4 Tips for the Smoothest Underarms, Straight from a Dermatologist
We often go to great lengths to make our faces smooth, protected, and look like sleek donuts—while our bodies take a backseat. Take your armpits, for example. They’re one of the less visible areas on the skin, so it’s easy to overlook their care. But if you want clear, smooth underarms, you’ve come to the right place.
To learn more about the best ways to care for your underarm skin, we spoke to board-certified dermatologists Brendan Camp, MD, Divya Shokeen, MD, and Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD. TIP: That dull disposable razor may be causing your underarm skin to look bumpy. Below, find out how our experts recommend keeping your underarms moisturized, smooth, and irritation-free.
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Exfoliate Regularly
If you want smooth skin, you should carefully incorporate exfoliation into your daily routine. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that clog pores, boosts collagen synthesis, improves texture, and maintains skin plumpness and tone.
“Use a gentle chemical peel to remove dead skin cells and open up the pores,” advises Shokeen. “I prefer chemical peels over physical peels, which are less traumatic and can gently help lighten and improve the quality of your underarm skin.”
Chemical peels involve applying an acidic solution like salicylic, lactic, or glycolic acid to the skin to promote irritation, which results in exfoliation. 1 Physical exfoliants, like bead products, can be irritating and traumatic to the skin.
“The secret to smooth underarms is finding a balance between exfoliation and not irritating sensitive skin,” says Murphy-Ross. She’s also an advocate for chemical peels. “If you have uneven underarms, I usually recommend using a chemical peel,” she tells us. “Start once a week and increase only as tolerated. I recommend a gentle chemical peel over a [harsher] manual peel. So consider a lactic acid scrub instead of a sugar scrub.”
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Moisturizer, moisturizer, moisturizer
Moisturization is essential for healthy skin, including the skin under your arms. “Moisturizers with keratolytics…help to gently remove dead skin cells from the surface,” says Kemp. “Ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid are active ingredients in many over-the-counter moisturizers and help keep skin smooth and hydrated. (Yes, if these ingredients sound familiar, that’s because they’re the same basic ingredients.” You’ll also find it in chemical peels.)
With that in mind, Shokeen recommends “applying a moisturizing lotion or cream to your underarms” after showering. “This can help soothe and soften the skin, making it less susceptible to irritation and inflammation,” she says. “It can also help reduce the appearance of bumps and roughness, especially after using a scrub.”
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Avoid dry shaving
It’s easy to get careless when shaving, and dry shaving your underarms may seem like a solution in a pinch, but experts warn: If you want smooth underarms, don’t shave without skincare.
“I talk to my patients all the time about their skin-care habits and am always surprised at how often they forgo shaving cream or shaving gel,” says Murphy-Ross. She recommends using shaving gel and frequently changing out a razor with a clean blade. “Avoiding shaving irritation and bumps will give you smoother underarms,” she adds.
In addition to using shaving cream or gel, experts recommend taking a steamy shower to soften the hair, exfoliating before shaving, using sharp blades (say goodbye to dull razors—they’re not your friend), and, of course, finishing with a layer of moisturizer to keep your skin happy.
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Consider laser hair removal
Experts offer another, more permanent solution to smooth underarms: laser hair removal. Arguably the most expensive method, it takes time, effort, and commitment, but you’ll end up with smooth underarms and lasting results.
“Laser hair removal is an effective way to remove shaving stubble,” says Kemp. “Laser hair removal for the armpits is a well-tolerated procedure that effectively removes underarm hair after a series of treatments.”
According to experts, laser hair removal typically lasts about six months, requiring appointments every four to six weeks, depending on the individual and their hair growth pattern. Some people see results quickly, while others struggle with stubborn hair and need multiple appointments.
If you undergo laser smoothing of your underarms, it is important to follow your doctor’s exact aftercare instructions to ensure the smoothest results and safest healing process.
