There are two big possible outcomes after the hair removal process: you happily enjoy your smooth skin or you take care not to get your skin irritated.
Irritations are common after hair removal. It can happen if you use a raiser, a cream or wax and it very much depends on your skin type.
When skin irritation from hair removal cream happens, it’s usually due to the ingredients of the product. To calm your skin, you may take a short cold shower and, after, apply a hydrating cream and body lotion.
So far, so good. What type of cream or body lotion are you using? A conventional one, an organic, natural, chemical-free or a homemade one?
This is a crucial aspect because it will determine whether the irritation will disappear or worsen.
Conventional creams and body lotions contain parabens and fragrances which are not recommended for skin in general, especially for a sensitive one.
What you need when your skin is sensitive is a chemical-free product, which will carefully hydrate you.
To help you understand why conventional products are not the best option, let me show you a few chemicals and what effects they have.
Chemicals used in conventional creams
Parabens
Parabens can be found in many body lotions and creams. They act as preservatives and ensure a long shelf life for these products.
Here are a few examples of parabens:
- butylparaben
- ethylparaben
- isobutylparaben
- methylparaben
- propylparaben
Parabens have been linked to hormone disruptions and breast cancer.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
Although this chemical is a food preservative, it’s used as a stabilizer in body lotions.
Butylated hydroxyanisole is an endocrine disruptor and is suspected to be a human carcinogen.
Retinyl Palmitate
Retinyl palmitate is a derivative of vitamin A and it can be found in body lotions and sunscreens.
The problem with the chemical is that it has been shown it can contribute to tumors developing when exposed to sunlight (according to research done by the National Toxicology Program on mice).
Fragrances
Fragrances are widely found in body lotions and creams. Where do you think their smell comes from?
They are known for being endocrine disruptors and toxic to organ systems. Synthetic fragrances can emit VOCs which can cause allergies, asthma, and contribute to indoor pollution.
Skin irritation from hair removal cream: how to treat it properly?
Skin irritation from hair removal cream appears often.
To treat it properly, first of all, you do not need special aftershave creams or body lotions. Plain products can do the exact thing: calm your skin and hydrate it.
Now, you can start thinking about the type of body lotion you want. Chemical-free ones are an amazing option and have some great benefits for you and your skin.
Take care of your irritated skin
These body lotions can take care of irritated skin.
Just apply it on the areas where you have shaved or where you usually become irritated and gently massage it.
Do not come with awful side effects
Because they do not contain harsh chemicals, these products are less likely to cause awful side effects.
Yet, you should not rely just on this. These products, are also created for different types of skin and their ingredients may differ.
Read and follow the instructions written on the package. This usually means to apply the cream on a small portion of skin, let it sit for a few minutes (time is indicated on the product) and pay attention to how your skin reacts.
How to make your own hair removal after cream
Skin irritation from hair removal cream can be treated with home remedies as well. You have quite a wide variety of options to choose from.
Let me give you a few examples.
For the first remedy, you will need:
- a handful of strawberries
- 1-2 teaspoons of sour cream
Mash the strawberries, add the sour cream and mix until you obtain a paste. Apply it on the skin, leave it for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. This is excellent for red bumps.
Our next options are plain oils:
- coconut oil
- olive oil
- tea tree oil
Coconut and olive oil are great for hydrating your skin, while tea tree oil does a great job in clearing up bumps which appear after shaving and waxing. You just have to apply them and rub them gently until they are absorbed in the skin.