Top Tips for Happy Pits
Spring has arrived which means sleeves getting shorter and fabrics getting lighter. Our underarms will be making their way back into the limelight. Underarm care often falls towards the bottom of our list of personal care/beauty priorities, or in some cases is completely overlooked!
Just like the rest of our body they should be given the right amount of TLC to remain in healthy condition, especially given that the skin in this area is very delicate and one of the thinnest on our body.
If you’re guilty of neglecting your underarms throughout the colder months then read these handy tips for happy pits..
Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate
Exfoliation should form a crucial part of your underarm care, in the same way it applies to our faces and body. Exfoliating 2-3 times per week with a washcloth, sponge, loofah or natural scrub will slough away dead skin, promote cell turnover and reveal fresh skin. Use a cloth or sponge on each underarm for a maximum of 30 seconds.
An effective yet gentle, natural DIY scrub can be made in minutes using sea salt or brown sugar mixed with almond oil (or your favourite carrier oil), adjusting the amounts to get the desired consistency. You can add a few drops of essential oils to suit your skin type. Lightly scrubbing this on in the shower will work wonders for your underarms. Be sure to avoid harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliators as it can be unkind on sensitive skin.
Shaving vs. Waxing
Longer, sunny days means hair removal will undoubtedly find it’s way back into our morning routines. Although shaving is cheap, quick and easy, using a razor on delicate underarms can make them more prone to irritation. It may encourage ingrown hairs, increase the likelihood of bacteria getting into any small cuts and follicles, and could possibly cause infection.
Waxing on the other hand provides a longer lasting result and is safer, albeit more painful at the start (no pain, no gain, right?). Over time the hair follicle gets weaker and may cease to grow. Waxing removes the layer of dead skin cells as well as hair, providing a deep exfoliation. Make sure you get waxing done by a professional the first few times as it is a fragile area.
If you prefer sticking to shaving then remember to use a shaving gel, cream or foam to soften the hairs beforehand.
Dehydrated, dry skin
Do you suffer from very dry underarms? Then moisturise them! Coconut oil is not only a fantastic moisturiser due to its high saturated fat content, but it also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties from the capric, caprylic and lauric acids making it perfect for underarm skin. Its tropical scent is an added bonus.
If you have very dry skin you can dab some coconut oil on your underarms overnight for a moisture boost. Doing this post-shaving also helps the natural healing process of the skin. Moisturised skin = happy skin.
In need of brighter days?
Darkened underarms can sometimes be a cause of self-consciousness but there are effective, natural solutions worth trying. The discolouration may be because of your skins reaction to certain factors such as frequent shaving or the use of hair removal creams, build-up of dead skin cells or regular use of alcohol-based antiperspirants and deodorants.
If it is due to shaving and hair removal creams, you could consider waxing. This will reduce the dark appearance of the cut hair follicles just beneath the skins surface. Permanent laser hair removal could also be an option. Regular exfoliation will help remove the build-up of dead skin cells.
Certain chemicals in antiperspirants and deodorants could be the source of darkened underarms so switching to a natural alternative may have a positive effect. Antiperspirants work by blocking sweat glands which can lead to bumps and rashes so using an aluminium-free deodorant may solve this issue. When choosing a deodorant, be cautious of alcohol as it is one of the main culprits of skin irritation so opt for one without.
A home remedy for darkened underarms is to rub a thin slice of potato or cucumber on the skin or apply the juice directly onto the area. They both have natural bleaching properties which will lighten skin with consistent use. Start by applying it twice daily, leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse with warm water. This could be done until you reach the result you desire.
In some cases dark and thick patches of skin in underarms (known as Acanthosis nigricans), could be a symptom of an underlying health issue such as obesity or diabetes. If you think you have this it is best to seek medical advice. For more information click here.
Top tips for happy pits
- Exfoliate 2-3 times per week with a washcloth, sponge, loofah or a natural DIY scrub
- Consider waxing over shaving if you frequently get ingrown hairs or irritated underarm skin
- Keep dry underarms moisturised with coconut oil overnight
- Opt for a deodorant over antiperspirant
- Use a deodorant that is free from alcohol
- Try some home remedies for darkened underarms
- Of course good hygiene by washing underarms at least once a day goes without saying!
By following good underarm care you’ll help keep this delicate area happy and healthy. Try one of our aluminum-free and alcohol-free Natural Deodorant Creams. They’ll give you the confidence to raise your arms in the air like you just don’t care. Hello Spring!