Is it possible to do depilation on the face? Advantages and disadvantages of creams for removing unwanted hair

Expert: Christina Gayden

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Women have always tried to remove excess body hair in order to look well-groomed and attractive. In Ancient Egypt, a mixture of arsenic and quicklime was used for this. Then a more gentle method appeared, invented in the East - sugar and lemon juice. Time has changed, technology has improved. Today, women have access to different hair removal methods. Someone chooses the cheapest and fastest. The razor is used by many representatives of the fairer sex. But with this method there are some undesirable nuances: ingrown hairs, their rapid growth and skin cuts.

Some people prefer cosmetic procedures with long-lasting effects. Here, too, in addition to the undoubted advantages, there are also disadvantages, namely the high price. The optimal method for many has become depilation at home with specialized creams. There are enough advantages from their use. They are sold in all nearby stores. Although the price varies and depends on the brand, it is still quite affordable even for people with a small budget.

The creams do not cause discomfort and do not provoke hair growth. And although the procedure lasts 5-15 minutes, you can then safely enjoy smooth skin from 2 weeks to 1 month. Some women use the same products for many years. Some people, having decided to switch to this type of removal, simply do not know which one is better to choose. Our review presents 10 depilatory creams, which today are considered the best among the many products on our market. Cosmetologists, dermatologists and ordinary customers took part in the selection.

Operating principle, product composition

All hair on the human body contains keratin, a special protein characterized by high mechanical strength. Any depilatory cream contains an active substance, usually calcium thioglycolate, which can destroy this protein. The structure of the hair is destroyed, and it dissolves at the point of contact with the composition.

Only the outer part of the hairs located above the epidermis disappears. The bulb is not damaged, which means that after a few days a small stubble appears.

A small amount of the active ingredient can penetrate shallowly into the epidermis, therefore, compared to shaving, the skin remains smooth a little longer.

In addition to the active component, the depilator contains:

• emollients - additives that reduce and soften the aggressive effect of the active ingredient on the skin;
• various caring components (for example, vegetable oils, chamomile, etc.);
• sodium and calcium hydroxides, which create an environment that increases the effectiveness of the active ingredient;
• stabilizers, which are added so that the cream has the desired thickness and looks beautiful;
• preservatives that increase the shelf life of the product.

AFRODITA COSMETICS Hydra Hair Removal Cream

A high-quality depilatory cream has a thick texture that is evenly distributed over the skin and is capable of dissolving light and short hairs, as well as dark, coarse and long hairs. Here you just need to maintain the time correctly, where the thinner and lighter the hair, the exposure time decreases. Its composition is enriched with aloe vera extract, which helps to slightly moisturize and soften the skin. The effect of the cream lasts for five days.

Pros:

1. Can be used on any part of the body;
2. Contains aloe vera;
3. Moisturizes and softens the skin;
4. Fast acting;
5. Removes hairs of any hardness and color.

Minuses:

1. Insufficient hydration.

Types of depilatory creams

First, let's find out what types of hair removal products there are. Depilatory creams are usually divided according to the type of skin. Therefore, almost all brands produce variations of the same product for

• normal,
• dry,
• or sensitive skin.

Also, when choosing a product, you should consider which part of the body you want to remove hair from. Therefore, there are the following categories of hair removal products:

• on arms, legs;
• on the face;
• in the bikini area;
• on the chest (for men);
• in the armpits.

Pros and cons of the procedure

Benefits of use:

• The procedure does not require any special skills; any woman can do it at home;
• Doesn't take much time;
• Low cost of the product;
• No pain;
• The depilator can be used on any hair length, even if it is only 1-2 mm. But you just have to remember that at least a week should pass between such sessions;
• Removes hair from any area of ​​the body. In order not to injure the skin, you just need to choose a product with the desired content of the active substance;
• With prolonged use, hairs grow less frequently, become softer and lighter;
• A small list of contraindications;
• Unlike shaving or sugaring, the product does not leave bruises, scratches, abrasions or burns on the skin;
• Acts as a soft peeling.
• A wide range of models makes it possible to select a product both according to skin characteristics and price.

