There's nothing new about hair removal. Ancient Egyptians used to have the fuzz whisked away with a syrup of sugar and lemon. It's an Arabian beauty idea, too, and still used today. Take half a cup of sugar, the juice of half a lemon, boil into syrup; when it is warm and pliable, (not too hot or you will burn yourself), apply to hairs. Let it set, then rip it off like a sticky plaster, hairs and all.
If that sounds a bit crude, it is at least better than the recipe from 1808 composed of ants eggs, gum of ivy, gum arabic, vinegar and orpiment (said to be one of the strongest known poisons).
But modern depilatories are considerably safer and more acceptable they're generally wax or cream.
Cream depilatories contain a chemical to dissolve the hair just below the skin level ... usually calcium thioglycollate. They are likely to cause irritation if used repeatedly on the face, so best kept for legs or arms. The first modern creams used to smell horrible but now they all seem to be rose scented. Chemical defuzzing lasts longer than shaving, but not as long as waxing.
You shouldn't use a depilatory cream or lotion on skin that is sore or broken or if you have pimples, and if you use it frequently, it will make the skin dry. Keep depilatory creams away from the eyes or other tender parts so don't consider it for 'bikini hair' removal. If you use the cream under arms, wait about eight hours before applying an antiperspirant or deodorant. There is no medical evidence to suggest that depilatory creams affect regrowth in any way. According to one American expert, regrowth may appear darker because the lighter coloured hair ends have been removed. As these ends are also finely tapered, regrowth may seem slightly harsher, However, as the hair grows, the fair, fine tips are said to re form.
If the skin feels sore after using a depilatory cream, you may have a sensitive skin try swabbing the area with a neutralizing solution of 1 part lemon juice or vinegar to 7 of cold water, immediately after the cream has been removed. Pat dry and apply a little zinc ointment.
You may be leaving the cream on too long. Remove it the moment it has done its work. Always follow instructions carefully, and rinse thoroughly with cold water. Pat dry gently don't scrub.
Aerosol foam depilatories are the newest method of applying hair removing creams for legs. They are quicker and easier to use and the modern cans can be sprayed at any angle, even upside down. Hair is gone in four to 10 minutes. It's generally more expensive but much more convenient.
Some examples of chemical depilatories include Neet, Nudit, and Nair. These products break down the strong sulphur bonds that hold proteins in the hair together. The hair becomes soft and weak and can usually be wiped away Unfortunately, the skin in the area of the unwanted hair often becomes irritated with this technique. Subsequent inflammation may stimulate the pigment cells to produce more melanin resulting in darker skin in the area (post inflammatory pigmentation). To prevent these problems the instructions for the use of the depilatory should be followed carefully, and it should first be tested on a small area.
A dermatologist could prescribe a mild cortisone cream to apply immediately after using depilatories to prevent skin irritation and hyperpigmentation (darkening). if darkening does occur, bleaching creams such as Reversa HQ and NeoStrata HQ may be used to lighten the skin again.
