Depilatory creams are popular among beginners for hair removal due to their ease and low cost. However, many people have questions about whether they are really effective and whether they are safe for the skin.
Indeed, depilatory creams are a convenient option that can be easily started at home. However, sustainability and effectiveness may be important to ensure that unwanted hair is treated properly. In such cases, medical hair removal may emerge as an option.
Here, we will explain in detail the basic effects and usage of depilatory creams, and compare the differences between esthetic and medical hair removal. In addition, we will discuss the step-up from depilatory cream to medical hair removal. Please use this as a reference to find the best hair removal method for you!
Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, National Kumamoto University. After serving as the director of major beauty clinics in Japan, etc., he opened Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic in 2023. He is a professional in aesthetic medicine with a doctorate in anti-aging research and many years of experience. With the motto of "Toward the realization of cosmetic medicine without lies," he aims to be the "Only One" together with his patients.
What are the basic effects of hair removal creams? How does it remove hair?
Depilatory creams remove hairs through a mechanism that breaks down the "keratin protein," the main component of hairs, by means of specific chemical ingredients. The main ingredient used is a compound such as "calcium thioglycolate," which softens the hair and makes it ready for easy removal by simply wiping it off.
Unlike the method of shaving with a razor, this method is characterized by its ability to treat areas close to the hair root, resulting in a smoother finish. Thanks to this mechanism, the ease with which the effects can be felt immediately has gained support.
Advantages of Depilatory Creams
The greatest appeal of depilatory creams is that they can be used in the comfort of your own home. Even in the midst of a busy lifestyle, they can be used to achieve smooth skin in a short time, without requiring special skills or tools. Another major advantage for many people is that the cost is relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain, such as from drugstores or online stores.
First, it is easy to use at home. Because care can be performed at one's own convenience, it eliminates the need to go to a salon, making it ideal for people who want to use their time efficiently.
Also, hair removal creams, which can be purchased for several thousand yen per unit, feature a much lower initial cost than medical or esthetic hair removal. Furthermore, they are readily available at various stores and online, and are supported by the convenience of being able to respond to urgent appointments.
Disadvantages of depilatory creams
On the other hand, there are several caveats to depilatory creams. One of them is the short duration of effect. Since the method does not work on the hair root, the hair will grow back in a few days to a week. This means that frequent care is required, which is a disadvantage for those who wish to have hair removal for a long period of time.
In addition, there is a difference in effectiveness depending on skin type and hair type. For those with thicker, darker hair or in areas where the hair tends to become hard, the cream may not be as effective. It may also be too irritating for those with sensitive or dry skin, and carries the risk of skin problems such as redness and itching. To avoid such risks, a patch test is recommended before use.
To prevent skin problems, it is important to strictly adhere to the specified time of use and to thoroughly moisturize the skin after use. Especially when using the product for the first time, reading the instructions carefully and observing the specified time will help prevent problems.
Which is better hair removal cream, esthetic hair removal, or medical hair removal? Comparison of effectiveness and safety!
The advantages and disadvantages of depilatory creams were explained in detail, and while the fact that they can be used easily at home is a major attraction, the persistence of effects and differences depending on skin type were cited as disadvantages.
So, how is depilatory cream positioned in comparison with other hair removal methods? Here, we compare esthetic hair removal and medical hair removal with depilatory creams in terms of "cost," "durability of effects," and "time," and organize the characteristics of each in an easy-to-understand manner.
| Comparison items | depilatory cream | esthetic hair removal | medical hair removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| cost | Available for a few thousand yen | Several tens of thousands of yen for partial hair removal to 100,000-300,000 yen for the entire body | 100,000 yen for partial hair removal - 300,000-500,000 yen for the entire body |
| Durability of effects | Less than 1 week | Several months to 1 year | semipermanent |
| Treatment Time | 10-20 minutes at home | 1 to 2 hours per session (requires a hospital visit) | 30 minutes to 1 hour per session (requires a walk-in visit) |
| pain | Basically painless | Mild pain may be felt in some areas. | Stronger pain in some areas. |
| safety | Safe if used correctly, but may cause skin problems | Relatively safe with treatment by appropriate practitioners | Safest under physician supervision |
| immediate effectivity | Immediate effects | Gradual effects (multiple treatments required) | Gradual effects (multiple treatments required) |
| Applicable area | Large areas such as arms, legs, back, and delicate zones | Can be used for the whole body | Can be used for the whole body |
Depilatory cream with the greatest appeal of ease
As mentioned above, the greatest appeal of depilatory creams is their "ease of use" and "immediate effect. They are easy to use at home and do not require special techniques or equipment. They are also low in cost and can be easily purchased at drugstores or online, making hair removal possible even during urgent appointments or busy days. Depilatory creams are an ideal starting point, especially for those who are trying hair removal for the first time or who are not comfortable with the idea of suddenly undergoing an extensive procedure.
However, the disadvantage is that the effect is short-lasting. Since the hair root is not approached, the hair grows back in a few days to a week. Therefore, frequent care is required, and it is not suitable for those who desire long-term hair removal. In addition, the effect may vary depending on the skin type and hair type, and may be too irritating for those with sensitive skin. It is important to always perform a patch test before use and choose the right product for your skin.
