Have you ever wondered why and how to exfoliate your armpits? Exfoliating your armpit may seem strange. However, it’s a great way to keep them fresh, smooth, and healthy. It’s also a great way to detox your skin after using aluminum-based deodorants. Adding this to your skincare routine can be surprisingly refreshing.
What Happens In the Armpits and Why Do They Need Exfoliating?
Just like your face or body, the underarms can benefit from regular care. But, what exactly is going on that causes them to need detoxing?
You have sweat glands over a large portion of your body to help keep you cool. This is especially useful on hot days or days when we’re active.
Even though you think of sweat as being stinky, it’s actually odorless on its own. The smell only happens when sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin.
Different types of bacteria live on the surface of the skin, and each kind of bacteria produces a slightly different smell when they interact with sweat.
Apocrine glands are found in some areas of the body like the armpits and the groin. They release an oily sweat that is very prone to causing odor on the surface of the skin.
Exfoliating your armpits will help to get rid of dead skin cells and bacteria that can cause odor. This is especially helpful if you detox from aluminum deodorants that can clog the pores and block the body’s ability to sweat.
It will take time to get the pore clean, and ready for non-toxic deodorant. Check out the best non-toxic deodorant recipe!
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How To Exfoliate The Armpits
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Dry Brushing
Dry Brushing is an easy way to naturally exfoliate your armpits and keep them feeling smooth and fresh. Using a soft, natural fiber brush is the key to avoiding skin irritation since the underarm area is pretty sensitive.
When you’re dry brushing, use a gentle sweeping motion instead of circular. This helps to remove dead cells without causing irritation.
If you’re trying to detox, dry brushing several times a week can be helpful. Once your skin feels good and smooth, switching to once a week is enough.
This gentle underarm care routine is a great way to use a non-chemical, physical exfoliator for fresh armpits.
Clay Scrub
Using kaolin or bentonite clay is a great way to gently exfoliate the underarm area and give it a little boost.
To make a simple clay mask, just mix equal parts clay and water to create a smooth paste. Apply this paste to your underarms and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Letting it sit gives the clay an opportunity to draw out the impurities.
When it’s time to rinse, use warm water and gently scrub in a circular motion to help lift away any dead skin cells and remaining clay.
This type of gentle scrub will do a great job of exfoliating your armpits. Use the clay 3-4 times a week to detox your armpits and once a week to maintain.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is an awesome natural ingredient for skin exfoliation, especially in the underarm area. It works by pulling out dead skin cells and excess oil, which can help reduce odor when you sweat.
Charcoal is also known to help shrink the size of your pores, leaving skin smoother. To make a charcoal mask for your armpits, mix one-part activated charcoal powder with two parts water and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Stir it up well until it forms a paste.
Apply it to your armpits, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse off. For best results, try using this mask twice a week. Any more than that can cause irritation since activated charcoal is pretty powerful.
Oil Cleanser
Using a natural oil cleanser is a fantastic way to exfoliate armpits and keep your armpit skin fresh and clean! Oils are excellent at dissolving dead skin cells and lifting away dirt, making them a perfect addition to your skincare routine.
When applied to dry skin, a natural oil cleanser can loosen clogged pores and leave the underarm area smooth without irritation. To use, simply rub the oil into your dry armpits. It’s important that the skin is dry for the best results, so the oil can really sink in and work its magic.
After massaging it in, rinse well with water. This gentle method is safe enough to use daily on this part of the body, and I’ve got a fantastic cleansing oil recipe that works great on both the face and body!
Benefits of Exfoliating
Exfoliating the delicate underarm skin comes with a lot of great benefits. First, it helps get rid of any odor that builds up after excessive sweating by clearing away dead skin cells and buildup on the surface of the skin.
Regular exfoliation can also make shaving smoother by helping prevent razor burn and reducing bumps.
Plus, if you’re using a natural deodorant, exfoliating helps it work even better by keeping your skin clean and free from any buildup that might block it. All of this helps your underarms stay fresh, smooth, and healthy!
Concerns With Exfoliating The Armpits
While exfoliating the underarms has benefits, there are also a few things to watch out for.
Exfoliating too often or scrubbing too hard with an underarm scrub can irritate the sensitive skin, making it red and sore. This irritation can even lead to problems like ingrown hairs if the skin becomes inflamed.
Over-exfoliating may also increase the risk of fungal skin infections, as it can strip away too much of the skin’s natural oils and upset the balance of bacteria. To avoid these issues, stick to gentle exfoliating a couple of times a week and always be gentle to keep the underarm area healthy.
Helpful Tips
- Start Gently – Use a light touch to avoid irritating the sensitive skin and damaging hair follicles.
- Choose the Right Product – Go for a gentle scrub or mask that’s made for delicate skin, so you get a smooth surface without overdoing it.
- Don’t Overdo It – Exfoliating three to four times a week is enough. Too much can cause irritation and even lead to unpleasant body odors by throwing off your skin’s natural balance.
- Rinse Thoroughly – Make sure to rinse away any product completely to keep pores clean and avoid buildup.
- Follow Up with Moisturizer – After exfoliating, apply a gentle moisturizer to keep the area soft and avoid dryness.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Exfoliate Armpits
How often should I exfoliate my armpits?
About two to three times a week is usually best. This keeps your skin smooth without causing irritation.
Can I use the same scrub I use on my face?
Yes, as long as it’s gentle! Look for scrubs that don’t have harsh particles, since the underarm skin is pretty sensitive.
Do I need to exfoliate if I use natural deodorant?
Yes! Exfoliating helps remove any buildup on your skin, which can make your natural deodorant work better.
What’s the easiest way to exfoliate?
You can use a gentle scrub, a dry brush, or even a homemade clay mask. Just make sure to be gentle and rinse well.
Will exfoliating stop body odor?
It can help! Exfoliating clears away dead skin cells and buildup that can trap odors, leaving you feeling fresher.
Can I exfoliate right after shaving?
It’s better to wait a day or two, as your skin might be extra sensitive right after shaving.
What if my armpits feel irritated after exfoliating?
Try exfoliating less often or using a gentler product. If irritation continues, give your underarms a break and apply a soothing moisturizer.
Final Thoughts
Exfoliating your armpits might seem like a small step, but it can make a big difference in keeping your skin fresh, smooth, and odor-free.
With just a few simple techniques, like using a gentle scrub, clay mask, or even a dry brush, you can keep your underarm skin healthy and help your deodorant work even better. Remember to be gentle and not overdo it. A little exfoliation goes a long way in keeping you feeling confident and comfortable. Give it a try, and your underarms will thank you!
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