In the ‘hair-free body’ culture that we live in, the beauty industry is always looking for the easiest and most effective way to keep body hair at bay. Despite all the options out there, many women will say that depilatory creams are the only way to go. They are an easy and pain free way to remove hair from almost all areas of your body. Here’s an insight into how depilatory creams have revolutionized hair removal, and why they might just be the ideal choice for you.

 

How do they work?

Depilatory creams contain certain alkaline chemicals that safely react with the hair on your body without hurting the skin. They break down the Keratin (the protein structure of your hair), causing it to weaken and dissolve>^[1]. This leaves the hair in a jelly-like state which the user can easily wipe away with the cream.

 

The Ups and Downs

Depilatory creams are one of the most painless ways to remove body hair, especially when compared to waxing or shaving. They are a great all-round method for getting rid of both large areas of hairs along your legs, but they also work equally well on smaller, harder-to-reach areas like the skin around the bikini line. And Veet makes it very easy to apply! Simply spread the cream over a patch of hair and wait a few minutes before removing it (be sure to read the label to see what the specific recommended time is). In that time you could be getting on with all sorts of other things, from brushing your teeth to running a bath.

Using depilatory creams in the shower is a great option, as it can make the process virtually mess-free! The cream washes off along with the hair, and simply goes down the drain. Veet has a specific range of creams designed for both normal and sensitive skin, which can be wiped off and you can simply shower normally after use. In fact, showering is not essential if you are using a spatula or flannel to remove the cream and the hair, just a thorough wipe down with a warm, wet cloth will do.

Available in all good cosmetic stores, depilatory creams can be a great affordable option compared to going to the salon, and therefore can be much easier to fit into your budget. As well as that, there is no risk of encountering the kind of cuts and nicks that you might get from shaving. Depilatory products also give a longer lasting result than shaving, as they are able to slowly break down the hair at or just below the skin's surface, right at the follicle^[2]. You might also find that the regrowth of the hair will not be as stubbly as that produced when shaving as the tips have been tapered, and appear softer and less noticeable.

If you have sensitive skin, however, you may be concerned about an adverse reaction. Fortunately, Veet has a whole range aimed specifically at sensitive skin, enriched with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, known for their soothing properties. However, to be sure, we recommend carrying out a patch test at least 24 hours before applying the cream to check that it doesn’t cause a reaction. If you do react badly, then you know that this might not be the method for you. Always remember, it’s never a good idea to use your cream over areas of broken or irritated skin^[3].

If you’re considering trying out depilatory creams, be sure to check out Veet’s extensive range.