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What are depilatories?
A depilatory is a preparation in the form of a liquid or cream that
is used to remove unwanted hair from the body. The word depilatory,
pronounced "di-pila-toree", literally means "to
deprive of hair" (Latin pilus, hair).
What is the difference between a depilatory and an epilatory?
Depilatories
remove hair on the skin's surface. An epilatory such as waxing or
tweezing (plucking) removes the hair from below the skin's surface
taking out the hair follicle.
How do depilatories work?
Depilatories
contain chemicals with a high degree of acidity (low pH) such as
sodium thioglycolate, or calcium thioglycolate. They react with
the protein structure of hair breaking it down.
Depending
on the coarseness of hair, within 5 to 15 minutes, the hair is dissolved
into a gloopy mass which can then be washed away.
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Why does skin feel so smooth
after applying depilatories?
Depilatories
act as an exfolient which means it removes dead skin cells
on the surface of the skin.
These
dead skin cells accumulate every day and they often feel
rough.
After
removal the skin feels softer and smoother. Many
depilatories contain moisturizers such as Baby Oil, Almond
Oil, Green Tea Extract and Aloe which contribute to softer
smoother skin.
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Facial
Hair Removal
o
Avon Skin So Soft
o Emjoi Facial Epilator
o Nad's Facial Wand
o Hair Off Buffer
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Which is best - a depilatory cream or liquid?
A depilatory lotion or liquid is designed for larger areas of the
body such as the legs, underarms and bikini area.
A
depilatory cream has a thicker consistency so it can be applied
to specific areas without the risk of it running on to skin you
don't want treated. A cream is therefore ideal for the face.
How long do the results last?
This varies with the individual but usually for many days even up
to around two weeks.
Generally
the results last longer than using a razor. (See shaving
page) The chemicals in depilatories reach down into the pores of
the skin thus removing hair below the level of the skin. As a result,
the hair takes longer to grow back.
What are the pros and cons of depilatories?
PROS:
Easy to apply, widely available over the counter, quick.
CONS:
Possible allergic skin reaction to the strong chemicals, messy application,
unpleasant odor, results vary widely.
Are depilatories safe to use during pregnancy?
There are various views on this question. The bottom line is
that the safety of depilatories during pregnancy has not been
established. As depilatories contain strong chemicals which the
body can absorb through the skin which can affect the whole bodily
system, some doctors advise avoiding depilatory use during pregnancy
and while nursing.
For
information on skin care visit: Skin
Care at BodyFAQ.com | 
