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Depilatories

Introduction:Preparations for the removal of unwanted hair have been known for thousands of years.

A distinction must be drawn between:-The mechanical removal of hair (Epilation)- Electrolysis-The chemical depilation

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I- Epilation

The effect may be slightly longer lasting, since the epilated hair take with them the hair bulbs or the hair papillae, before the hair starts growing in the follicle and reaches the surface of the skin.

Painful, cause skin damage and subsequent infection.

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I- Epilation (temporary) Based on mixtures consisting essentially

of rosin and beeswax and some times with liquid paraffin and paraffin wax.

Camphor is often included for its cooling effect.

Local anesthetic, e.g. benzocaine to reduce the pain

Antibacterial compound will reduce the chance of infections

Home made epilating formula based on caramelized sugar , lemon juice and glycerin.

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II- Electrolysis (permanent) By inserting a needle into the hair

follicle and complete destruction of the hair root by means of a weak DC current.

This method is not practical as it is practiced in beauty salons and by some dermatologists, expensive and time consuming, since every hair must be treated individually, 25-100 hairs per sitting.

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III- Laser hair removal Highly controlled flashes of laser beams are

selectively absorbed by the pigment in hair follicles lying below the surface of your skin. The absorbed light heats the hair follicle, which damages and destroys the regrowth potential of the follicle (as opposed to waxing which only slows regrowth potential)- all without damaging surrounding tissue.

Because hair follicle pigment is the lasers target tissue, white hair is not substantially effected. Hair of any color is effectively killed.

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III- Laser hair removal  Hair follicles are usually in different growth cycles

at different times in relation to one another. Since the follicle must be in its active growth phase in order to be destroyed by the laser, several (3 - 6 or more) treatments spread over several months are required to assure the destruction of all hair follicles.

Permanent hair reduction does absolutely occur, unlike painful waxing & excruciating electrolysis! Also, the majority of patients experience a very large reduction in acne after hair follicle count is reduced. With hair follicle reduction, there is less skin surface and hiding pulse for skin bacteria to hide. The result is softer, smoother skin with better complexion.

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IV- Chemical Depilation The chemical breakdown of hair

without injury to the skin. Advantages: - avoid danger of cutting the skin - can use it in complicated contours - discourage the re-growth of hair if

used regularly (allow hair removal at a deeper level).

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III- Chemical Depilatory Disadvantages: - since the hair is of similar composition

to the skin , the horny layer o the skin will also be attacked.

- very high pH Requirements: - efficient in removing hair in 5-15 min. - odorless - non irritant to the skin

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III- Chemical Depilatory Active component (alkaline reducing

agent): Strontium sulfide, Sodium stannites were used in the past, but the majority of depilatories avialable today are Thioglycollates.

Thioglycollates: calcium thioglycollate with calcium hydroxide (pH 10-12.5), are less odor, take longer time to act (5-15min), stable, non toxic and can be used on the face