Eczema and shaving (mostly for men)

Eczema prone skin can be sensitive to irritants, bacteria, and allergens. It is also typically dry and uneven making it vulnerable to nicks and scrapes from razor blades. As a result, shaving can leave the skin feeling sore and uncomfortable. While letting your beard grow is the obvious solution, for some men this isn’t an option. We’ve put together our eczema shaving guide to help keep your skin as comfortable as possible.

Top tips for eczema-friendly shaving

#1. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise:

You can minimise shaving irritation by keeping your skin in as good a shape as possible. Find an emollient that you are comfortable with and use it as often as necessary. While emollients are typically not available on prescription for adults, your GP will be able to help you track down one that works for your skin. Be prepared to switch it up for a heavier version in winter and a lighter one in summer. 

#2. Keep things clean:

Wash the area you are going to shave before you start. This will remove bacteria and minimise the risk of any nicks becoming infected. If you can, use a gentle soap for this even if you usually wash with emollients. Emollients don’t get rid of bacteria as effectively as soap. Have the water warm but not hot to avoid drying out the skin any further.

#3. Prepare your skin (and beard):

Shaving at the end of a shower or holding a warm, damp washcloth over your skin for a few minutes before shaving can help loosen and relax the hairs as well as softening dry skin. 

#4. Choose your weapon carefully:

Shavers vs razors: many eczema sufferers find shavers are more comfortable to use than razors. This is largely due to the blades of shavers never coming into contact with the skin. Foil shavers are generally a better option than rotary shavers as they are typically easier to control. It’s important to maintain shavers properly (clean after every use and oil regularly) to minimise the risk of bacterial infections and ensure that the shaving head doesn’t get too hot during use. This is a really useful guide to choosing a shaver for sensitive skin.

If you prefer to use a razor, make sure it has a sharp blade. Even soft hairs will dull blades remarkably quickly¹. A dull blade will drag the skin making it more prone to nicks even fine, soft hairs will dull the steel over a surprisingly short period. Single blade razors are easier to clean, reducing the risk of infections. The reduced number of blades will also minimise damage to the skin surface. 

#5. Wet or dry?

Most eczema sufferers find that wet shaving is more comfortable. However you do prefer dry shaving, make sure your skin is properly dry to minimise discomfort. Shave before you shave and avoid shaving in the heat of the day as sweat has the same effect as water.

#6. Smoothly does it:

Shaving creams, gels and even oils typically contain a number of potentially irritating ingredients from fragrances to preservatives. They also commonly have a pH far removed from that of your skin. Even those labelled as moisturising or gentle may not be enough to keep your skin comfortable. Some dermatologists recommend using a light lotion type, emollient for shaving. However, we’ve found that this clog up the blades within a few passes. Clogged bladed results in them skipping or dragging over the skin and making it more difficult to clean the shaver or razor after use.

As with all things eczema, to find a shaving solution that suits your skin will be a case of trial and error. Our favourite solution is Skin Salve bar soap. While not specifically intended for shaving, this soap was developed for eczema sufferers. It contains no irritating ingredients and the high glycerin content not only moisturises but also keeps the foam dense giving razor blades and shavers plenty of lubrication.

#7. Direction matters:

If you’re using a razor, ignore any advice that you’ve had about shaving against the grain to get a closer shave. Using a razor in the same direction as hair growth, reduces irritation as well as minimising cuts and nicks. However, if you’re using a shaver, you do need to go against the grain otherwise the hairs won’t be lifted into the cutting area.

#8. Skip the aftershave (moisturise instead):

Most after-shaves contain alcohol which will dry out the skin, as well as potentially irritating fragrances. If you do feel the need for an astringent after you shave, stick to witch hazel. 

Our sources

1. Roscioli, G, et al. “How Hair Deforms Steel.” Science (New York, N.Y.), Aug. 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32764070/

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