Don't Forget To Exfoliate Your Underarms For Your Best Skin Yet
Exfoliation is something that a number of people have included in their skincare routine. The benefits of exfoliation are clear, as it can help to unclog pores, aid in preventing breakouts, produce collagen for more radiant and youthful skin, and get rid of dry patches of skin and dead skin cells that can build up on your body. Exfoliation can also help your other skincare products penetrate more deeply into your skin, allowing them to work more efficiently while also promoting better blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Clearing the debris from your skin can also improve hydration and increase levels of moisture that allow for the formation of new cells and healthier, glowing skin. Exfoliating can also become a key part of the anti-aging process, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time. "Exfoliating ensures that the dead cells are completely removed," dermatologist Rachel Burns tells Byrdie. "Exfoliating helps to brighten your complexion, improve the appearance of your skin, and crucially, it helps prevent pore clogging, acne spots, blackheads, and whiteheads," she added.
While exfoliating your skin sounds easy enough, many may be forgetting one major part of their body during the process: the underarms. Of course, it's important to scrub your underarms if you're looking to achieve your best-looking and healthiest skin.
Here's why you should exfoliate your underarms
Many people may believe that regular washing and using deodorant is all they need to do to take care of their underarm area. However, that's not the case. Because of sweat that accumulates there, and the fact that it's a place where skin touches skin much of the time, it's essential that you take special care of your armpits. "Regular exfoliation of the area is important to prevent ingrown hairs, folliculitis, and discoloration," Dr. Corey Hartman tells Coveteur. "If armpit skin is not exfoliated regularly through washing, dead skin cells can accumulate, leading to an increased number of bacteria, development of painful pustules, and scarring."
In addition, exfoliating the underarms can also help combat discoloration of the skin and prevent it from becoming dull and oily. There are several products for exfoliation on the market. However, Dr. Alicia Zalka tells Vogue that using a glycolic toner is a great way to remove dead skin, improve the skin of the underarms, and avoid irritation to the area.
Exfoliation of the underarms may also improve issues with body odor, as the buildup of dead skin can be a source of unpleasant smells for some.
Other ways to take care of your underarms
In addition to exfoliating your underarms, there are several other ways to ensure that the area is healthy and looking its best. Regular cleaning is important, as it will help dispel body odor and dirt, and help lock in hydration. "Proper care and cleansing is important to reduce unwanted moisture and keep the natural balance of the microbiome," Dr. Alicia Zalka reveals. She also suggests washing the underarm area at least once a day. If you shave under your arms, then it's also key to have a clean, sharp razor to do so. This will reduce the risk of cutting your skin, give you a better shave, and reduce the possibility of bacteria lingering on the blade.
Of course, using deodorant on a daily basis is also important for taking care of your underarm area. This will help combat sweat and odor throughout the day, and even add hydration to the top layer of skin. However, some dermatologists recommend using a deodorant that is free of aluminum. Wearing fabric that allows your underarms to breathe is also a good idea if you're dealing with skin irritation or other issues.
While many people may not think much of caring for the underarms, it can actually be very beneficial to pay some extra attention to the area during your self-care routine.