From the cuticles on our toes to the follicles on our scalp, we’re so good about caring for our skin. However, there’s one spot – a notoriously smelly one, that’s neglected by the best of us. Yeah, we’re talking about armpits. Underarm skin is highly delicate and is analogous to eyelid skin in terms of depth. Shaving, sweating, and harsh soaps can leave the area in rough shape, making it prone to all sorts of skincare dilemmas, not limited to odor, irritation, excess sweating, and ingrown hairs.
Given all that, it makes perfect sense to spend a few minutes a day grooming and tending to our underarms. Whether you prefer to go bare, have a tuft of fine baby hairs, or you’ve grown your armpit hair long, following an underarm skincare routine can make all the difference between a problem zone and pits that are smooth, healthy, and fresh. If you’re looking for sundress-ready pits, keep swiping to get into the nitty-gritty of the much-needed TLC that your underarm deserves.
Here’s How To Build A Fail-Safe Under Arm Skin Care Regime
Cleanse Daily
An under-arm skincare is not one-size-fits-all but this step is non-negotiable. Due to the lack of airflow, the skin is prone to being moist which can harbor particular fungal-yeast organisms and bacteria. Hence, a proper cleansing routine is important to reduce unwanted moisture and keep a natural balance. Cleansing it once a day with a mild cleanser will do the trick.
Groom Your Hair If You Don’t Shave
You can run a little comb through your armpit hair to help smooth your hair and nix tangles. This makes it easier to keep the area dry and clean. It’ll also help your antiperspirant and/or deodorant to go on more evenly and reach your skin. And, if your armpit hair tends to grow really long, you can trim it every week or two so it’s more manageable.
Exfoliate Your Pits If You Do Shave
Yes, chemical exfoliants aren’t just for the face but products containing active ingredients such as lactic, salicylic, and glycolic acid can help you strip off the dead skin cells. Avoid scrubbing your underarms if you’ve hyperpigmentation as physical pressure provides no benefits in treating it. Even if you do so, use gentle circular motions while you scrub. Scrubbing your pits or using chemical exfoliants also helps in preventing ingrown hair.
Moisturise, Moisturise, And, Moisturise
Just like we slather on our favourite moisturiser on our face and body, the underarm skin needs hydration to look and feel its best. They just don’t need it quite as frequently, so moisturising it once or twice a week will do the trick. If you’ve dry skin, you can take it up to 3 to 4 times a week. If you notice inflammation or irritation, we recommend taking a break from deodorant and shaving.
If You Shave, Do So Gently
Shaving is the easiest, fuss-free, and quickest way to get rid of underarm hair but did you know that it can take a toll on your skin? So every time you shave your underarms, make sure you put it on a smooth surface by prepping your skin with a shaving gel or a cream. Alternatively, go to bed with a layer of moisturiser on the area you’re shaving, for a friction-free experience. It’ll help prevent razor bumps, burn, and damage.
Manage Odour Throughout The Day
This is an optional step, but if you’re into odour management then you’ll definitely need a fragrance. The best bit is there are all kinds of options available, including natural formulations and those without antiperspirant ingredients added to the mix.
Get those smooth, baby-soft underarms just in time for summer.
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