Mia
Even though the summer months have long since passed and autumn is upon us, there are still a few warm days that we get to enjoy occasionally. Many of us bring out sleeveless shirts and other articles of clothing to help us deal with the soaring temperatures and excessive amounts of sweat that our bodies produce each day.
Those of us who choose to wear sleeveless clothing may feel a bit self-conscious when it comes to raising our arms if need be and revealing what’s underneath, such as skin that’s darkened over time. If you are struggling with discolored armpits or slight body odor, here is a guide to taking better care of your underarms.
Your underarms have limited access to fresh air, which means they are more likely to be moist and warm. This is the ideal condition for unwanted bacteria, inflammation, and irritation. By taking care of your underarms and taking care of your face and the rest of your body, you are eliminating infection and discomfort, as well as unpleasant odors.
Please note that this guide isn’t limited to the summer months, and it can help you feel a lot more comfortable and at ease all year round!
Let’s dive right in.
Here are the top 5 ways to maintain clean underarms:
- Gentle Daily Cleansing
To begin with, wash your underarms daily with a bar of mild soap to reduce bacterial growth. Follow this up by exfoliating them at least two to three times a week to unclog the pores and stimulate the renewal of cells. The skin under your arms is sensitive, so choose an exfoliant that is gentle on the skin; one that is for the face can also be used here.
- Toning and moisturizing
The cleansing process can be followed by toning and moisturizing. As funny as it may seem, toning and moisturizing your skin helps it stay moisturized and will encourage pore constriction. Dry your armpits after washing them, and then apply a toner to get rid of any residual debris, thus ensuring pore constriction. This will reduce the amount of sweat that your armpits produce. A toner that has witch hazel works very well in this situation. Once you are finished toning, apply a thin layer of a highly moisturizing lotion. You can use the same one that you use on your body.
- Shaving
If you shave your armpits, make sure that your razor is always clean before using it. Store it in a place that allows it to dry completely. Shaving can cause tears in the armpit’s skin, which could cause bacteria to build up and infections to develop.
- Dressing Comfortably
Wear fabrics that are cool, comfortable, and breathable. Choosing clothing that allows moisture to evaporate helps keep the body cool and reduces how much you may sweat during warmer weather. If you are worried about staining your clothing with sweat, darker colors and white often hide sweat stains much better than clothing in other colors. Try to wear clothing made of fabrics like linen and cotton, and try to choose garments that do not stick tightly to the skin and cause you to feel constricted.
- Using Home Remedies and Homemade Recipes
To get rid of dark armpits, try out some of these home remedies using ingredients that you can find in your kitchen or at your grocery store.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV contains high amounts of amino and lactic acid, which help clear dead skin cells and reduce scars. The astringent properties that it has can unclog pores and reduce skin darkness. Pour a small amount of the vinegar onto a cotton pad, pat it onto the armpit and leave it there until it dries completely. Repeat this daily for best results.
- Baking soda and lemon
These two ingredients can be found quickly and are highly effective. Baking soda works very well as an exfoliator that unclogs the pores and lightens dark underarms, while lemons work as both a natural antiseptic and bleaching agent. Mix equal parts baking soda and lemon juice and make a paste. Scrub it over your underarms and wash it with lukewarm water, then moisturize your skin.
- Sugar and olive or coconut oil
Create a scrub made of these two ingredients, and then rub the mixture onto your armpit. Rinse it with water. The sugar acts as an exfoliant, and the oil acts as a moisturizer.
Conclusion
Even though the summer months are slowly drawing to a close, taking care of your underarms means that you are just taking care of yourself better and choosing better hygiene for additional parts of your body.
