5 Ways to Achieve Smooth Underarm Skin

We often end up being our own harshest critics, particularly when it comes to our appearance — and it’s not just about our weight or facial features. In fact, studies show that up to 93 percent of American women consider their underarms unattractive, which can lead to anxiety and self-consciousness [source: Unilever].

So, what's the issue? It’s not about odor or sweat. It's the bumps, discoloration, dark spots, pain, and itching that make women hesitant to wear sleeveless clothes. But here are five ways to boost your confidence and raise your arms in joy, not embarrassment. First up: something simple — your deodorant might be the culprit.

5: Inspect Your Antiperspirant

If you notice redness, bumps, or irritation under your arms, take a closer look at your antiperspirant first. These products, as the name suggests, are designed to block sweat. Most contain aluminum salts that block your pores to keep you dry, but these ingredients can also irritate your skin. The more aluminum salt in your product, the higher the risk of irritation — and it might even damage your clothes.

Antiperspirants with alcohol can also be too drying for some skin types, leading to irritation. Any ingredient ending in "-paraben" (like methylparaben) can have a similar effect.

4: Hydrate

A simple way to reduce skin irritation—whether from antiperspirants, razor burn, or naturally sensitive skin—is by keeping your skin well-hydrated. Daily moisturization protects your skin from daily wear and tear, helping it stay soft and reducing dryness. For underarm care, it’s best to apply a moisturizer right after shaving and before using antiperspirant.

There are different types of moisturizers that work in unique ways. Emollients, like petroleum jelly, lock moisture into your skin, while humectants, such as your regular hand cream, attract water from the air to your skin. Dimethicone-based moisturizers, which use silicone polymers, help soothe dry skin and are especially effective at reducing underarm irritation.

3: Exfoliate

Your skin naturally renews itself every four weeks, though this process slows down as we age. To speed up the shedding of dead skin cells, regular exfoliation can help. Exfoliating removes the build-up of dead cells on the surface, revealing softer, fresher skin with a more youthful look. Whether for your face, underarms, or body, exfoliating products gently eliminate the old skin cells.

However, too much exfoliation can cause skin irritation, dryness, and inflammation. Always opt for a gentle exfoliant or a soft cloth, and exfoliate lightly before shaving. Limit it to no more than twice a week, or even less if your skin is sensitive, pigmented, acne-prone, or if you use other hair-removal methods.

2: Try a Skin-Lightening Treatment for Dark Spots

Did you know that factors like wearing antiperspirant, tight clothes, or plucking hairs could be leading to darkening of your underarm skin? This irritation might trigger dark or patchy spots, a condition known as hyperpigmentation, which occurs when the skin produces excess melanin. Hormonal changes and sun exposure can also contribute to this condition. It tends to affect women with darker skin tones most, although anyone can experience it.

Skin-lightening treatments, such as topical bleaching agents, are effective for treating mild hyperpigmentation. Chemical peels can also help lighten skin, though the recovery period can last from a few days to several weeks. Be aware of potential risks such as allergic reactions, scarring, and infections [source: WebMD].

1: Explore Hair Removal Alternatives to Shaving

Shaving became a popular method of underarm hair removal among American women in the 1920s and has remained a common choice ever since. But there are some downsides to this age-old method. Shaving can cause razor burn, nicks, and irritation, and the results typically only last for about one to three days. This has led many to look for alternatives like waxing and laser hair removal.

Waxing can be painful and may cause redness and swelling right after the treatment, but it delivers longer-lasting results—about a month of smooth, hair-free underarms. Laser hair removal, on the other hand, offers permanent hair removal by targeting and destroying the hair follicle. It usually requires up to eight sessions for full results, but as few as three to five treatments can result in about 90 percent of underarms being permanently hair-free [source: WebMD].