The Connection Between Eczema, Shaving, and Underarm Products

If you’ve ever noticed red, itchy bumps after shaving your underarms, you’re not alone. For people with eczema, that regular grooming habit can turn into a painful experience. Add the wrong deodorant on top, and your skin may go from irritated to inflamed fast. The good news? You can avoid this cycle. Understanding the link between eczema, shaving, and underarm products can help you make smarter choices that keep your skin calm and comfortable.

Why Shaving Can Trigger Eczema Flares

Shaving is more than just hair removal. It’s a process that scrapes your skin, removes surface cells, and can create tiny cuts you may not even see. If you have eczema, your skin barrier is already weaker and more reactive. That means shaving can easily trigger redness, burning, or a rash.

Here’s why shaving and eczema often don’t mix well:

  • Friction: Razor blades create friction that can inflame sensitive skin
  • Barrier damage: Eczema weakens the skin’s outer layer, so shaving makes it easier for irritants to get in
  • Dryness: Shaving can strip away natural oils, leaving skin even drier and itchier

That’s why many people deal with eczema and shaving irritation at the same time. And when it happens under your arms, it can be even worse.

Underarm Eczema: A Common but Overlooked Problem

Your underarms are sensitive. The skin is thinner, there’s more moisture, and it’s a spot where sweat and friction naturally happen. If you shave there and then apply a harsh deodorant, you’re layering irritation on top of irritation.

This combo can lead to:

  • Underarm rash after shaving
  • Itchy, inflamed patches
  • Broken skin or stinging when sweating

If you have eczema, this reaction isn’t your fault. It’s your skin’s way of saying, “That was too much.”

Signs You Need to Switch Your Routine

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, your current products may not be working for your skin:

  • Stinging or burning after applying deodorant
  • Redness or bumps that last more than a day
  • Peeling or cracked skin under your arms

These are all signs that your skin may be reacting to either the razor, the deodorant, or both.

Tips for Shaving With Eczema-Prone Skin

Good news: You don’t have to give up shaving. You just need to make a few smart tweaks. Here’s how to shave with eczema safely:

  • Use a clean, sharp razor: Dull blades drag across the skin and cause more damage
  • Shave at the end of a warm shower: This softens the hair and opens pores for a smoother glide
  • Use eczema safe shaving products: Look for fragrance-free creams or gels with soothing ingredients like aloe or colloidal oatmeal
  • Shave in the direction of hair growth: This reduces tugging and prevents ingrown hairs
  • Rinse and gently pat dry: Avoid rubbing your skin with a towel afterward

These shaving with eczema tips can make a big difference in keeping your underarms calm and clear.

The Role of Deodorants in Underarm Irritation

Even if you shave gently, using the wrong deodorant afterward can undo all that care. Many deodorants have ingredients that are known irritants for people with eczema. These include alcohol, synthetic fragrance, and baking soda. These can throw off your skin’s pH and make it more likely to react.

Instead, look for a deodorant for eczema prone skin. Here's what to look for:

  • Fragrance-free: No perfumes or essential oils, which can aggravate eczema
  • Alcohol-free: Alcohol dries out skin and can sting freshly shaved areas
  • pH balanced: Helps maintain your skin’s natural barrier
  • Magnesium-based: A gentle ingredient that neutralizes odor without blocking pores

The best deodorant for sensitive underarms doesn’t just stop odor. It also supports your skin’s health. That’s why many people are switching to deodorant that doesn't irritate eczema, like the ones made by MAGS Skin.

What to Do If You Already Have an Underarm Flare

If you’re dealing with an underarm eczema treatment situation right now, don’t panic. Here’s a quick plan to calm things down:

  • Stop shaving until the flare heals
  • Switch to a gentle, eczema-safe deodorant
  • Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer daily
  • Use a hydrocortisone cream for itching (check with your doctor first)

Give your skin time to recover. Once it’s calm, you can slowly reintroduce shaving with the tips we shared earlier.

Build a Routine That Works for You

Managing shaving eczema underarms isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing things differently. Here’s an easy routine that supports your skin every step of the way:

  1. Before shaving: Take a warm shower and use a soothing, unscented shaving cream
  2. While shaving: Use a sharp razor and shave gently in the direction of hair growth
  3. After shaving: Rinse and pat dry, then apply a calming moisturizer
  4. Daily: Use a deodorant made for sensitive skin, like MAGS Skin’s magnesium-based formula

This combo cuts down on irritation and helps prevent future flares. It’s all about giving your skin the support it needs.

Why MAGS Skin Works for Sensitive Underarms

MAGS Skin makes deodorants that are made for people with sensitive skin. If you’ve been searching for the best deodorant for sensitive underarms, you’ll appreciate that MAGS uses:

  • Magnesium hydroxide: A gentle alternative to baking soda that neutralizes odor without irritation
  • Fragrance-free formulas: No perfumes or essential oils that can trigger eczema
  • Clean, simple ingredients: Nothing extra your skin doesn’t need

It’s a safe and effective option for anyone dealing with eczema and shaving irritation.

Quick Takeaways: Eczema and Shaving

  • Shaving can irritate eczema-prone skin, especially under your arms
  • Harsh deodorants make it worse by disrupting your skin barrier
  • Gentle shaving habits and the right deodorant can prevent flares
  • MAGS Skin offers deodorants that work with your skin, not against it

Final Thoughts

Your underarms may be small, but they deserve big care. If you’ve struggled with underarm rash after shaving, it might be time to rethink your routine. With the right tools and habits, you can protect your skin and feel confident every day. Choose products that support your skin’s natural barrier. That way, you can shave, sweat, and move comfortably in your own skin.

Back to blog