Furthermore, when treating large areas of hair at once, it is necessary to apply the product evenly, which can be time-consuming. For sensitive areas such as the face and delicate zones, we recommend the use of specialized depilatory creams.
Esthetic hair removal if you want to realize gradual effects with an emphasis on cost performance.
Esthetic hair removal is a method that uses flash hair removal (optical hair removal) to damage hair follicles and suppress hair regrowth. It is more effective than depilatory creams, and the frequency of self-treatment can be significantly reduced for several months to a year. The main attraction of this treatment is that the hair gradually becomes thinner and thinner as the treatment is repeated, and visible changes can be felt.
In terms of cost, partial hair removal costs several tens of thousands of yen, while full body hair removal costs 100,000 to 300,000 yen, which is relatively more reasonable than medical hair removal. In addition, the pain during the procedure is mild and the treatment is performed in a relaxing environment, making it suitable for those who are sensitive to pain and for those who are trying hair removal for the first time.
However, it takes about 12 to 18 treatments to completely remove hair, and the length of the visits can range from several months to a year. In addition, the effect is weaker than that of medical hair removal, so it may not be enough for those who want to completely eliminate hair. It is important to consider the desired effect and schedule when beginning treatment, and to plan accordingly.
Medical hair removal is the best option for long-term effectiveness and safety
Medical hair removal is a method that uses a medical laser to destroy hair follicles, and is expected to have semi-permanent hair removal effects. The number of treatments is as few as 5 to 8 times, and the speed at which the effect appears is very fast. This method is especially suitable for people with thick and dense hair and those who want to remove hair from a wide area in a short period of time.
The cost is expensive, ranging from around 100,000 yen for partial hair removal to 300,000 to 500,000 yen for total body hair removal, but considering the long-term effects and the hassle of self-treatment, the cost performance is excellent. In addition, since the treatment is performed under the supervision of a physician, there is a sense of security that skin problems will be promptly addressed if they occur.
Medical hair removal may cause pain in some areas, but recently the latest pain-reducing devices and anesthetic creams are being used to minimize the burden. In addition, after the hair removal is completed, self-treatment is no longer necessary, which reduces the burden on the skin and allows you to maintain beautiful skin for a long period of time.
On the other hand, the initial cost is high, and the schedule needs to be adjusted because of the need for a hospital visit for each procedure. However, even considering these disadvantages, it is the best option for those seeking long-term satisfaction, especially for those seeking reliable results.
Step up from hair removal cream to medical hair removal!
As explained in the previous chapter, depilatory creams are favored by many for their "ease of use" and "immediate effect. However, the disadvantages of the need for frequent care and the difficulty in obtaining long-term effects cannot be overlooked.
Therefore, we recommend stepping up to medical hair removal for more effective and sustainable hair removal. Here is a detailed explanation of how medical hair removal solves the challenges of depilatory creams and helps you achieve your ideal skin.
Why step up from hair removal cream to medical hair removal?
While depilatory creams are temporary methods that only remove surface hairs, medical hair removal destroys the hair follicles themselves, resulting in semi-permanent results. This not only eliminates the need for frequent self-treatment, but also reduces skin damage (razor burn, pigmentation, etc.) caused by self-treatment.
Medical hair removal is characterized by the use of the latest laser equipment, which shortens the time per treatment. For example, even a full body hair removal treatment can often be completed in about one hour, making it easy to schedule even in the midst of a busy schedule.
Medical hair removal is guaranteed to be safe because it is performed under the supervision of doctors and nurses. In particular, for those who are concerned about sensitive skin or skin problems, the environment of professional support is a great source of reassurance. In addition, if problems should occur during or after the procedure, they can receive prompt and appropriate care.
Take advantage of counseling and trial plans to medical hair removal!
Although medical hair removal is highly effective and safe, many people are uneasy about suddenly signing a full-fledged contract. For this reason, we recommend that you first take advantage of free counseling and trial plans.
At the counseling session, you will be offered the best plan according to your skin type, hair type, and desired area of hair removal. Also, by trying the actual treatment, you will be able to feel the degree of pain and the effects of the treatment. Through such advance preparation, you will be able to start the medical hair removal treatment that is right for you with peace of mind.
The lasting effects and peace of mind of medical hair removal are a shortcut to reducing the stress of daily self-treatment and achieving your ideal skin. Why not take advantage of our counseling and trial plans and take the next step forward?
summary
Depilatory creams are very attractive as a first hair removal method because they are easy to use at home. On the other hand, the durability of the effect and its impact on the skin may limit the long-term satisfaction you seek. In such cases, medical hair removal can be considered for more sustainable and effective hair removal.
The high safety and cost performance that only medical hair removal can offer are especially recommended for busy people and those seeking reliable results. First, choose the hair removal method that best suits your needs, and if necessary, seek counseling at a specialized clinic to achieve your ideal unwanted hair care!
At Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic, based on our many years of experience in cosmetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology and the knowledge of our doctoral degree, we provide counseling that aims to be "only one", offering the best treatment for each person we meet. We offer only the necessary treatments without any unnecessary information or suggestions.
Feel free to use our official LINE account for 24-hour counseling and reservations. Please feel free to contact us for free counseling for the first time or if you have any concerns.
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