Shaving
Cancer treatment can lead to skin changes including rashes, irritation, dry patches and discomfort. Your shaving habits may need to change during this time to protect senitive skin and prevent cuts and potential infections. Here are some shaving tips to help.
Electric Razors or Wet Shaving During Treatment
During treatment your skin may be more dry, red, or itchy and will be more susceptible to cuts, bruising and infection, so it’s important to examine your shaving regimen.
Electric Razors
Many care teams recommend electric razors during cancer treatment. They’re less likely to nick the skin and will help avoid infections, especially when your skin is extra sensitive or your immune system is weakened.
Razor Blades and Wet Shaving
If you prefer to stick with a traditional razor and a wet shave, read our tips to help make it as safe and soothing as possible. Don’t forget to ask your medical team’s advice about shaving while in treatment.
Tips for Shaving with a Razor During Treatment
Shower before shaving or apply a warm towel/face cloth. This warms the skin, opening the pores and softening the hair cuticles.
Apply your chosen sensitive skin shaving gel or foam, ideally using a shaving brush, and make sure you generate a warm, rich protective lather. (Using a shaving bush softens and lifts the facial hair off the face helping to maintain good levels of hydration and lubrication).
Use light, gentle strokes, letting your razor do the work.
Facial hair grows in many directions so you’ll shave both with and against the grain. Shave in the direction that feels most comfortable.
Rinse your blades often.
After Shaving
Rinse with cold water. This will remove shaving cream residue, tighten pores and cool the skin.
Moisturize the whole face and neck area with a mild moisturizer.
Old dogs can learn new tricks.
Learn comfortable shaving techniques in our Shaving & Men’s Skincare Workshop.
Let’s navigate this together
Join a community that understands. Receive expert advice, useful resources, and compassionate tips throughout your cancer journey in the LGFB newsletter