1. Keeps the Fleas Away
Chemical hair removers, also known as depilatories, have existed for thousands of years. The first depilatories were made from materials such as arsenic and quicklime. They were used not only for aesthetic purposes, but also to cut down on the possibility of infestation of parasites such as lice and fleas. The people of ancient Egypt created these first depilatories and removed the hair from their whole bodies.
2. No Need to Prepare for Pain
The active ingredient in modern day depilatories is calcium thioglycolate, an alkaline chemical. It melts the protein building block within the hair, making it easy to remove. It only works at the surface of the skin, and does not penetrate into the follicle of the hair itself. It's important to note that special milder depilatories are available for more sensitive areas of the body, such as the face, underarms and bikini line. Unlike other body hair removal methods such as waxing and tweezing, the use of depilatories is fairly painless.
3. Use the Time Wisely
Chemical hair removers come in different forms such as creams, lotions and even aerosols, but the procedure is the same. It's important to first test a small area and wait 24 hours to see if a skin irritation develops. The product is spread over the surface of the skin and allowed to sit for anywhere from four to 15 minutes, depending on the hair's texture. Have a timer handy and grab a magazine to pass the time. Then wash the product off with soap and water, sometimes with the aid of a washcloth. Do not re-apply the product to areas that aren't completely hair-free, as a chemical burn could result.
4. Hair Removal Without the Burn
The first thing most people notice about depilatories is the strong odor they emit. But of deeper concern is skin irritation, which could last no more than a few hours, or even the possibility of second or third degree chemical burns. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly, and be sure not to allow the product to sit on your skin longer than recommended. People with sensitive skin are particularly prone to rashes or worse with the use of depilatories.
5. Not Quite Skin Deep
Since hair removal with the use of a depilatory only removes hair at the surface of the skin, it doesn't typically give you smooth skin much longer than shaving with a razor. Most people feel they need to remove the hair again after just three to five days. Despite that, the advantage of it's relatively inexpensive cost and the ability to be able to do this at home makes the use of chemical hair removers a long-standing option in the quest for smooth, hair-free skin.
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