4 Expert-Recommended Tips for Achieving Your Smoothest Underarms Ever
Often, we focus a lot of effort on keeping our faces smooth, glowing, and protected, almost like glazed donuts.
Meanwhile, other areas of our bodies—like our underarms—are frequently neglected and overlooked in our skincare routines.
Underarm skin is among the less visible parts of the body, which makes it easy to ignore.
However, if your goal is to have clear, soft, and smooth underarms, then you should give this often-neglected area some much-needed attention. Proper care can prevent irritation, bumps, and uneven texture.
To provide reliable advice on how to maintain healthy skin under the arms, we consulted three board-certified dermatologists: Brendan Camp, MD; Divya Shokeen, MD; and Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD.
Their insights debunk common mistakes and offer practical, dermatologist-approved tips.
Interestingly, one major culprit behind rough, bumpy underarms is the dull, disposable razor many people use without realizing the damage it causes.
Below, you’ll find their top recommendations on how to keep your underarms hydrated, smooth, and free from irritation.
1. Exfoliate Regularly for Smooth Skin
If smooth underarms are your priority, exfoliation should be a key part of your skincare regimen. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, which can otherwise clog pores and lead to rough, bumpy texture.
It also encourages collagen production, which improves skin texture and helps maintain a firm, plump appearance. Collagen is vital for healthy skin, and its synthesis naturally slows down as we age.
Dr. Shokeen advises using gentle chemical exfoliants rather than physical scrubs.
She explains that chemical exfoliants brighten the skin and improve its quality without causing trauma, which physical exfoliants can sometimes do.
Chemical exfoliation uses acids such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, or glycolic acid to dissolve dead skin cells and stimulate skin renewal.
Physical exfoliants, like scrubs with tiny beads, can sometimes irritate the sensitive underarm skin and create microtears.
Dr. Murphy-Rose also supports chemical exfoliation for treating bumpy underarms. She recommends starting slowly—once a week—and then increasing frequency as your skin tolerates it.
She suggests using gentler acids like lactic acid instead of harsher manual scrubs, because it minimizes irritation while still providing effective exfoliation.
Finding the right balance between exfoliating enough to remove dead skin and avoiding irritation is key to achieving smooth, glowing underarms.
2. Keep Your Underarms Moisturized
Hydrating the skin under your arms is essential for maintaining softness and preventing dryness or irritation. Moisturizing is a crucial skincare step that many people overlook in this area.
Dr. Camp points out that moisturizers containing keratolytic agents like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid help gently exfoliate while hydrating.
These ingredients remove dead skin cells and support smoother, healthier skin.
Many over-the-counter moisturizers include these acids, allowing you to combine exfoliation and hydration in one step.
Dr. Shokeen recommends applying a hydrating lotion or cream immediately after showering to soothe and soften the underarm skin.
This helps reduce inflammation, irritation, and the rough, bumpy appearance that can follow exfoliation.
Consistent moisturizing creates a protective barrier and reduces the chances of skin becoming dry, flaky, or prone to irritation.
It also makes the skin more resilient against friction and shaving-related trauma.
3. Avoid Dry Shaving—Always Use Proper Shaving Products
Shaving your underarms without proper preparation is a common mistake that can cause irritation, bumps, and rough texture.
Dry shaving, or shaving without any lubrication like cream or gel, is especially harmful.
Dr. Murphy-Rose often hears from patients who skip shaving cream or gel. She stresses that using a shaving product is critical to protect your skin from cuts, razor burn, and irritation.
She also emphasizes the importance of using a sharp razor and replacing blades regularly. Dull razors tug at hair and skin, causing micro-injuries that lead to bumps and irritation.
For best results, soften your hair first by taking a warm, steamy shower before shaving. Exfoliating the area gently beforehand also helps remove dead skin and prepare your skin for a smoother shave.
After shaving, apply a moisturizer to soothe the skin and maintain hydration. This routine helps prevent inflammation and keeps your underarms looking and feeling smooth.
4. Consider Laser Hair Removal for a Long-Term Solution
For those seeking a more permanent way to achieve smooth underarms, laser hair removal is an effective option.
Although this is the most costly and time-consuming choice, it offers lasting results by reducing or eliminating hair growth altogether.
Dr. Camp explains that laser hair removal targets hair follicles and is a well-tolerated procedure for the underarms (axillae). It effectively removes hair after a series of treatments spaced out over time.
Typically, the process takes around six months, with appointments every four to six weeks, depending on the individual’s hair growth cycle and skin type.
Some people see quicker results, while others may need more sessions for stubborn hair.
To ensure the best outcomes, it’s crucial to follow your practitioner’s aftercare instructions closely.
Proper care post-treatment helps avoid irritation and promotes safe healing, leading to smoother, clearer underarm skin.
While laser hair removal requires patience, it can be a game-changer for people who frequently suffer from shaving-related irritation or who want to reduce the hassle of constant hair removal.
Final Thoughts
Underarm care often gets overlooked, but it plays a significant role in your overall skin health and comfort.
By following these expert tips—regular gentle exfoliation, consistent moisturizing, proper shaving techniques, and considering laser hair removal—you can enjoy smoother, healthier underarms.
Remember, your underarm skin is delicate and sensitive. Treating it with care prevents irritation, reduces bumps, and improves texture.
Incorporating these dermatologist-approved habits into your routine will help you feel confident and comfortable, even when your underarms are exposed.
Have you tried any of these tips before? What has worked best for you in keeping your underarms smooth and healthy?
By consistently following these dermatologist-approved strategies, you can transform your underarm care routine and enjoy lasting smoothness and comfort.
Remember, healthy skin starts with mindful habits tailored to your unique needs.
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.
