Removing your body hair is no longer difficult. You can use waxing, plucking, threading, laser, IPL and depilatory creams to get rid of all those hairs. Our choice depends entirely on whether we can afford it, how sensitive our skin is, what we expect from the results and how safe the hair removal methods are.
We all love depilatory creams for hair removal because they are easy, cheap and quick. But now the news is making the rounds that these creams can cause cancer because they use chemicals for hair removal. This news has caused a stir all over the world, hasn't it? Are you now worried that these creams might have already harmed you? Will you find another method that is as convenient as these hair removal creams?
Well, in this article, we have answers to all your questions, so read on to the end to know the truth.
Table of contents:- Part 1: Ingredients in depilatory cream and their effects
- Part 2: Can hair removal cream cause cancer?
- Part 3: Possible side effects and risks of depilatory creams
- Part 4: A safe solution for hair removal
- Part 5: Conclusion
Ingredients in depilatory creams and their effects
Depilatory creams mainly contain thioglycolic acid. They contain it in pure form or mixed with salts such as sodium thioglycolates or potassium thioglycolates. When you apply the cream to your body, its chemical action dissolves your hair protein and weakens the hair so much that it falls out easily.
So when you remove the cream, the hair is removed too. These creams can be used anywhere, even in the bikini area. What's more, your hair will grow back after just a few days because the cream doesn't attack the root, but only removes the hair above the skin. So you have to reapply the creams every few days.
Can hair removal cream cause cancer?
Without beating around the bush, let's get straight to the point. The cancer risk posed by a product depends on the ingredients. Depilatory creams usually contain thioglycolic acid, which can be harmful to the skin, but there is no evidence that it increases the risk of cancer.
But some other ingredients found in various creams may pose some risk. A study [1] has shown that depilatory creams can affect hair growth by increasing the number of hair follicles. As a result, TNF factors alpha and beta are released, leading to an inflammatory response. Apart from that, there is no solid evidence that these creams can cause cancer.
Does Veet cause cancer?
Veet is one of the most popular brands that produces hair removal products. Everyone knows the brand and most of us usually use Veet hair removal cream. Like other hair removal creams, Veet also uses Potassium Thioglycolate to moisturize your skin and regulate its normal pH level, along with other active ingredients like Sodium Gluconate, Parafinnum Liquidum, Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, etc.
The problem, however, is that it also contains sebum, which may be mixed with a certain amount of asbestos. Asbestos is carcinogenic, which means it increases the risk of cancer. However, Veet has not commented on this issue, so we cannot say anything for sure.
Does DM Balea cause cancer?
Although there is no sure answer, Balea is safer than other hair removal creams because it is a private label of dm, the largest drugstore chain in Germany, and its good quality is often confirmed in test results and surveys. Balea's ingredients have been researched in various ways. Although Balea contains some chemicals, they are mild, meaning the risk of allergies or other side effects is minimal.
In addition, Balea does not contain any carcinogenic substances, which means that it is very unlikely to cause cancer.
Possible side effects and risks of depilatory creams
There are some other risks associated with depilatory creams. Some of them are as follows.
redness and irritation
As we know, depilatory creams use chemicals to dissolve the hair on your body. When you use such a cream, the harsh chemicals in it can cause redness and itching on your skin. This itching can start immediately after application. Fortunately, it does not last long and subsides after a few hours.
Allergic reactions
The chemicals cause mild redness and irritation, but in some cases it can get very bad. This leads to an allergic reaction that manifests itself in itching, inflammation and extreme redness. This is called contact dermatitis. It can appear immediately or after a few hours. That's why it's better to do a patch test, especially if you're using the cream on your intimate area.
Chemical burns
Another big problem with these hair removal creams is the chemical burns they cause. Hair removal creams usually have a specific time indicated for hair removal and if this time is exceeded, burns can occur. If your skin is particularly sensitive, you may even get burned before the indicated time has elapsed. The burns are first or second degree and can be treated.
hyperpigmentation
Additionally, chemicals like calcium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide dissolve in your skin and darken it. In addition, wounds caused by burns and allergic reactions can also darken your skin tone. This is usually only temporary and can be treated.
A safe solution for hair removal
Why take a risk when there is a safe option? Yes, we are talking about IPL hair removal. This method uses pulsed light to destroy hair follicles. This reduces or even stops hair growth in some people, so you can get long-lasting results depending on your hair type. Can't go to the clinic? Then you can Try Ulike Sapphire Air 3 IPL hair removal device .
Fast
It is one of the fastest methods of hair removal. Waxing takes time: the wax has to be prepared and applied, and then you have to wait for it to dry. Laser is similarly time-consuming, but with the Ulike Saphir Air 3 you only need 12 minutes per session. The device works at a speed of 0.7 seconds per flash, giving you a quick solution for hair removal.
Economically
Hair removal can be expensive. Shaving and waxing cost on average more than 10,000 to 15,000 euros for a lifetime. Laser treatments are also expensive, costing between 250 and 1,000 euros per session. But the Ulike is different. You only have to pay 369 euros and with unlimited flashes it can work well for 10 years or even a lifetime.
Long-lasting results
Now, on to the results of the Ulike IPL. You will see the first results after just 3 weeks and after 12 weeks you can see the long-term effects. These results usually last for 6 months or up to years, in some cases even a lifetime. All you have to do is make a few touch-ups now and then.
secure
Safety should be a priority with any hair removal device. The Ulike device is FDA approved and certified by over 30 organizations for safety, so you don't have to worry about it malfunctioning or wasting your money.
Easy to use
If you've never used an IPL device before, you might be a little apprehensive. But it's easy to use. The device has an automatic glide mode that allows for smooth movement, as well as three different modes. All you have to do is set the mode according to your skin sensitivity and move the device over that area.
pain-free
Hair removal can give you the confidence to go out and wear whatever you want. But most methods involve pain. In contrast, the Ulike Sapphire Air 3 IPL device is almost painless. IPL hair removal can cause some discomfort. Ulike has cooling technology that prevents this discomfort and soothes your skin during the treatment.
Are you still confused about IPL hair removal? Well, you can learn about it. Start with "Is IPL hair removal at home effective and safe?"
Conclusion
Using depilatory creams to remove hair is really convenient. They turn the hair structure into a gel and help you remove the hair easily when you wipe it with a spatula. These creams contain some strong chemicals, mainly thioglycolic acid, to perform their function effectively.
However, since they contain chemicals, they can cause problems. There is no evidence that they cause cancer, but they can cause redness, itching, allergies, and hyperpigmentation if used in the wrong way. So, if you are hesitant to use these creams, you can use the Ulike Sapphire Air 3 IPL hair removal device for fast and safe hair removal. Plus, it gives you results that last for years.
references
[1] Pi-Fen Tsai, Fen-Pi Chou, Ting-Shuan Yu,1 Huei-Jane Lee and Chun-Tang Chiu (2021). Depilatory creams increase the number of hair follicles and dermal fibroblasts expressing interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor- α and tumor necrosis factor- β in mouse skin, National Library of Medicine.
