You hope body hair removal will be free of complications. That’s especially true for areas of the body with more sensitive skin, like private parts. One non-invasive method for that area is hair removal cream. It can remove unwanted hair, but it often has its fair share of side effects. What are they? And are better methods or hair removal products available to address that area of the body?

Understanding Chemical Hair Removal

The appeal of chemical hair removal is its convenience. A type of hair removal that addresses excess hair growth, lasts longer than shaving but doesn’t require a razor? How does that work?

Once the cream is applied, the active ingredients target the keratin in the hair shaft and break down the hair structure. Once the hair shaft is weakened, it can be wiped or washed away with cold water or warm water, leaving hair-free skin.

While the process is straightforward, getting smooth skin without complication isn’t.

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Creams that contain strong chemicals can lead to burns if left on too long.”

Potential Risks of Using Hair Removal Creams in the Pubic Region

Remember, hair removal creams are composed of chemicals. For some, it can be a reliable method for pubic hair removal. But that’s not always the case. Many deal with common side effects with both infrequent and regular use of hair removal cream, including:

  • Chemical Burns and Skin Irritation: The pubic area is already a sensitive area. But that can be even more pronounced with hair removal cream. Creams that contain strong chemicals can lead to burns if left on too long.
  • Allergic Reactions: Some people are allergic to the ingredients in hair removal cream ingredients. If left on the skin too long, results could lead to hives, rashes, dry skin, or other allergic reactions. 
  • Pigmentation Issues: Darkening of the skin can take place because of chemicals in the cream. Inflammation can lead to an overproduction of melanin in the skin.
  • Ingrown hairs: You might not think ingrown hairs would be a worry with hair removal creams, but they can be. If used incorrectly or left on the skin too long, the chemicals can damage the follicle, forcing it to grow inward instead of outward.

Tips for Minimizing Risk With Hair Removal Creams

In order to make sure hair removal creams will work for you, consider doing a patch test. A small amount of cream is applied to the skin to see how the skin will react. If there is any skin irritation or an allergic reaction, stop using the cream immediately.

And if irritation occurs, it might be best to avoid more sensitive areas of skin altogether, especially near more intimate areas of the body.

Other Alternatives (trimming, shaving)

Of course, you have hair removal options beyond depilatory cream. And if you don’t mind routine maintenance every few days, shaving – with a clean razor or electric razor – or trimming are decent options. 

However, remember that you’ll only be removing hair down to the surface of the skin. It’s also very likely that nicks, cuts, razor bumps and ingrown hairs will need to be addressed.

But if it’s permanent results without the hassle of common shaving side effects you seek, one option can address all those needs: laser hair removal.

Woman in a blue sports bra and white athletic shorts holding her leg as an image for a blog post on side effects of hair removal cream on private parts

Safer Alternatives for Hair Removal in the Pubic Area

Long-term results. Addressing ingrown hairs and other side effects from shaving. Smoother, healthier skin. Working on any skin type and nearly all hair types. If any or all of the above interest you, laser hair removal might be the answer to your hair-free needs.

Instead of addressing only the hair shaft or hair above the skin surface, laser hair removal addresses the follicle. A concentrated beam of light is used to target and destroy the hair follicle, preventing future hair growth in the area, with treatment every five weeks.

The sensation has been described as similar to a rubber band snap, which is preferable for many to the burning of hair removal cream and the use of a razor.

But don’t just take our word for it. Discover the Milan Difference for yourself. If you’re tired of the lack of results with hair removal cream or are simply ready for a change, book your FREE consultation with Milan Laser today. We’re the country’s largest hair removal provider with more than 400 locations nationwide. Find a convenient location near you and join the hair-free movement today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is safe to use hair removal cream on private parts. However, be sure to use products that are specifically suited for more sensitive areas of the body. Testing a small amount of cream on the area will indicate any skin allergies or sensitivities.

This is a matter of preference. But if your desire is longer-lasting results without any potential side effects, hair removal cream is better than shaving. Hair regrowth will take longer, and nicks, cuts, and ingrown hairs are easier to avoid.

Long-term use of hair removal cream can lead to chemical burns, irritation, hyperpigmentation, and potential allergic reactions. While this isn’t the case for everyone, it should be noted that even if users don’t experience these side effects, the cream is only temporary hair removal for unwanted hair.

The disadvantages for hair removal creams include chemical burns, redness, itchiness, allergic reactions, and sensitive skin. Cream use can also lead to prolonged skin sensitivity in some cases, and, if used incorrectly, ingrown hairs.

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