Shaving Routine for Sensitive Skin, Eczema and PCOS: Laser-Safe Guide

If your skin flares easily, shaving can feel like a gamble. Sensitive skin, eczema, and PCOS hair growth all make it trickier. And if you’re having laser hair removal, the rules are even stricter.

This blog walks you through a complete shaving routine that keeps your skin calm, prevents bumps and ingrowns, and works alongside your laser sessions.

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Quick take

• Shave when hair is soft (after a shower or warm compress).
  
  
• Use a moisturising shave gel or cream (fragrance-free).
  
  
• Go with the grain first, short strokes, rinse often.
  
  
• Replace blades after 5–7 uses.
  
  
• Moisturise straight after shaving.
  
  
• Shave the day before laser. Don’t wax or tweeze during treatment.
  
  
• Wear SPF daily on exposed skin during your course.
  
  

Why shaving can be harsh on sensitive or eczema-prone skin

Sensitive or eczema-prone skin has a weaker barrier. That means:

• It loses water quickly.
  
  
• It lets irritants in more easily.
  
  
• Hot water and fragrance sting more than they should.
  
  

Your fixes:

• Keep water lukewarm, never hot.
  
  
• Use fragrance-free products.
  
  
• Pat dry, don’t rub.
  
  
• Moisturise within 3 minutes of towelling to trap water in.
  
  

PCOS and shaving: what’s different?

PCOS often causes coarse, fast-growing hair (hirsutism). That can make shaving feel endless. The good news:

• Shaving is safe.
  
  
• Laser works well on PCOS hair but usually needs top-ups.
  
  
• Prescription options like eflornithine cream or a combined pill can slow facial hair growth.
  
  

If hair growth is affecting daily life, talk to your GP. Combining shaving + laser + medical care often gives the best results.

What you’ll need

• Warm water
  
  
• Fresh, sharp razor
  
  
• Fragrance-free shave gel or cream (lotions are too light – go for a cream or ointment if eczema-prone)
  
  
• Soft towel
  
  
• Rich, fragrance-free moisturiser
  
  
• Daily SPF30+ for exposed areas
  
  

Step 1. Gentle prep

Shave at the end of a shower or press a warm, damp cloth on the area first. This softens hair so the razor glides instead of drags.

Dry brushing: Some swear by it, but for eczema-prone or sensitive skin it often does more harm than good. If you try it:

• Keep strokes feather-light.
  
  
• Avoid broken or inflamed skin.
  
  
• Stop immediately at redness.
  
  

FAQ: How often should I shave with sensitive skin?
Space out shaves where you can. Daily shaving can irritate; every 2–3 days is gentler unless you’re prepping for laser.

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Step 2. Use the right slip

A moisturising shave gel or cream cushions the skin. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes to soften hairs before you start.

Aloe vera gel is a good option if you react to foams, but patch test first on a small area.

FAQ: Should I patch test new shaving products?
Yes. Apply a little behind the ear or on the inner arm twice a day for a week. If no reaction, you’re good to go.

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Step 3. The shave

• First pass: always with the grain.
  
  
• Strokes: short, light, and rinse often.
  
  
• Pressure: keep it light, don’t dig in.
  
  
• Blades: swap after 5–7 uses, earlier if it feels blunt.
  
  

If you’re prone to bumps or have curly hair:

• Try a single-blade razor or a guarded electric shaver.
  
  
• Don’t stretch the skin – that makes ingrowns worse.
  
  

Legs

One light pass with the grain is usually enough. Do a small tidy-up only on stubborn patches.

Underarms

Hair grows in different directions here. Shave in the direction each patch grows, not just straight up and down.

Bikini line

Use plenty of slip. Keep strokes short. If you get ingrowns, stick to with-the-grain only.

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Step 4. Aftercare

• Rinse with cool water.
  
  
• Pat dry with a clean towel.
  
  
• Moisturise right away with a rich cream or ointment (ceramides or petrolatum are great).
  
  
• If skin stings, avoid fragrance and acids until it calms.
  
  

Quick rescue for razor burn:

• Apply a cool compress.
  
  
• Use a plain, fragrance-free moisturiser.
  
  
• If very irritated, a short course of OTC hydrocortisone cream can help – but stop if it worsens.
  
  
• If bumps look infected, see your GP.
  
  

Razor hygiene 101

• Don’t share razors. Even tiny cuts can pass infections.
  
  
• Keep razors dry between uses. Don’t leave them in the shower.
  
  
• Replace after 5–7 shaves. If it feels rough, change sooner.
  
  

How this routine fits with laser hair removal

Laser and shaving go hand-in-hand – but only if you do it right.

Before your session

• Shave the treatment area about 24 hours before.
  
  
• Don’t use depilatory cream on the day.
  
  
• Arrive with clean, product-free skin – no deodorant, oils, or makeup on the area.
  
  

During your course

• Don’t wax, tweeze, or thread. The laser needs the hair root in place.
  
  
• Avoid sun exposure and fake tan. Use SPF30+ daily on exposed areas.
  
  

After each session

• Avoid heat, hot showers, saunas, gyms, and tight clothing for 24–48 hours.
  
  
• Don’t apply fragranced products to the area.
  
  
• If underarms were treated, skip deodorant for 24–48 hours if it stings.
  
  
• You can shave between sessions once the skin feels calm, but keep technique gentle.
  
  

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FAQ: Can I shave on the day of my laser session?
No. Most clinics ask you to shave the day before, not the same morning.

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Troubleshooting

Ingrown hairs

• Use a sharp single blade.
  
  
• Shave with the grain.
  
  
• Don’t stretch skin tight.
  
  
• Switch to an electric if bumps keep appearing.
  
  

Eczema flare

• Skip shaving until skin settles.
  
  
• Stick to lukewarm water and fragrance-free creams.
  
  

Persistent irritation

• If bumps, redness, or folliculitis don’t settle in a few days, speak to your GP or dermatologist.
  
  

FAQs

Does shaving make hair thicker or darker?
No – it just blunts the tip so it feels stubbly.

How often should I change blades?
Every 5–7 uses, or sooner if it drags.

Best moisturiser after shaving with eczema?
Creams or ointments. Lotions are usually too light.

Can I shave the day after laser?
Only once the skin feels calm. If it’s red or sore, wait.

What SPF should I use during laser treatment?
At least SPF30 daily, higher if outdoors.

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The full routine in 10 seconds

Warm water. Moisturising shave gel. With the grain first. Short strokes. Rinse often. Fresh blade. Cool rinse. Moisturise. Daily SPF. For laser, shave the day before, no waxing or tweezing, and avoid sun.

Shaving doesn’t have to wreck your skin. With the right prep, technique, and aftercare, you can stay smooth without the bumps, burns, or flare-ups – even if you’ve got sensitive skin, eczema, or PCOS. And if you’re having laser, this routine keeps your results on track.

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Every skin is different, so listen to yours. If irritation or ingrowns don’t settle, check in with a GP or dermatologist. Otherwise, keep it simple: sharp razor, gentle products, daily SPF, and consistency.

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💛 If you’re ready to make shaving less of a chore and want longer-lasting results, book a consultation with us at Laser Me Out.