The Korea Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday advised people not to use deodorant or perfume right after using depilatory products to remove hair.

According to its report, skin rashes or swelling can occur when deodorant or perfume is applied after depilatory use because of the alcohol content. More than 24 hours is required to avoid such side effects, the agency said.

The KFDA warned pregnant women against using depilatory cream since many products cause changes to the hormonal system. People breastfeeding babies or having their periods are also warned against using such products.

“Most depilatories are highly alkaline, marking over 10.5 pH. Therefore, don’t use soap to remove the material but gently rinse with water. Most of all, don’t let the product dry on your skin,” the agency stated.

(baejisook@heraldcorp.com)