For Men ( Archived) (29)

Boy67: I haven't researched it but personally i wouldn't use something that you put on your skin and in a few minutes you wash it and the hair falls out. Their must be some chemical in there that might affect the skin in the long run. This is just my opinion.

chris27292729: Which part you referring to Ali??? Head,chest,arms leg?or our private?

jac379: I think you need to be talking to women about this as well, Ali.

I've used depilatory creams and they made my skin very sore, whilst not being all that effective at removing hair.

On the other hand, I remember a chap traipsing round the women's flats when I was in student's halls of residence because he wanted to out that night clean shaven. Using a razor, rather than creams would make his skin sore.

I think this is going to be the one and only time I agree with Boy67 - depilatory creams are rather chemically harsh. I have no idea what's in them and whether there are any health risks associated with them.

If there were any health risks, its unlikely they would affect men and women differently, though. We're not that different.

Urbuddy: Not me , no way no how

jac379: I've just looked it up on the internet, but I'm technologically challenged today, so I haven't got you a link, sorry.

To give you a summary, alkali chemicals are used to break down keratin, a protein in hair.

The problem is, skin also comprises of keratin, so there is a risk of the alkali breaking down skin tissue as well.

The skin, as I understand it, naturally has a protective "acid mantle", so an alkali will remove the skin's surface defence.

Rashes, blistering and chemical burns can occur, as well as allergic reactions. Some people use them routinely though, without any of these reactions.