4 Tips For Your Smoothest Underarms Ever, Straight From Dermatologists
Often, we put all our efforts into keeping our faces smooth, protected, and looking like glazed donuts—and our bodies become an afterthought. Take your underarms, for example. They are among the less-visible areas of the skin, so it’s easy to let taking care of them fall by the wayside. But, if you’re in the pursuit of clear, smooth armpits, we’ve got you.
To learn more about the best ways to care for the skin under your arms, we tapped board-certified dermatologists Brendan Camp, MD, Divya Shokeen, MD, and Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD. Hint: That dull, disposable razor may be responsible for uneven, bumpy underarm skin. Below, find out what our experts recommend for keeping your underarms hydrated, smooth, and without irritation.
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Exfoliate on the Regular
When smooth skin is your goal, exfoliation should be carefully worked into your routine. Exfoliation helps slough off dead skin cells—which can clog pores—and promotes collagen synthesis, helping to improve texture and keep the skin plump and tight.
“Use a gentle chemical exfoliator to help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores,” advises Shokeen. “I prefer chemical exfoliation over physical exfoliants so you don’t create more trauma, but gently help to brighten and improve skin quality under the underarms.”
Chemical peeling uses acidic solutions such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, or glycolic acid on the skin to promote stimulation, resulting in exfoliation.1 Physical exfoliators, such as products with small beads, can cause irritation and trauma to the skin.
“The trick to getting smooth underarms is finding the balance between exfoliating and not irritating this delicate skin,” says Murphy-Rose. She’s also an advocate for chemical exfoliation. “If you have bumpy underarms, I generally recommend [using] a chemical exfoliant,” she tells us. “Start once weekly before increasing only as tolerated. I recommend gentle chemical exfoliators over [harsher] manual abrasives. So, think lactic acid rather than sugar scrubs.”
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Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
For healthy skin, moisturizing is crucial, and that extends to the skin under your arms. “Moisturizers that contain keratolytic agents… help gently remove dead skin cells from the surface,” says Camp. “Ingredients like glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid are active ingredients featured in many over-the-counter moisturizers that promote smooth, hydrated skin.” (And yes, if those ingredients sound familiar, that’s because they are the same base ingredients you’ll find in a chemical exfoliation.)
On that same note, Shokeen recommends “applying a hydrating lotion or cream to the underarms” after showering. “This can help soothe and soften the skin, making it less prone to irritation and inflammation,” she says. “It can also help reduce the appearance of bumps and roughness, especially after using an exfoliant.”
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Skip the Dry Shave
It’s easy to get lazy with shaving, and dry shaving underarms in a pinch can seem like a solution, but the experts warn: Do not shave without skincare products if you want smooth underarms.
“I talk to my patients about their skincare habits all the time, and I am always surprised to learn how often [they] skip shaving cream or gel,” says Murphy-Rose. She recommends using a shave gel and a razor with clean blades that are frequently replaced. “Avoiding shaving irritation and bumps will help you achieve smoother underarms,” she adds.
On top of using shaving cream or gel, experts recommend softening the hair with a steamy shower, exfoliating the area before shaving, using a sharp blade (say goodbye to dull razors—they are not your friend), and of course, finishing with a moisturizer to keep the skin happy.
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Consider Laser Hair Removal
The experts offer another, more permanent solution for smooth underarms: laser hair removal. This is arguably the most expensive route and requires time, effort, and commitment, but when all is said and done, you’ll have smooth armpits and results that last.
“Laser hair removal is an effective way to eliminate the stubble associated with shaving,” says Camp. “A well-tolerated procedure, laser hair removal to the axillae can effectively eliminate underarm hairs after a series of treatments.”
Experts share that laser hair removal can typically take around six months, with appointments every four-to-six weeks depending on the person and their hair growth pattern. Some people may see results quickly, while others may deal with more stubborn hair that requires more appointments.
When it comes to laser as a solution for smoother underarms, it’s important to follow exact aftercare instructions provided by your professional to ensure the smoothest results and the safest healing process.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