Let's move on to the main disadvantages of using creams and gels:

• Short-term effect. Literally in 4-5 days the hair will have to be removed again.
• Pungent, unpleasant odor. Many manufacturers add weak or low-quality fragrances that are not able to drown out the aroma of thioglycolate. This makes depilation unpleasant, especially in a small space.
• Large consumption of funds.
• Many formulations are not capable of removing thick, coarse hair. Those that can cope with them often cause various irritations.
• Aggressive effect on the skin.

Interesting fact: The pH of normal, healthy skin is 5.5. And the pH of depilatory cream is 12. This is a very high level. For example, some bleaches have the same indicator. The emollients included in the product somewhat soften the aggressive effect of thioglycolate. But still, you shouldn’t keep the composition for too long.

Epilation process

1. The creamy mass is applied in a thin layer to the area of ​​the face to be epilated. You can spread it with your finger or a special spatula, usually included with the kit. When waxing your mustache, it is important to ensure that the product does not get on your lips.
2. It is necessary to maintain the composition for a strictly specified time. If you hold it longer, you may get burned.
3. After time, the product is removed with a spatula or gauze swab. Hair removal is done with light pressure on the skin.
4. Afterwards, the area is washed with warm water without soap.
5. Finally, a softening, moisturizing cream or cosmetic oil is applied to the face.

How to use depilatory cream?

Now let’s list the correct order of actions that will lead to a satisfactory result.

Be sure to do an allergic reaction test the day before waxing. To do this, apply a little cream to the bend of your elbow. If irritation does not appear on the skin within a day, you can safely use the product.

• A few hours before the session, do not use scrubs or alcohol-based products. This may lead to irritation.
• Steam the skin a little.
• Then apply the cream. Use a special spatula, which is usually sold as a kit. If it is missing or lost, take an ordinary sponge to wash your body. Do not apply the substance with your hands, as this can damage your nails.
• Make sure that the depilatory layer is even and covers all the hairs.

Be careful! The product should not come into contact with mucous membranes.

• Note the time. Do not keep the product longer than indicated on the package.
• Remove the product along with the remaining hair using a spatula. Press the spatula firmly against the skin, and then move it against the hair growth. Using similar movements, remove the remaining cream.
• Now wash off the residue with warm water, without soap, scrub or shower gel.
• 5-10 minutes after drying, you can apply moisturizer to the skin.

Contraindications

Having figured out how to do depilation correctly, we will find out when it is dangerous to do it:

• There are mechanical damage to the skin - abrasions, wounds, scratches.
• You have previously had an allergic reaction to one of the components of the drug.
• Period of pregnancy or breastfeeding. The fact is that the active substances that make up the cream are quickly absorbed into the skin, and from there they enter the blood.
• The previous session was less than 4 days ago.
• You were on the beach or in the solarium a couple of days ago.
• Various skin diseases: pimples, acne.
• Benign or malignant oncological formations.
• Respiratory diseases, such as asthma.
• Varicose veins, eczema.

Sometimes improper use of the product can lead to:

• chemical burn;
• redness, irritation of the skin;
• pigmentation disorders in some parts of the skin.

Possible complications and contraindications

If depilatory creams are used incorrectly, unpleasant reactions on the face occur:

• redness;
• irritation;
• burns;
• inflammation;
• feeling of tightness;
• itching

Such consequences are possible if the rules of use are violated, most often the cause is exceeding the period of exposure of the cream to the skin.

If all instructions are followed, and the skin is itchy or red, you should apply a soothing cream with chamomile, aloe and replace the depilatory cream with a new one.

If the redness is quite noticeable, the concentration of active substances is probably too high. You can remove unpleasant sensations and protect your skin using Panthenol cream. In severe cases, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist.

Contraindications for the use of depilatory products:

• any damage to the skin;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding (active substances penetrate the blood through the skin and can harm the baby);
• recent tanning - the cream will lighten the skin in the treated area, this area will stand out on the face;
• the presence of moles, warts and other neoplasms in the treated area;
• intolerance to one of the components of the product.

