Armpit Skin Care: The 5 Essential Steps For Smoother, Brighter Pits

This tip isn’t new, but it’s something every expert has told me: You need to prioritize a clean, sharp razor. “The sharper the blade, the cleaner the cut, which prevents any bumps,” says board-certified dermatologist Margarita Lolis, M.D.

You’ll know your razor is too old if it scratches against your skin, or if it’s been more than three or four weeks since you've swapped the blade. 

You should also actively clean your razor after every use, Lolis says. Cleanse it with soap, pat it dry with a towel, and store it in a dry environment (read: not in your steamy shower). This prevents rusting, dullness, and microbial growth that could lead to infection, she notes. 

2.

Experiment with shaving creams, lotions, and oils

While you may be used to switching up your facial skin care routine, you might ignore emerging products in this niche area of body care. However, many modern formulas cushion a shave better than fluffy creams of years past. 

One of my favorite methods: using a shave bar or shave stick, like the WYOS Shaving Suds or Hanni Shave Pillow. The formula acts like a rub-on shaving cream for a no-mess experience. 

You can also try using simple oils, like jojoba, grapeseed, or rosehip oil, in the shower to shave if you want even more slip.

Extra tip: Shave at the end of your shower

“Additionally, I tell my patients not to shave as soon as you jump into the shower. Giving your skin ample time to sit in a warm moist environment, opens up hair follicles from the steam and softens the hair, giving you a cleaner shave,” Lolis says. 

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“I recommend using a gentle deodorant that doesn’t have irritating ingredients in it, such as the Miles Clean Deodorant,” says board-certified dermatologist Jeannette Graf, M.D., FAAD.

Which format you use (spray, serum, stick, etc.) is up to you, but try to avoid super-heavy deodorant formulas, as they may clog your pores and result in more unwanted texture. 

RELATED READ: The 13 Best Natural, Organic Deodorants Of 2022 — The Reviews Are In

4.

Give glycolic acid a try to lighten hyperpigmentation

For those concerned about underarm hyperpigmentation, let’s talk about the viral glycolic acid hack: a process that entails applying a glycolic acid toner (most often The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution) to lighten hyperpigmentation and exfoliate the underarm area. 

Many folks on TikTok praise this affordable product for transforming their underarms, but do dermatologists back this step?

According to Lolis, it’s a worthy addition. “[Glycolic acid] works by breaking up dead skin cells and lowering the pH of the skin, which decreases the bacterial load,” she explains. And reduced bacteria often means reduced underarm odor. 

Plus, “Glycolic acid has the added benefit that it reduces hyperpigmentation,” she says. But here’s the thing: You shouldn’t use just any product out there. Lolis recommends seeking a glycolic acid product with a less than 10% concentration, making the viral product above a worthy investment. 

Use this toner under your arms once or twice a week (rather than daily) to minimize the chance of irritation from over-exfoliation. Of course, if you're sensitive to the potent AHA, feel free to skip this step.

RELATED READ: Causes Of Underarm Hyperpigmentation + 9 Ways To Lighten Underarms, From Derms

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5.

Apply a post-shave oil right after you rinse

Finally, consider an aftershave product if you don’t use one already. “Applying moisturizer to the area can help overall skin health. The underarm skin is a sensitive area, so it's best to give [it] extra care,” Graf explains. 

Be sure to skip anything with too much fragrance, any kind of exfoliant, or retinol, as that will irritate your freshly-exfoliated skin. Instead, keep your moisturizer simple and hydrating.

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