The Right Way to Take Care of Your Underarms

While you’re paying close attention to your face and hair needs, there’s one area of your body you may unknowingly be neglecting. This doesn’t go to say that you don’t care about this certain spot, but that it rarely crosses your mind. We’ll give you a moment to guess … ready? It’s your underarms, armpits, pitters, pockets…yeah, those things! The skin around this often-forgotten area is super sensitive, and taking proper care of them can be tricky if you’re not well versed in the skincare art of underarms. And that’s OK because that’s what we’re here for! Now, let’s go over your main concerns and how to take care of them — the right way. Hair Removal

Shaving: Shaving the right way will eliminate stubble while preventing ingrown hairs and any possible inflammation. Remember that hair under there can sometimes grow in various directions, which means you may have to shave in more than just one downward motion. Gently exfoliate the area prior to shaving (your loofah will do or use The Body Shop Aloe Gentle Exfoliator) and use a conditioning shave cream for smooth results. (Exfoliation also helps fight off underarm odor, but more on that later!) For a close and comfortable shave, be sure to use a fresh blade!

Waxing: While waxing isn’t the most fun, it’s highly effective and can leave you hairless for weeks instead of days. Try it at home if you’re brave (and not the messy type!) or seek the help of a professional esthetician or wax expert to ditch the daily stubble. Laser: While it can cost a pretty penny, 6-10 sessions of laser hair removal will leave your underarms feeling baby soft. Be sure to do your research before going this route, but consistent treatments will leave you with little to no hair for good!  OdorSuperbly-Efficient-Anti-Perspirant-and-Deodorant--50ml Oh, the touchy subject of B.O. ... Ever give yourself a smell check midday and think, well, this is not so great? Kick your body odor to the curb by keeping your clothes clean, your body squeaky clean and by using a deodorant or antiperspirant like Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant, which contains Linseed Extracts for a soft and smooth feel that protects against sweat and odor. Just be sure to wait at least 10 minutes after shaving to apply deodorant, so as to prevent any irritation or rashes! Color Underarm hyperpigmentation, excessive darkening or changes of the skin can have various causes. Overexposure to UV rays can stimulate and produce brown-colored pigment, so be sure to stay sun safe! Other factors could be hormonal changes and irritated or allergic reactions to products — in this case, scheduling a visit with your dermatologist is recommended for treatment. Underarm hair tends to be dark and coarse, which gives off the appearance of a shadow since the stubble sits just below the surface of your skin. Waxing will help prevent this “5 o’clock shadow”! 

What are your steps to getting silky smooth underarms? Let us know in the comments below! 

Photo: Natalie Faye