How to choose

Now let’s look in detail at what you need to pay attention to when purchasing a product. So, the main selection criteria are:

• Composition of the product. In addition to the main active ingredient, thioglycolate, the cream must contain caring elements: vitamins, nutrients, herbal extracts. All this will help not to dry out the top layer of skin during the procedure.
• Price. In general, cost does not directly reflect the quality of the product. But the cheapest product may not contain the necessary nutrients, and if you choose too expensive an option, you risk overpaying for the brand. Therefore, it is best to stick to the golden mean.
• Manufacturer. If you don’t want “surprises” or negative consequences for your skin, trust trusted companies. You should not buy a product spontaneously; it is better to make inquiries on the Internet about how long the manufacturer has been in existence and what its reputation is.
• Features of the skin. The result depends not only on the quality of the product and correct application, but also on the condition and individual qualities of the epidermis. Most manufacturers produce depilators in several versions: for normal, dry, sensitive skin.
• Specific place of application of the drug. When it comes to the effectiveness of any depilatory composition, the area where it is applied plays an important role. Since the skin in intimate areas (bikini) is more delicate and sensitive, the chosen cream should be as delicate as possible.

Errors in selection

• Saving. Focus only on the composition, and not on the prices. A more expensive product may contain more caring components than a cheaper one.
• Purchasing a product for a different skin type.
• Hair removal cream cannot be universal. Therefore, you cannot use a composition for legs to remove facial hair and vice versa.

The best manufacturers

When choosing body care products, we all think about which company is better to give preference to.

According to buyers, the best foreign brands are:

• Cliven (Italy);
• Easy Depil (Italy);
• Eveline (Poland);
• Veet (France);
• Vitex (Belarus).

The best domestic manufacturers:

• Fito cosmetics;
• Floresan;
• Velvet;
• Batiste.

Products from almost all brands can be purchased, for example, in the Pharmacosmetica online store.

Eveline Q10+R 9in1

The product is suitable for fine, light and vellus hair. Its composition is delicately balanced and therefore intended for very sensitive skin. The cream can be used to remove mustaches, depilate intimate areas, armpits, legs and arms. It will not cope with coarse and dark hair. The large volume of the bottle will last for a long time, and the affordable price attracts increased attention to it.

Pros:

1. Very delicate composition;
2. Quickly removes light and vellus hair;
3. Suitable for depilation of the face and intimate areas;
4. Suitable for hypersensitive skin;
5. Moisturizes and softens;
6. Good volume;
7. Affordable price.

Minuses:

1. Will not cope with dark and coarse hairs.

Rating of the highest quality depilatory creams and gels in 2020

If you are still asking yourself the questions: “Which depilatory cream is best to buy?”, “How much does a good cream cost?”, then we offer you an overview of the highest quality, safest, and popular models with comprehensive descriptions, which will help you make the right choice. The products on the list differ significantly in characteristics and functionality, which opens up the opportunity to choose the product that is optimal for your skin.

Veet Depilatory cream for normal skin

The product is capable of carefully and quickly removing hair from arms or legs, armpits, and bikini areas. With the help of plant extracts, it makes the skin smooth and silky for a long time. Not intended for the face.

Veet Depilatory cream for normal skin

Advantages:

• pleasant floral aroma;
• removes hair efficiently and quickly;
• comfortable spatula with soft silicone pads, does not injure the surface of the epidermis.

Flaws:

• high consumption;
• price.

Average price: 225 rub.

Eveline Cosmetics Ultra-gentle depilatory cream 9 in 1

This foreign-made product is ideal for sensitive or allergic skin, as it contains caring ingredients such as aloe vera and silk proteins. And vitamin-like substances coenzymes Q10 restore damaged epidermal cells.

Eveline Cosmetics Ultra-gentle depilatory cream 9in1

Advantages:

• price;
• moisturizes;
• pleasant, not pungent smell;
• slows down hair growth;
• smooth, beautiful skin after the session.

Flaws:

• uncomfortable spatula;
• According to customer reviews, sometimes you have to keep the product longer than stated in order to get results.

Average price: 144 rub.

Batiste "Cucumber"

A Russian-made product for sensitive skin, containing plant extracts - sage, papaya, hops, which significantly slow down hair growth. It also contains caring elements - aloe vera and cucumber extracts, which soothe and moisturize the epidermis.

