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.
Meet the Expert
- Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
- Divya Shokeen, MD, is a board-certified medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologist and the founder ofOcean Skin & Vein Institute.
- Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, is a board-certifiedcosmetic and medical dermatologistbased in New York City and Southampton.
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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 theunderarms."
Chemical peeling uses acidic solutions such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, or glycolic acid on the skin to promote stimulation, resulting in exfoliation. Physical exfoliators, such as products with small beads, can cause irritation and trauma to the skin.
"The trick to getting smoothunderarmsis 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 bumpyunderarms, 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 theunderarms" 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 smootherunderarms," 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.
Article Sources
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Grajqevci-Kotori, Merita, and Allma Kocinaj. “Exfoliative Skin-peeling, Benefits from This Procedure and Our Experience.”Medical archives (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina)vol. 69,6 (2015)
