Hair-Removal Cream Side Effects

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Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Andrea Rinaldi

Hair-removal cream is easy to use for both men and women. Hair on arms, legs, the bikini line and facial hair can be removed with these formulas available at your local drug store or grocery store. Even though there is a wide range of hair removal creams, there are some side effects to all of them that you should become aware of before use. These side effects are not as prominent as in years past making them more attractive for hair removal that lasts a bit longer than shaving.

Odor

The first thing that most people notice about hair-removal creams is the harsh smell. According to hairremovalforum.com the smell comes from the harsh chemical that breaks down the bonds of the hair. This breaking down process allows the hair to be removed at the surface. Hair remover manufacturers have been sensitive to this and have begun masking their products with more attractive fragrances.

Stinging

Burning and stinging have been reported as a significant side effect. Hair-removal creams are made up of harsh chemicals that can be found in household cleaning products. You can purchase a version of hair-removal cream that is made specifically for sensitive skin.

Skin Damage

According to hintsandthings.co.uk, the alkaline chemicals used in hair-removal cream can cause permanent skin damage if the product is left on too long. In the past there was no way around this but today companies are adding products to soothe the skin during the hair removal and after.

Considerations

Hair-removal cream has evolved over the years and is considered much safer today. In the past ingredients included resin, animal fat and feline waste. Today the ingredients are all chemical-based. The product effectively removes hair for three to five days when used properly, with few side effects at all. According to cosmeticsgalore.com there are new products available with fewer side effects yet and are a semi-permanent solution. These products are made of plant extracts and remove hair over time versus instantly.

Tips

Perform a test by using your hair-removal cream on a small patch of skin. You will then know if you are going to suffer from an allergic reaction to the chemicals. The symptoms will be swelling, redness or burning. If you are under 12 years of age you are not advised these harsh products.