Do you need to exfoliate your Armpits?

Do you need to exfoliate your Armpits?

It's easy to forget to care for our underarms, which could lead to darkening of the underarm area, itching, body odor, and at times bacterial or fungal skin infections. Our armpits are part of the intertriginous zone of the body, and this is an area of skin where two areas of skin may touch or rub against each other. 

Our armpits face a high level of skin friction and are left cooked up in our clothing all day; they tend to be moist due to a lack of airflow.

This reoccurring moistness can be uncomfortable and lead to the formation of body odor or other negative effects like a bacterial or fungal skin infection. Proper armpit care is necessary to prevent this, and exfoliation is one of the best ways to do it.

Exfoliation involves the removal of dead skin on any surface of the skin, and it is very effective in boosting and maintaining skin health.  Gentle exfoliation can also help make your deodorant work better and banish body odor. This is possible because it removes body odor-causing bacteria as well as dead skin cells.

How to exfoliate your armpits

 The skin at the armpits is sensitive, so exfoliation in this area needs to be done gently. Armpits are more likely to develop dead skin and product buildup, so it's really important to keep them clean.

There are several underarm exfoliation methods based on the materials you have access to.

Armpit exfoliation using a chemical exfoliator

Chemical exfoliants like AHA/BHA work in gently exfoliating underarms, and they are also used in producing deodorants. To use a chemical exfoliant, apply some and gently rub the armpit skin with a washcloth.

Dry brushing

This is probably the easiest way to exfoliate your underarms. Use a soft-bristled brush, a washcloth, or an exfoliating mitt to rub around your armpits to remove the dead skin cells and any other buildup. Immediately after, take a warm bath to wash it all away.  Another good way to exfoliate your skin will be to use a facial scrub for soft skin if you don't have access to a chemical exfoliant.

Exfoliation helps make your skin look better, be healthier, and makes deodorant use more effective and long-lasting. Try not to exfoliate too often or on broken skin to avoid irritating the skin. Also, speak to a dermatologist about exfoliating your underarms if you have a skin condition.