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Eczema can feel like an uphill battle. The itch, the dryness, the sensitivity….it’s awful. And when you fold in hair removal, things get even worse. 

When you’re dealing with itchy, dry, and sensitive skin, finding the right hair removal method can seem impossible. Those with atopic dermatitis—commonly referred to as eczema—often struggle with fragile skin that’s prone to irritation, redness, and flare-ups. But even if you have eczema, you likely still want to manage unwanted body hairou. 

Patches of eczema on your legs, underarms, or any other area don’t mean you can’t remove hair. But it does mean you need to be ultra-careful and do a little trial and error. There’s no one perfect hair removal method for eczema, and different people will prefer different methods. There’s no predicting what will work for you until you try!

So, what are the best options for eczema-prone skin, and what should you avoid?

All Hair Removal Methods Have a Risk of Causing an Eczema Flare

When it comes to hair removal methods, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for those with eczema. Whether it’s waxing, shaving, or using depilatory creams, each method carries the risk of skin irritation or, worse, an eczema flare-up. 

This is because the skin barrier is often compromised in people with eczema, meaning the outer layer of the skin is less effective at protecting against irritants, allergens, and infection. Hair removal can be irritating to people without eczema too, but eczema sufferers will often suffer more. 

But eczema-prone skin doesn’t mean you have to live with unwanted hair forever! The key is choosing a hair removal method that causes minimal irritation and finding a treatment plan that works for you. That means trying all these methods in small areas first. 

Shaving and Eczema

Shaving is one of the more common hair removal methods but can pose challenges for people with eczema. The sharp razor blades can cause cuts and nicks in fragile skin, which may lead to skin infections or ingrown hairs. Dry shaving—shaving without proper lubrication—can worsen eczema symptoms, as it strips away moisture from the skin.

To me, this is the most consistently irritating method to my skin! Needing to shave every 2-3 days means that every time I shave, I am spinning the wheel. Half the time I’m fine, and half the time I trigger a flare.

To avoid triggering a flare-up, always shave with a sharp razor and use a shaving cream designed for sensitive skin. Warm water, rather than hot, can help to soften hair follicles and prevent irritation.

An electric razor may be a more comfortable shave option for those with eczema-prone skin. Electric razors tend to be gentler on the skin than traditional razors, reducing the risk of eczema flare-ups and ingrown hairs.

if you decide on shaving, make sure to moisturize with products like coconut oil after shaving to keep the skin barrier intact and prevent excessive dryness.

Waxing and Eczema

Waxing can be one of the most challenging methods for people with eczema, especially for those with active eczema symptoms. The process involves applying hot wax to the skin and ripping it off. That removes hair follicles from the root.

This can cause major skin irritation, especially in smaller areas where the skin is more fragile or already inflamed. The pulling motion of waxing can also trigger eczema flare-ups or even cause an allergic reaction.

If you have atopic eczema, waxing is usually not recommended, particularly during an active flare-up. If you choose to wax, it’s best to do so during a period when your skin is relatively calm and moisturized.

Always conduct a patch test on a small area of skin before committing to a full waxing session. And don’t forget to apply soothing body wash and long-lasting hydration after waxing to help calm irritated skin.

Sugaring and Eczema

Sugaring, similar to waxing, involves removing hair by applying a sticky paste made of sugar, lemon, and water to the skin and pulling it off. This method is sometimes considered gentler than waxing, as it sticks only to dead skin cells and hair, not live skin.

However, for those with eczema, sugaring can still cause skin irritation, especially if performed on dry skin or active eczema patches.

As with waxing, a patch test on a small area is crucial before trying sugaring. Those with atopic eczema may find that sugaring is a good idea for hair removal in less sensitive areas, but it’s important to monitor how your skin responds.

Depilation Creams and Eczema

Depilation creams (or depilatory creams) work by breaking down the protein structure of the hair, allowing it to be wiped away. People often think this will be better for eczema because it doesn’t cause friction or trauma to the skin.

HOWEVER, depilatory creams contain strong chemicals that can easily cause a skin reaction. It’s more common in those with sensitive skin or eczema. Contact dermatitis, a type of eczema that occurs when the skin reacts to an irritant or allergen, is a common side effect of using these creams.

For people with eczema, depilatory creams should generally be avoided, especially if your skin is already prone to flare-ups. It probably isn’t worth it for you!! This is definitely not the best hair removal method for eczema.

If you’re determined to try them, always perform a patch test first and consult with a board-certified dermatologis. You don’t want to set yourself up for an allergic reaction.

Laser Hair Removal and Eczema

Laser hair removal offers a more permanent hair removal method by using light to destroy hair follicles. It has become a popular option in recent years, especially for people seeking long-term hair removal options. However, laser treatments come with risks, particularly for individuals with eczema.

The heat from laser therapy can aggravate already dry skin and might trigger an eczema flare-up. Additionally, laser hair removal treatments may cause side effects. Some describe skin irritation, redness, or even scaly skin in the affected area. 

However: laser hair removal could be one of the best options for individuals with eczema when performed correctly. If it doesn’t cause a flare, or if the flare is minimal, it can be worthwhile to do the laser series and be done with hair removal! This is the most expensive option, by far. But, for someone who can’t tolerate regular hair removal through any other method, it can be worth it. 

If you’d rather deal with it once and be done, this might be the best hair removal method for eczema for you. It has been for my underarms, and I might go get more on my legs.

(My experience with laser hair removal has been that it really only requires a touch-up every 2-3 years. Not every year like they tell you.)

A board-certified dermatologist can provide proper treatment. They’ll help you determine whether laser treatments are a good way to achieve long-lasting results without exacerbating your eczema symptoms.

Winter Is Patch Test Season

With winter approaching, it’s the perfect time for individuals with eczema to patch test various hair removal methods. The cold weather often leads to dry skin, which can be a major factor in triggering eczema flare-ups. Because winter also means covering up with warm layers, it can be a good time to experiment with hair removal methods to find the best hair removal method for eczema.

Patch testing involves applying a small amount of product or trying a method on a small area of skin to observe how it reacts before using it on a larger area.

Doing patch tests in the winter allows you to cover up any irritated or inflamed patches if you don’t want them to be seen. Make sure to moisturize with products like coconut oil after testing and watch for any signs of allergic reaction, such as redness or itching!

The nice thing — if there is a nice thing — is that once you get through one patch test season, you pretty much know what’s going to set off a flare. Patch testing is hard! And when the first few things don’t work, it can be really defeating. But once you find the best way for you, you’re pretty much set. 

Eczema can make hair removal feel like an impossible task. Whether you’re dealing with atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis, finding the right treatment plan is crucial for managing both your skin condition and unwanted body hair. From waxing and shaving to laser treatments, each hair removal technique has its pros and cons for eczema-prone skin. The key is to avoid irritating the skin barrier and always do a patch test before trying new products or methods.

By working with a board-certified dermatologist and paying attention to how your skin responds, you can achieve smooth, hair-free skin without worsening your eczema symptoms. And remember, with winter coming up, it’s the perfect time to patch test while keeping your skin covered and protected from the elements.