the best ways to remove unwanted hair on any part of the body.
