The best depilatory creams (also for the man’s chest)

Homemade alternative option to the razor, depilatory creams are increasingly appreciated not only by women but also by men, who use them to remove hair on the chest and back. “They are based on the action of thioglycolic acid which dissolves the cellular bonds of the hair, temporarily removing it from the face and body, but does not eradicate it at the root like epilation does, which instead guarantees a much more lasting result”, Marika Cangelosi, beautician and trainer for 2G Beauty Communication. «However, it favors slower regrowth compared to the razor blade: when cut off at the skin’s edge, in fact, the hair often reappears the next day». With the expert we discover how to get the most out of these specialties.

The advantages of depilatory creams …

Also proposed in gel versions, they are remedies to take with you even on vacation, for the necessary adjustments between one appointment and another with the beautician, and offer various benefits.

• They are quick because their action takes place in a few minutes: from application to rinsing it takes from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the areas to be treated.
• They are simple because it involves spreading the product, letting it act for the time indicated on the package and then rinsing it. If you can apply the cream or use a spray nozzle, you can use a hair remover.
• They are inexpensive and can be found everywhere, from the supermarket to the pharmacy.
• Regrowth does not cause discomfort because the hair stretches with a more tapered end compared to hair removal with the razor that leaves the hair with angular edges favoring the formation of ingrown hairs with regrowth.
• They are painless if used correctly and, therefore, ideal for those who have a low tolerance to pain or are sensitive to other methods of removal

… And the disadvantages

The expert warns against using depilatory creams on the face. “They should not be used on the eyebrows and on the nose because residues of the product could get into the tear duct”, says Marika Cangelosi. Even the method of application if done in a clumsy way can produce undesirable effects. “With prolonged poses, the active ingredient contained, thioglycolic acid, can cause burns, heartburn, itchy skin rashes and peeling. Therefore, be careful to read the instructions on the packaging carefully. Also avoid sunbathing immediately after use because it is more prone to sunburn ».

Products for hair removal they should never be used on vulnerable skin. They should therefore be avoided if there are wounds, burns and inflammatory states, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea or acne vulgaris

How to use hair removal creams

The most important thing to do to get the best result is to do a small test to determine skin reactivity. «To perform it, simply apply a small amount of product, leave it to act for the time indicated on the package, rinse and wait at least 24 hours to check that there are no reactions. A slight tingling is normal while any persistent burning should alarm us », explains Marika Cangelosi

If the skin responds well to the treatment, you can start by wearing gloves and spreading a layer of product on the areas of interest. After the exposure time, generally from 3 to 10 minutes, it is removed with the special box and rinsed with plenty of warm water, taking care to eliminate any residue that could be irritating. For larger areas, such as the man’s chest, it is advisable to use a soft microfibre cloth or a towel “.