5 tips for smooth underarms, according to a skin expert (2024)

It's safe to say that getting smooth underarms has been on every beauty enthusiast and celebrity's wishlist alike. But, irritation and bumps in the underarm care can be a thorny problem, pun unintended. While the arms and the legs assume monopoly over our body care routines, the underarm area deserves dedicated attention as well, beyond a quick swipe of deodorant on sweaty days. If you are looking to cut back on bumps and redness for the smoothest underarms of your dreams, here’s what renowned dermatologist Dr Harshna Bijlani wants you to know.

For starters, everyone’s skin is unique and it is important to pay attention to how your underarm skin reacts to different products. “The underarm area, a delicate and often overlooked part of our body, can sometimes become a source of frustration and discomfort. Bumps and irritation in this region can disrupt our daily routines, causing annoyance and even pain,” she elaborates. From reactions to certain skincare ingredients to the aftermath of shaving, here are the various causes of irritation in the underarm area that she advises to stay vigilant for:

• Shaving or waxing the underarm area can cause irritation, razor burn and ingrown hair that curls back or grows sideways into the skin, leading to bumps, redness and infection.
• Certain skin types can be sensitive or allergic to ingredients in deodorants or antiperspirants, resulting in underarm irritation, redness and bumps.
• Underarm skin can react to certain fabrics, laundry detergents, body lotions and other products, causing contact dermatitis. This causes irritation, redness, itching and the development of bumps.
• Wearing tight or rough clothing and repetitive arm movements can cause friction and chafing in the underarm area, resulting in redness, soreness and the formation of bumps.

How to get smooth underarms without any bumps and irritation

Dr Bijlani believes that understanding the common causes of bumps and irritation in the underarm area can offer cues on how to take preventative measures, from changes in the hair removal routine to addressing underlying skin conditions. Ahead, she shares her best advice to make underarm care a more comfortable and irritation-free experience:

Start with clean skin

Begin by thoroughly cleansing the underarm area with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser or gentle body wash. Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Optionally, a face scrub can be used to gently exfoliate the underarm twice a week.

Moisturise regularly

Keep the underarm area hydrated and nourished by applying a fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturiser. This helps maintain the smoothness of the skin and minimise any potential irritation. Avoid using harsh or heavily fragranced soaps on your underarms as they can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause dryness or irritation. Instead, opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers or gentle body washes.

Exfoliate with care

Avoid using harsh exfoliating scrubs or loofahs directly on the underarm area, as they can be too abrasive and cause irritation. If you wish to exfoliate the underarms, use a gentle scrub or a soft washcloth in a circular motion. A gentle exfoliating glove can be handy for removing dead skin cells and preventing clogged pores without causing irritation.

Say no to alcohol-based deodorants

Deodorants containing high amounts of alcohol can cause dryness and irritation to the underarm skin. Look for alcohol-free or low-alcohol options to minimise potential irritation. Alternatively, consider natural deodorants that use ingredients like arrowroot powder or essential oils for odour control.

Follow appropriate post-laser care

If you’ve undergone laser hair reduction or are planning to do so, follow the specific instructions provided by your skin expert or laser therapist. Typically, this involves avoiding sun exposure, shaving the area before treatment and scheduling multiple sessions as recommended. After laser hair reduction, follow any post-treatment instructions given by your skin expert. This includes avoiding excessive heat, sun exposure or using certain skincare products for a specified period of time.

“Remember, if you’re facing persistent or severe symptoms, it’s always advisable to seek professional medical advice for accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment options,” she concludes.

Also read:

Armpit products are moving the spotlight from facial beauty

5 body oils that will leave your skin deeply hydrated, regardless of weather

What exactly is Indian skin, and what are the best ways to take care of it?