Q&A for How to Use Hair Removal Creams

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Are there any creams to disguise scars from hair removal?

Heather Richmond, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Heather Richmond, MD is a board certified Dermatologist at Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center in Houston, Texas. With over nine years of experience, Dr. Richmond specializes in comprehensive dermatology including medical, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. She graduated cum laude from Yale University with a BA in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. She earned her MD from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed her Internal Medicine internship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and her Dermatology residency at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Dr. Richmond is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and is a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the Texas and Houston Dermatological Societies.

Heather Richmond, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Absolutely! There are a variety of different bleaching creams you can use that will disguise the skin and keep it from standing out. There are products like hydroquinone, which requires a prescription, that do a great job at covering up the kind of blemishes you're describing.

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Question

What does retinol do?

Heather Richmond, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Heather Richmond, MD is a board certified Dermatologist at Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center in Houston, Texas. With over nine years of experience, Dr. Richmond specializes in comprehensive dermatology including medical, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. She graduated cum laude from Yale University with a BA in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. She earned her MD from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed her Internal Medicine internship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and her Dermatology residency at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Dr. Richmond is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and is a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the Texas and Houston Dermatological Societies.

Heather Richmond, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Retinols are vitamin A derivative creams. They stimulate new collagen, help to thicken the skin and minimize wrinkles over time.

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Question

Why is eczema and psoriasis similar?

Heather Richmond, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Heather Richmond, MD is a board certified Dermatologist at Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center in Houston, Texas. With over nine years of experience, Dr. Richmond specializes in comprehensive dermatology including medical, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. She graduated cum laude from Yale University with a BA in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. She earned her MD from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed her Internal Medicine internship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and her Dermatology residency at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Dr. Richmond is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and is a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the Texas and Houston Dermatological Societies.

Heather Richmond, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Both eczema and psoriasis are rashes that can be extensive and potentially affect different parts of the entire body.

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Question

Can I apply it to my stomach?

Community Answer

Yes, you can apply it to your stomach.

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Question

Do hair removal creams remove hair from the root?

Community Answer

No, just like shaving they only remove the hair above the skin. The chemicals break the hair and it comes off, this is why you have to wait 72 hours before each removal.

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Question

If I repeatedly apply hair removal cream after 72 hours on my arms, is there any chance of having the hair removed permanently?

Community Answer

No, the hairs will grow back slower and will be weaker for some time. Using a removal cream this often is not advised because of how it negatively impacts your skin.

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Question

How would a male use the hair removal cream?

Community Answer

It's the same instructions that women would follow, because the desired result is still the same, regardless of gender.

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Question

Will my hair grow back thicker after removing it?

Community Answer

No, your hair should not grow back any thicker after you remove it.

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Question

Can I use a face mask after using the hair removal cream?

Community Answer

Wait at least 48 hours before using a face mask.

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Question

I want smooth legs for this weekend. When should I apply cream? Should I shave first, or does it work better with longer hair?

Community Answer

If you have already checked you are not allergic to this cream, you may apply it any day you want to - hair should not grow up again for a week or two. The length of hair does not matter, but for a beginner, it's easier not to shave hair before applying cream on it, as you will see clearly if you have removed them all.

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Question

Can I use hair removal cream on my private part?

Community Answer

You can, but try to find one that is made for that area. Keep in mind that if you have very thick pubic hair, the cream might actually act as a straightener instead of removing the hair.

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Question

If one application of the cream leaves hairs behind, can it be reapplied for a second treatment the following day?

Community Answer

It can, but make sure your skin won't be too sensitive, and only put it on the areas that you missed.

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Question

What does the hair look like when it grows back? Darker, lighter, thicker, thinner, courser, sparser, etc.?

Community Answer

Generally the same, since the surface hair has gone but the root and hair under the skin is still there - the same type that you've just removed. If done for a long time, the hair starts to become sparser and grow slower.

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Question

Can I use it on my face?

Community Answer

You can, though hair removal creams are often too harsh for facial skin.

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Question

Will hair removal cream make my skin darker?

Community Answer

It doesn't, as it will just remove your hair.

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Question

Will it work on my 11 year old daughters arms legs and armpits? Will it work on her pubic hair as that is starting to grow also?

Community Answer

Yes. There is no actual age limit for hair removal creme, but someone who's younger is more likely to have sensitive skin. Try a bit at first and if you see adverse reactions, use it.

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Question

Can I use hair removal cream on nostril hair?

Community Answer

I don't recommend putting it directly on or too near any orifices. Try a nose hair trimmer.

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Question

Does the hair grow back normally?

Community Answer

No, they will grow back a little slower and finer than before you used the creams.

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Question

Is it safe to use a hair removal cream weekly?

Community Answer

Yes, it is. The hair removal instructions say that one should wait three days between each use.

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Question

How do I exfoliate my intimate area?

Community Answer

Have a warm bath to open up all the pores and rub the area gently with a warm washcloth.

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Question

Should I take a shower before or after removal?

Community Answer

Either way is fine, but you do want to make sure you rinse the cream off thoroughly, so showering afterward is best.

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Question

Can I use hair removal creams while I am pregnant?

Community Answer

Yes, that should be fine.

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Question

Why should I avoid swimming after using a hair removal cream?

Community Answer

You don't need to avoid swimming unless the hair removal cream specifically directs you to do so.

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Question

Can I use cream to shave my lower pubic area?

Community Answer

Yes, but if you're going to use cream to remove your pubic hair, you need to be really careful while applying it. That area is very sensitive, especially the lower down you go, and you could cause rashes or even infections to develop if you aren't careful.

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Question

Is it okay to add again after the session?

Community Answer

You can add another layer after the first session, but there will be a higher risk for irritation because you have already used the remover recently. The chemicals in hair-removal creams are strong (as they need to be to remove hair efficiently), and overexposure to these chemicals can have negative consequences (redness, irritation, swelling, blistering, etc.). This may not occur, but to be safe, test a small area first and let it sit for a few minutes to see if there is a reaction. If not, it should be safe to proceed. If any of the aforementioned consequences occur, please do not continue use, and just wait until your hair comes back to use product again.

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Question

When do I take out my color remover?

Community Answer

Follow the directions that came with the color remover. Each color remover might have different instructions.

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Question

Can I use it above my upper lip?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as it doesn't go in your nostrils or your mouth and you have no allergic reaction to it.

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Can I use hair removal cream on my private parts?

Community Answer

You will need to read the instructions on the back of the container, as it will specify if you can or can't.

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Can I use it on my vagina?

Community Answer

No, it can irritate you and be very harmful.

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Question

When should I remove the applied cream?

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It varies from three to ten minutes. Read the instructions on the bottle or go to the website to see how long you should wait before removing the cream. Never exceed the recommended time.

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