Underarm skin can be a sensitive and often – overlooked area when it comes to skincare. However, achieving smooth underarms can boost your confidence and prevent issues like irritation and unpleasant odors. Here are four tips from dermatologists to help you get the smoothest underarms possible.
1. Gentle Cleansing
- Choose the Right Cleanser: Underarm skin is delicate, so it’s crucial to use a gentle cleanser. Avoid harsh soaps or body washes that contain strong fragrances, sulfates, or alcohol. These ingredients can strip the skin of its natural moisture, disrupt the skin’s pH balance, and lead to dryness and irritation. Instead, opt for a mild, fragrance – free, and pH – balanced cleanser. Cleansers formulated for sensitive skin are often a great choice. Some may even contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile, which can help calm the skin during the cleansing process.
- Cleansing Technique: When washing your underarms, use lukewarm water. Hot water can damage the skin’s protective barrier and cause redness. Gently massage the cleanser onto the underarm area using circular motions for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to scrub vigorously, as this can irritate the skin. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove all traces of the cleanser.
2. Exfoliation Done Right
- Frequency: Exfoliating the underarms is important to remove dead skin cells that can accumulate and make the skin feel rough. However, you don’t want to overdo it. Dermatologists recommend exfoliating the underarms once or twice a week. Over – exfoliating can cause irritation, inflammation, and even make the skin more prone to ingrown hairs.
- Exfoliating Products: There are two main types of exfoliants – physical and chemical. Physical exfoliants contain small particles like sugar or salt that physically scrub away dead skin. When using a physical exfoliant for the underarms, choose one with fine particles to avoid scratching the skin. Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, use ingredients like alpha – hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta – hydroxy acids (BHAs) to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells. AHAs such as glycolic acid or lactic acid are good options. If you have sensitive skin, start with a lower concentration of the chemical exfoliant and gradually increase if your skin tolerates it well. Apply the exfoliant gently to the underarms and leave it on for the recommended time before rinsing.
3. Moisturize and Nourish
- Importance of Moisturization: Moisturizing the underarms is essential for keeping the skin smooth and healthy. The skin in this area is often subject to friction from clothing and shaving, which can cause dryness. A good moisturizer helps to restore the skin’s moisture barrier, reducing the risk of irritation.
- Selecting the Right Moisturizer: Look for a lightweight, non – greasy moisturizer that won’t clog the pores. Ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and ceramides are beneficial. Shea butter provides intense hydration and nourishment, while glycerin attracts water to the skin, keeping it moisturized. Ceramides help to repair and strengthen the skin’s barrier. Apply a small amount of moisturizer to the underarms after cleansing and exfoliating. Make sure the underarms are completely dry before applying the moisturizer to ensure better absorption.
4. Shaving and Hair Removal Best Practices
- Proper Shaving Technique: If you shave your underarms, make sure to use a sharp, clean razor. A dull razor can cause tugging and irritation. Before shaving, soften the hair by soaking the underarms in warm water for a few minutes. Apply a shaving cream or gel that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Shave in the direction of hair growth to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs and irritation. Rinse the razor frequently during the shaving process to remove hair and shaving cream.
- Alternative Hair Removal Methods: For those who prefer not to shave, there are other options. Waxing can provide longer – lasting results, but it should be done by a professional or with a high – quality home waxing kit to avoid skin damage. Laser hair removal is a more permanent solution, but it requires multiple sessions and should be performed by a trained technician. Epilation, which involves removing the hair from the root using an epilator device, can also be considered. However, like waxing, it can cause some discomfort and may lead to redness, so it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and take proper care of the skin after the procedure.
By following these four tips from dermatologists, you can achieve the smoothest underarms possible. Remember, consistency is key, and it may take some time to see significant improvements in the texture and condition of your underarms. If you experience any persistent irritation or other skin issues, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist.
