There is no doubt that depilatory creams are a relief for people with low pain threshold. Apart from the quick results, this method - if used correctly - guarantees little to no discomfort, apart from the disgusting smell of rotten eggs. And among all the depilatory creams, Veet is famous for its overwhelmingly positive feedback and reviews from many customers.
In a previous post we already explained why the hair removal cream smells so bad ; you might want to read the link to learn more about it. But if you can overcome this odor problem as suggested in the post, is it a good idea to try Veet on your pubic area? For men, this may even be a little less of a concern, but how safe is this product for women to use in the belly button area?
When we talk about the pubic area, we mean the scrotum, vulva, anus and penis, which are part of our intimate area depending on our gender. Is it safe to use Veet on these areas?
Interestingly, the manufacturers of this hair removal cream have provided an answer to this question . They say that the cream is for external use only and should not be placed inside the vagina or penis. You probably already guessed this, considering that hair removal creams use strong chemicals to dissolve the hair protein.
Veet contains two of the most powerful hair removal ingredients, potassium thioglycolate and calcium hydroxide. Calcium hydroxide is a base whose main function is to swell the hair shaft. The thioglycolate is an acidic salt that breaks the disulfide bonds that hold the keratin molecules together. Neither of these two agents are safe outside of the skin and can even cause irritation to sensitive skin, such as the pubic area.
You probably already know that acids are caustic, and although Veet has formulated the ingredients in an effective and safe ratio, the extremely sensitive skin around the genitals poses a very significant safety risk. To answer the question raised by the title of this article, it is not safe to apply Veet directly to the genitals. However, you can use the various Veet hair removal products on the bikini area if you follow the safety measures below.
- Part 1: How to safely use Veet hair removal cream on the bikini area
- Part 2: Alternatives to Veet for pubic hair removal
- Part 3: Frequently Asked Questions
- Part 4: Conclusion
How to safely use Veet hair removal cream on the bikini area
If you follow these tips, you can safely use Veet for effective hair removal in the bikini area (not the intimate area).
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No cuts or abrasions
As mentioned, Veet is for external use only, so if you have any scrapes, cuts, abrasions or other injuries in your bikini area, you need to make sure they have healed before using the product. If you can't wait for the injury to heal, you can consider other methods, such as shaving or finding a way to cover the area before applying the cream.
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patch test
Every skin reacts differently to Veet . There is no way to even say how or if your skin will react to this formula. Therefore, you should try a small amount of the cream on a small area to check for reactions. In case of an adverse reaction, you should wash the cream off with plenty of water and do not apply pressure to the area. Only once your patch test confirms that Veet is OK for your bikini area should you apply it generously.
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Trim your hair
If the hair around your bikini line has already grown too much, it's a good idea to trim it to a manageable size before applying the hair removal cream. This will ensure that the cream doesn't get into places it's not intended to go.
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Use Vaseline to protect openings
Every time you use Veet on your bikini area, there is a risk that the cream will enter your vagina or anus, where it can cause all kinds of infections. One way to prevent this is to apply Vaseline (baby cream) to the rectum, vaginal canal and vulva to create a barrier that prevents this accidental penetration.
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Wipe gently
The wiping phase is one of the stages where things can go wrong when using Veet or other hair removal creams. If you're too aggressive during this phase, you may end up with a rash, cracking, or irritation. After you've waited the recommended application time (usually 3 to 10 minutes), gently wipe off the paste or cream with a soft, damp cloth; never use a spatula.
Alternatives to Veet for pubic hair removal
It is risky to use Veet or other hair removal creams on your pubic area. But luckily, you don't have to stick to this method alone. Yes, it is easy and relatively painless, but other methods may be better. Let's look at three of them.
Both shaving and depilatory creams are similar in their results. This is because they both remove the hair on the skin and not at the root. Shaving also carries risks, but if you are extra careful, you can avoid them. One of the best ways to get the most out of shaving is to use a shaving cream and make sure your blade is new and sharp. Also, you need to take your time when shaving the pubic area so that you don't accidentally cut yourself.
Using aloe vera gel or an excellent moisturizer, you can control any itching or dryness after shaving and enjoy the smooth skin you've always wanted.
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Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Removing hair from your skin may be quick and cheap in the short term, but in the long run it is expensive and can be frustrating. Imagine having to shave or apply Veet every month; it won't be long before you get tired of it all.
IPL is a method that uses light to target hair follicles and alter their growth cycle. These light beams come from a portable device made by cosmetic companies for this purpose. Your job is to flash these lights many times over the skin that houses the unwanted hair and wait for reactions.
An IPL device that is well suited for the bikini or pubic area is the Ulike Air 3 . Manufactured by a world-leading and award-winning brand, this device is FDA approved and uses a patented sapphire ice cooling technology that cools down the device and your skin. Within two weeks or even less, you can expect a 50-60% reduction in the volume and length of your pubic hair. After using it for a month as recommended, you will notice an amazing result.
The special thing about IPL, especially the recommended Ulike Air 3, is that you can use one device for a lifetime. The treatment is usually once a week, and the number of flashes is enough for several years. Apart from the fact that the results are not immediately visible, there are no side effects such as infections, ingrown hairs and hyperpigmentation that occur with other methods of hair removal.
If you have a high tolerance for pain, an effective method for removing hair in the pubic area is Brazilian waxing. Like IPL, the hair removal goes right to the root, so you get significant hair removal there. But while IPL uses light, waxing pulls the hair out from the root with a strip or wax. So the procedure can be painful. It can also lead to skin tearing and other side effects if not done carefully and by a professional.
The biggest disadvantage of this method (in my opinion) is that you cannot successfully do it yourself at home. You have to hand yourself over to someone to "work" on your intimate area. I know that for some people this is not a big deal, but for many it is a bitter pill to swallow. Brazilian waxing at home is always less successful than a professional waxing.
So if you don't want to shave and are not pain tolerant, IPL is the best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Veet to remove nose hair?
Please don't try this. The skin inside the nose is very soft and sensitive; you also risk inhaling the cream, which will cause great discomfort when breathing and even when blowing. Use a nose hair trimmer instead.
How does Veet remove body hair?
Veet is a depilatory cream that first swells the hair shaft before breaking the disulfide bonds. The base calcium hydroxide is used to cause this swelling, while the acidic salt potassium thioglycolate weakens or breaks the bonds. The other ingredients mainly serve to nourish the skin and give the product a pleasant smell.
What are the side effects of Veet on the body?
Most skin types can tolerate Veet for the most part. However, when things go wrong and your skin rejects this formula, you may experience chemical burns, allergic reactions, rashes, peeling skin, blisters, and irritation. The way you wipe off the cream after the recommended time frame can also contribute to these reactions. Doing a patch test before committing to the product can save you a lot of trouble.
Is Veet a long-lasting hair removal?
No depilatory cream removes hair permanently. They only dissolve the surface hair of the hair shaft, but the follicles and hair roots are still intact and can grow back. How quickly your hair grows back after using Veet depends on your hair cycle. If you are a fast-growing type, you may see regrowth after just a few days.
How much does hair removal with Veet cost?
There are different variants of this product, so the prices are not the same. The best place to find out the most accurate price is on the brand's official website or on Amazon. But in general, the product is affordable compared to other hair removal products.
Conclusion
Veet is an excellent hair removal cream with a high customer rating. It removes hair from all parts of the body, including the pubic area. However, due to the chemical composition and side effects of this product, it is not entirely safe to use it on a sensitive part of the body such as the pubic area. A more suitable option would be a high-quality IPL device or the traditional method, which is shaving.
