Eczema friendly hair removal (mostly for women)

Between shaving, waxing, sugaring, threading, tweezing, creams and laser hair removal, it seems like the methods for removing unwanted body hair are endless. However, those options can look very different for people with eczema. As well as being sensitive to common ingredients in hair removal products, eczema sufferers typically have dry and uneven skin that is vulnerable to damage during hair removal. We look at the pros and cons of the various options. 

Keep in mind that different hair removal methods can be used on different body hair areas and that it takes trial and error to find out which method(s) work best for you. 

For eczema sufferers, when choosing a hair removal method there are a number of things to consider: 

• Hair removal of any sort is going to be less troublesome if your eczema is under control. It really is worthwhile keeping on top of your skin care regime. If possible leave hair removal until your skin is calm and avoid any active patches of eczema
• Do you tend to be sensitive to toiletries? If you do, you’ll need to check ingredients or patch test any shaving products before you use them. Product free hair removal methods like epilation may suit you better.
• How densely does your hair grow? Dense growth may mean that methods which pull out the whole hair, like waxing, sugaring and epilation, problematic for those areas.
• How dry and uneven is your skin? Uneven skin is more prone to shaving damage than smooth skin.
• Whether you can find a hair removal practitioner who has experience of working with eczema sufferers.

Which method will suit me best?

Shaving

Shaving is often the easiest hair removal method to access. It can be a mine-field for eczema sufferers. They can react to the shaving products, the physical process of shaving can irritate the skin and they are prone to secondary infections in any cuts or nicks. The article focuses on women, can find our more about eczema friendly shaving for men here.

Razor or shaver?

Given that the blades of electric shavers never come into contact with the skin, it’s not surprising that many eczema sufferers find them more comfortable to use than razors. They can also be used to dry shave which reduces the need for potentially irritating shaving products. That said, wet shaving is usually less irritating than dry shaving, regardless of whether you choose a shaver or razor. 

If you do use a razor, make sure that it has a sharp blade. Dull blades will drag the skin making it more prone to nicks. Even fine, soft hairs will dull the steel over a surprisingly short period. Be prepared to replace the blade regularly. 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. 

Whether you choose a razor or shaver, be sure to clean it thoroughly after use and make sure that it dries properly. This will minimise any bacteria on the blades. Shavers also need to be regularly maintained so that the blades remain sharp and they don’t run hot.

Shaving creams, gels, oils and alternatives

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, resulting in them skipping or dragging over the skin. It also makes it more difficult to clean the shaver or razor after use. 

As with all things eczema, to find a shaving lubricant 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. It contains no irritating ingredients and the high glycerin content not only moisturises but also keeps the foam dense meaning that the razor blades and shavers glide smoothly over the skin.

Using the right technique

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.

Epilation

Epilators pluck the hair which can cause skin inflammation around the hair follicle making the skin sore and aggravating eczema. However, as the epilator never touches the skin itself, some eczema sufferers find epilation less irritating than other methods of hair removal. You can make epilation less uncomfortable by having a shower first. This relaxes the skin making it easier to pull out the hairs, and moisturising afterwards to soothe any inflammation. If you have a wet/dry epilator, using it in the shower or bath makes it easier for the epilator to glide over the skin smoothly, reducing irritation. If your skin can take it, exfoliating before you start and a few days after you epilate will reduce the risk of ingrowing hairs. 

Threading and plucking

Generally, threading and plucking are relatively benign when it comes to eczema. However, you do need to be careful that the tweezers or thread are clean to minimise the risk of skin infections. Make sure that any numbing or soothing creams used by your practitioner don’t include ingredients that your skin is likely to react to. 

Hair removal creams

Despite their marketing messages, depilatory creams by their very nature contain a number of extremely irritating chemicals. Not surprisingly, many eczema sufferers report flare-ups following their use. As a rule of thumb they are generally best avoided by eczema sufferers. However, every case of eczema is different. If you go down this route do a patch test first, avoid using near active eczema (especially when rinsing off the cream residues) and follow the instructions regarding timing closely.

Waxing and sugaring

Both of these options involve spreading hot substances over the skin and so are best avoided if your eczema is aggravated by heat. It’s also really important to patch test before treatment. Hard wax (the type doesn’t need strips to remove it) and sugaring are usually better for sensitive skin than soft wax. In both cases it sticks to hairs rather than skin, reducing the potential for skin damage. In the case of sugaring, the temperature is usually cooler than wax and the ingredients can be very simple: just sugar, water and a form of citric acid, usually lemon juice. Obviously, steer clear of sugaring if you are sensitive to citrus fruit. 

To minimise the risk of infections, make sure your therapist does not double dip the wax applicator and instead uses a new spatula for each strip. Double dipping introduces bacteria into the pot, which can then be spread from person to person.

Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is generally well tolerated by eczema sufferers, but can cause short-term redness and swelling. However, it is eye-wateringly expensive and the results do vary between people. Typically, you will need 6-12 sessions about a month apart. Your practitioner will avoid areas of active eczema. Hair will take months or even years to grow back. When hairs reappear they are likely to be finer and fairer. Regrowth can be delayed with maintenance sessions. People with lighter skin and dark hair roots typically have the best results, but it can be effective for all skin colours. 

Given the high price tag for laser hair removal, there are often deals and packages advertised. Be cautious of these and find an experienced practitioner, ideally with experience of dealing with sensitive skin. Start with a small test area to make sure there isn’t a reaction.

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