Batiste "Cucumber"

Advantages:

• inexpensive;
• you can carry out the procedure directly in the shower;
• suitable for the skin of the armpits and bikini area;
• does not cause irritation;
• pleasant, unobtrusive smell;
• comfortable spatula;
• slows down hair growth.

Flaws:

• does not remove coarse hair;
• uneconomical.

Average price: 69 rub.

Velvet depilatory cream

The product is intended for sensitive skin in the bikini area and hands. Rose and almond oils nourish, soften and moisturize the skin, and also promote tissue regeneration.

Velvet depilatory cream

Advantages:

• budget;
• does not irritate the skin;
• does not corrode thick hairs;
• original, convenient spatula.

Flaws:

• long procedure time;
• acrid smell.

Average price: 89 rub.

Vitex Active depilatory cream with silk for normal skin

The product is suitable for hair removal in the bikini area and armpits. The main moisturizing element is silk tree extract, which nourishes and also softens the epidermis.

Vitex Active depilatory cream with silk for normal skin

Advantages:

• does not cause irritation;
• convenient spatula.

Flaws:

• high consumption;
• dense consistency;
• unpleasant smell.

Average price: 174 rub.

Fito cosmetics Depilator with yarrow, St. John's wort and tea tree oil

A balanced combination of herbal extracts in the product helps slow down body hair growth, nourishes and moisturizes the epidermis, and also has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Fito cosmetics Depilator with yarrow, St. John's wort and tea tree oil

Advantages:

• price;
• acts quickly;
• does not cause irritation.

Flaws:

• uncomfortable spatula (scratches the skin);
• uneconomical.

Average price: 83 rub.

Easy Depil Depilatory face cream

This Italian product for removing unwanted facial hair is suitable for any skin type. Caring components, including wheat, almond and silk proteins, lecithin, as well as dwarf oak extract, increase the safety of the procedure.

Easy Depil Depilatory face cream

Advantages:

• price;
• acts quickly;
• does not provoke redness;
• Dermatologist approved;
• economical consumption.

Flaws:

• Strong smell.

Average price: 191 rub.

Cliven depilatory cream

According to the manufacturer, it is an almost universal product, as it is suitable for the whole body, and, in particular, the bikini area, and for the face. It is able to make the skin velvety and soft, thanks to the caring components lanolin and vegetable oils contained in the composition.

Cliven depilatory cream

Advantages:

• approved by doctors.

Flaws:

• high consumption;
• Strong smell;
• uncomfortable, small spatula;
• high price.

Average price: 310 rub.

Floresan depilatory cream

The product for removing unwanted facial hair will quickly and gently cope with its task, and the peach oil in the composition will not only provide the necessary hydration, but also relieve irritation and redness.

Floresan depilatory cream

Advantages:

• affordable price;
• comfortable spatula;
• pleasant fragrance;
• economical product;
• acts quickly;
• removes all hairs.

Flaws:

• No.

Average price: 83 rub.

Velvet depilatory cream with mint extract

The product can not only remove unwanted hair on your legs, but also improve their condition. Mint extract gives the product a pleasant smell, but most importantly, it nourishes the epidermis, prevents ingrown hairs, and also delays their growth. The last factor ensures the durability of the effect and gives a head start of a couple of days compared to using razors.

Velvet depilatory cream with mint extract

Advantages:

• price;
• fresh aroma;
• pleasant cooling sensation;
• convenient scraper;
• removes hair efficiently.

Flaws:

• stings the skin during depilation.

Average price: 110 rub.

Vitex Special Care active

The cream contains aloe vera extract to soften the skin. It helps remove hairs of different lengths well, but if used carelessly it can easily cause irritation. It should not be overexposed, applied in too much quantity, or washed off well. It is suitable for removing hair from legs and arms. The effect of the cream varies from 5 to 7 minutes.

Pros:

1. Fast and effective hair removal;
2. Large bottle volume;
3. Affordable price;
4. Aloe vera extract;
5. Easy to use.

Minuses:

1. May cause skin irritation;
2. It is very difficult to wash off.