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 Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
