How often do you actually take care of your underarms? Apart from cleansing (which we assume you do on a daily basis) and a spritz of deodorant, what other things do you do to protect it against sweat and odor or keep the skin healthy and hydrated?
Continue reading as we list some facts you need to know about your underarms, as well as ways on how to take care of them.
Facts about your underarm skin
- Underarm skin is thinner and more sensitive than other areas. The skin rubs on the skin in this region and can go long periods without air or light exposure.
- The skin under the arms is more prone to texture due to its delicate and sensitive skin.
- Armpit skin is mostly associated with sweating or body odor. It also has one of the highest densities of sweat glands in the body.
- Underarm skin has a lower pH level, which makes it susceptible to the growth of bacteria.
- Armpits are dark, moist areas, where bacteria can easily grow and multiply
- Apocrine glands, concentrated in the armpits and genital region, produce a thick sweat that is rich in protein. This fluid attracts bacteria and can cause body odor.
How to look after your underarms
Reduce sweat
Sweating is the body’s way to cool down when we get hot. And with a larger density of sweat glands, the underarms are one of the commonly affected areas for perspiration. Sweating is absolutely normal, especially with elevated body temperature, but it becomes a problem when it’s excessive.
Here are a few things that can reduce sweating or keep perspiration at bay:
- Use an antiperspirant – Deodorant helps reduce or eliminate underarm odor, but it is not designed to stop you from sweating. Antiperspirants do a better job of blocking sweat glands, as well as killing odor-causing bacteria in the underarm.
- Wear breathable clothing – Tight clothes prevent your underarms from cooling off properly. They trap moisture and cause underarm stains, causing you to sweat more. So, if you’re prone to sweating, choose loose-fitting clothes or those made with breathable fabrics. And when working out, go for moisture-wicking fabrics.
- Shave or remove armpit hair – As hair holds on to sweat, removing hair can reduce both sweating and body odor. Laser hair reduction and similar methods are a good option, as they eliminate the need to shave regularly.
- Stay hydrated – Drink lots of water to keep your body cool and prevent sweating too much. You can also benefit from consuming foods high in water content, such as cucumber, lettuce, oranges, and watermelon.
- Stop or quit smoking – Nicotine increases your body temperature, as well as releases acetylcholine, a chemical that helps stimulate sweat production. Smoking can also negatively affect how your sweat smells, as well as cause bad breath.
- Consult a doctor – If your sweating is out of control, it is best to consult a doctor. Botulinum toxin injections, which stop the sweat glands from producing sweat, may be recommended or other treatments to treat the underlying condition.
Target pigmentation
Hyperpigmentation or darkening in the underarms can be due to several factors, such as shaving, friction, and hormonal fluctuations. And while dark armpits are rarely a cause of concern, they can make you self-conscious or prevent you from wearing some clothes or participating in certain activities.
The first step in tackling pigmentation is addressing the cause of darkening. Taking better care of your armpits helps, as well as considering aesthetic treatments. Below are a few things that can help lighten your underarms.
- Change your deodorant or switch to a gentle/hypoallergenic product.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing.
- Exfoliate the area gently. Use a facial exfoliator or a gentle body scrub.
- Stop shaving; switch to laser hair reduction and similar methods.
- Cleanse and moisturize the area daily.
- Look for gentle, brightening topicals/ingredients such as niacinamide (serum), alpha arbutin, kojic acid, and licorice root.
- Visit a doctor for safe and effective options based on the underlying cause of your pigmentation.
Remove hair properly
Several hair removal methods work on the underarm. Shaving is the easiest and most convenient, but using the wrong type of razor and technique can lead to cuts, irritation, and dark underarms. Waxing is a good alternative, as its results last long, but it can also be painful and cause redness or irritation.
Laser hair reduction and other light-based methods are ideal, especially if you’re looking for more permanent results. This treatment bypasses the skin and solely targets the pigment in the hair to destroy it, which then inhibits hair growth. It can take multiple sessions to achieve permanent hair reduction, but will free you up from the constant need to wax, shave, or pluck.
For further reading: How Many Laser Hair Reduction Sessions Do You Need?
Practice good hygiene
Good underarm care can help reduce or eliminate some of the most common concerns associated with your armpits.
- Take a bath/shower regularly – this helps avoid unpleasant body odors, especially in areas that don’t get much sunlight, such as your underarms, genitals, and between the toes.
- Moisturize the area – apply a nourishing cream or moisturizer to keep your underarms hydrated. And to keep them soft and supple, take a break from shaving, waxing, or using deodorants.
- Exfoliate – make sure to do it gently and stay away from harsh scrubs or physical exfoliants. A cleanser with lactic acid is a good choice, as well as a cleansing oil or balm.
- Deodorize regularly – dirt, sweat, and poor hygiene can lead to the accumulation of bad odors. Using a deodorant can help reduce or neutralize smell, as well as offer protection against sweat and bacteria.
- Relieve stress – sweat is one of the body’s natural reactions to stress. Breathing exercises and stress-management techniques can help alleviate stress and potentially reduce your sweat response.
Book a consultation
If you want to learn more about our hair reduction methods and other aesthetic treatments for different skin concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor.
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