Underarms

By Sheila Leftridge | The Skin Truth

Proper care for your underarms requires treating the area with the same attention you give your face.

Underarm skin is sensitive, exposed to frequent friction and often kept in a warm, folded environment. That combination can make the area more prone to odor, irritation, shaving bumps and hyperpigmentation, or darkening.

Here are some ways to give your underarms a little more attention.

WASH THOROUGHLY

Cleanse daily with lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free body wash or pH-balanced cleanser.

Avoid harsh antibacterial soaps unless your health care provider recommends them. They can be drying and may disrupt the skin barrier.

Some people may also benefit from products containing exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid or mandelic acid.

Salicylic acid can help exfoliate inside pores and remove buildup, while glycolic and mandelic acids exfoliate the surface of the skin. These ingredients may help improve the appearance and texture of the underarm area when used appropriately.

Remove Product Residue

Make sure you thoroughly wash away layers of deodorant or antiperspirant.

Product buildup combined with sweat and friction can contribute to irritation for some people.

Dry Completely

Always pat your underarms completely dry with a clean towel after showering.

Lingering moisture can contribute to an environment where odor-causing bacteria and yeast can thrive.

SAFE GROOMING TECHNIQUES

Never Dry Shave

Always use a moisturizing shaving gel or cream to create a protective barrier.

Dry shaving can cause irritation, razor burn and tiny cuts in the skin. If you shave, use a clean, sharp razor and shave in the direction of hair growth.

Better yet, consider professional waxing or laser hair removal if shaving consistently causes irritation or darkening.

Reducing daily shaving friction may help give irritated skin a chance to recover.

Shave With the Grain

Shave in the direction of hair growth using a clean, sharp razor.

Replace your blades frequently. Dull blades can drag against the skin and pull at the hair, increasing the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs.

Consider Waxing

If shaving consistently causes dark shadows, bumps or razor burn, professional hair removal may be an option.

You can explore professional waxing services locally, including businesses such as Megz Hair Salon in Magee. Always confirm that underarm waxing is offered and ask about the provider’s experience before booking.

MOISTURIZE & PROTECT

Hydrate the Area

Just like your face, your underarms can benefit from moisturization.

Apply a lightweight, fragrance-free lotion or a soothing product such as aloe vera gel to help maintain the skin barrier.

If you’ve recently shaved, give the skin time to calm down before applying products that may sting or irritate.

Be Careful With Irritating Deodorants

If you have sensitive skin, pay attention to how your underarms react to deodorants.

Fragrance, baking soda, alcohol and other ingredients can irritate some people’s skin. If a product causes burning, itching, redness or a rash, stop using it and consider switching to a gentler formula.

CHOOSING AN EFFECTIVE DEODORANT

Traditional deodorants and antiperspirants work in different ways.

Antiperspirants are designed to reduce sweating, while deodorants primarily address body odor.

Another option that has gained popularity is the AHA serum deodorant.

AHA Serum Deodorants

Alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, can lower the skin’s pH and exfoliate dead skin cells. Some AHA deodorants are formulated to help create an environment that is less favorable to odor-causing bacteria.

As an added benefit, ingredients such as mandelic and lactic acids can gently exfoliate the skin, which may help improve the appearance of uneven texture and discoloration over time.

However, acids can also irritate sensitive or freshly shaved skin.

Patch testing is a good idea, and don’t apply acid-based products to broken or irritated skin.

A FEW PRODUCTS I DISCOVERED

While researching different deodorants, I came across these two AHA-based options.

Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant

Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant is a serum-style deodorant featuring shikimic, mandelic and lactic acids. The formula also contains aloe vera juice and hyaluronic acid.

Kosas and Sephora list the product as free of aluminum and baking soda. The product is intended to address odor while exfoliating and moisturizing the underarm area. (SEPHORA⁠)

Retail price: About $20, though prices can change.

Where to find it: Sephora.

Saltair 5% AHA Serum Deodorant

Saltair’s 5% AHA Serum Deodorant contains mandelic acid, lactic acid, PHA and niacinamide.

According to the current Ulta listing, mandelic acid helps acidify the skin to combat odor and exfoliate, while lactic acid and PHA help minimize the appearance of discoloration and ingrown hairs. Niacinamide is included to help brighten, soothe and support the skin barrier. (Ulta Beauty⁠)

Retail price: About $13, although prices and promotions can change.

Where to find it: Ulta.

Ulta also recommends patch testing the product before use and says not to apply it to broken, irritated or itching skin. (Ulta Beauty⁠)

REMEMBER: UNDERARM SKIN IS STILL SKIN

Your underarms deserve the same thoughtful care you give the rest of your body.

Wash gently.

Dry thoroughly.

Don’t dry shave.

Use a clean, sharp razor if you shave.

Moisturize.

Pay attention to ingredients.

And if a product burns, itches or causes a rash, don’t assume that discomfort means it’s working.

Sometimes your skin is simply telling you that it doesn’t like what you’re putting on it.

The goal isn’t to have perfect underarms.

The goal is healthy, comfortable skin.

Until next time,

Sheila Leftridge
The Skin Truth