Straight-talking from the Mandy’s Team
Some women are apprehensive about using hair removal creams and lotions. To better understand their reservations, we researched and discovered some weird and wonderful allegations out there. Some are valid, some flirt with the truth, and some are downright fictitious. Mandy’s believes in straight-talking – so here it is from the horse’s mouth. Yes, hair removal creams and lotions may not work for everyone. On our planet of 7 billion-plus people, there will be skins that will not be compatible with our products. Luckily, that nifty little patch test we recommend before each use will determine that upfront. So, let’s get down to debunking some of the myths surrounding hair removal products for the unenlightened.
Myth 1: Hair Removal products contain chemicals and are toxic to your skin
Completely False – Hair Removal products are not toxic for your skin. We only use responsibly sourced and certified ingredients in our product composition. We meet internationally accredited manufacturing protocols, and our formulations are explicitly designed to be kind to skin while effectively removing hair. We wouldn’t do anything differently – simple as that.
Partly True – Hair Removal products do contain chemicals. So do moisturisers, soaps, body lotions, talc, petroleum jelly, baby bum cream, deodorants, shampoos, hair dyes, lipstick, eyeshadow, and almost every personal care product you use on your skin. Each of our skin-friendly ingredients complies with local and international manufacturing regulations. There’s a simple rule – follow instructions, and your skin will come to no harm.
Myth 2: You can’t use these products everywhere on your body
Partly True – Use on ultra-sensitive areas and very delicate skin like eyes and eyelids is not recommended. The nipples, perianal, vaginal and anal areas, irritated, inflamed, sunburnt, chapped or broken skin are also no-go zones. It may hurt delicate skin – instead, don’t do it.
Entirely True – But you can use hair removal creams and lotions perfectly safely on your legs, chest, head, underarms, (external) bikini area and even your face (ensure you use a cream specified for facial use). If you are concerned about skin sensitivity, opt for one of our Sensitive variants – they take a little longer to work but are generally well tolerated by sensitive skin.
Your best indicator for skin compatibility is the patch test – and remember, as the skin can change properties every day, conduct a patch test each time you remove hair.
Myth 3: Shaving gives the same results
False! Big False! Significant differences exist, both short and long(er)-term. And it all concerns the cut-off or break-point of the individual hairs.
A razor cuts the hair off at an acute angle above the skin’s surface. That makes regrowth sharper and pricklier – ouch! And no, shaving doesn’t make your regrowth quicker, but the starting point of regrowth is above the level of the skin. So, the time frame when the hair gets to the length that requires removal is quicker than when using a hair removal cream or lotion.
Creams and lotions sit on the skin’s surface, breaking down the hair’s protein structure. When wiped off, the hair shaft’s break-off point is below the skin’s surface. The weakened hair structure also results in a softer, feather-like tip. Result? A smoother after-feel and a longer time frame for regrowth.
Any form of hair removal is a form of intense exfoliation, and your skin needs a little TLC afterwards. Quality hair removal formulations will also contain additional ingredients to benefit this skin – these often centre around soothing, calming agents and ingredients that nourish and moisturise the skin. So, it may take a few minutes longer, but it’s harder on hair and gentler on skin. And no risks of those painful razor nicks and cuts.
In short, please use good quality products from a reliable manufacturer that lists the ingredients on their products. Follow the instructions and, most importantly, DO THE PATCH TEST before fully applying the product.
