How to Shave with Eczema: Tips for Healthy Skin
Managing eczema is challenging enough, but adding a beard to the mix can complicate things.
The skin under your beard is just as important as the hair you’re grooming, and it requires special care for those dealing with eczema or dermatitis.
If shaving or beard maintenance has triggered eczema or irritation, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered with practical tips and gentle solutions.
How Does Eczema Affect the Skin Under a Beard?
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, can flare up on any body part, including the skin under your beard. This often leads to symptoms like redness, dryness, itching, and flaking.
For some, shaving can make it worse, causing irritation or eczema flare-ups, while others may notice increased dermatitis under their beard due to trapped sweat and bacteria.
Avoiding Common Beard Care Triggers
1. Say No to Harsh Cleansers
Soaps and body washes containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are common culprits for stripping your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Opt for sulfate-free, fragrance-free cleansers designed for sensitive skin to keep your beard and the skin underneath healthy.
2. Skip the Razor Burn
Shaving can irritate eczema-prone skin, especially if you use dull blades or skip proper preparation. Always use a sharp razor and a hydrating cream formulated for sensitive skin to minimize friction and irritation.
How to Shave with Eczema
Shaving can be tricky when you’re managing eczema, but it’s possible with the right techniques:
- Prepare Your Skin: Wash your face with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser to soften your beard and open up the pores.
- Use the Right Shaving Cream: Choose a cream free of fragrances and harsh chemicals. Avoid foams, as they can dry out your skin. If you have sensitive skin, opt for creams such as Eczema Friend when shaving.
- Shave with the Grain: Always shave in the direction of hair growth to reduce irritation.
- Rinse with Cool Water: After shaving, rinse with cool water to close pores and soothe the skin.
- Hydrate Post-Shave: Apply a moisturizer or eczema cream, such as Eczema Friend, to lock in hydration and calm the skin.
Nourish Your Skin from the Inside
Healthy skin starts from within, and correcting nutritional deficiencies can significantly improve eczema symptoms. Vitamins like B2, B5, and Nicotinamide play a key role in repairing the skin barrier and reducing inflammation.
Skin Friend AM, a TGA-registered supplement created by eczema expert and nutritionist Karen Fischer, is packed with these nutrients and can help address the root causes of eczema. Taking supplements that support your skin’s health is especially helpful when dealing with dermatitis under your beard.
Daily Beard Care Tips for Eczema-Prone Skin
1. Keep It Clean
Wash your beard regularly with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser to remove dirt and bacteria without irritating your skin.
2. Moisturize the Skin Beneath
Hydration is essential for eczema-prone skin. Use a non-greasy moisturizer or a gentle eczema cream, such as Eczema Friend to keep the skin under your beard hydrated and calm. Click here to buy Eczema Friend.
3. Trim Instead of Shave
If shaving aggravates your eczema, consider trimming your beard instead. This can help you avoid direct skin irritation while maintaining a neat appearance.
Why Skin Friend AM Is a Must-Have
Skin Friend AM is formulated with essential nutrients to help repair the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and promote overall skin health.
It contains:
- Vitamin B2 and Vitamin B5: Essential for skin repair and regeneration.
- Nicotinamide: Reduces inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier.
- Zinc: Supports wound healing and prevents zinc deficiency signs such as alopecia (hair loss) and skin rashes.
Taking this supplement daily can help alleviate dermatitis under your beard.
Care for Your Beard, Care for Your Skin
Managing eczema and maintaining a beard doesn’t have to be a battle. With the right products, techniques, and supplements like Skin Friend AM, you can keep your beard looking sharp while keeping your skin healthy and irritation-free.
Take charge of your skin today — your beard will thank you.
