4 Expert-Recommended Tips for Achieving Your Smoothest Underarms Ever
Often, we focus a lot of effort on keeping our faces smooth, glowing, and protected, almost like glazed donuts.
Meanwhile, other areas of our bodies—like our underarms—are frequently neglected and overlooked in our skincare routines.
Underarm skin is among the less visible parts of the body, which makes it easy to ignore.
However, if your goal is to have clear, soft, and smooth underarms, then you should give this often-neglected area some much-needed attention. Proper care can prevent irritation, bumps, and uneven texture.
To provide reliable advice on how to maintain healthy skin under the arms, we consulted three board-certified dermatologists: Brendan Camp, MD; Divya Shokeen, MD; and Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD.
Their insights debunk common mistakes and offer practical, dermatologist-approved tips.
Interestingly, one major culprit behind rough, bumpy underarms is the dull, disposable razor many people use without realizing the damage it causes.
Below, you’ll find their top recommendations on how to keep your underarms hydrated, smooth, and free from irritation.
1. Exfoliate Regularly for Smooth Skin
If smooth underarms are your priority, exfoliation should be a key part of your skincare regimen. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, which can otherwise clog pores and lead to rough, bumpy texture.
It also encourages collagen production, which improves skin texture and helps maintain a firm, plump appearance. Collagen is vital for healthy skin, and its synthesis naturally slows down as we age.
Dr. Shokeen advises using gentle chemical exfoliants rather than physical scrubs.
She explains that chemical exfoliants brighten the skin and improve its quality without causing trauma, which physical exfoliants can sometimes do.
Chemical exfoliation uses acids such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, or glycolic acid to dissolve dead skin cells and stimulate skin renewal.
Physical exfoliants, like scrubs with tiny beads, can sometimes irritate the sensitive underarm skin and create microtears.
Dr. Murphy-Rose also supports chemical exfoliation for treating bumpy underarms. She recommends starting slowly—once a week—and then increasing frequency as your skin tolerates it.
She suggests using gentler acids like lactic acid instead of harsher manual scrubs, because it minimizes irritation while still providing effective exfoliation.
Finding the right balance between exfoliating enough to remove dead skin and avoiding irritation is key to achieving smooth, glowing underarms.
2. Keep Your Underarms Moisturized
Hydrating the skin under your arms is essential for maintaining softness and preventing dryness or irritation. Moisturizing is a crucial skincare step that many people overlook in this area.
Dr. Camp points out that moisturizers containing keratolytic agents like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid help gently exfoliate while hydrating.
These ingredients remove dead skin cells and support smoother, healthier skin.
Many over-the-counter moisturizers include these acids, allowing you to combine exfoliation and hydration in one step.
Dr. Shokeen recommends applying a hydrating lotion or cream immediately after showering to soothe and soften the underarm skin.
This helps reduce inflammation, irritation, and the rough, bumpy appearance that can follow exfoliation.
Consistent moisturizing creates a protective barrier and reduces the chances of skin becoming dry, flaky, or prone to irritation.
It also makes the skin more resilient against friction and shaving-related trauma.
3. Avoid Dry Shaving—Always Use Proper Shaving Products
Shaving your underarms without proper preparation is a common mistake that can cause irritation, bumps, and rough texture.
Dry shaving, or shaving without any lubrication like cream or gel, is especially harmful.
Dr. Murphy-Rose often hears from patients who skip shaving cream or gel. She stresses that using a shaving product is critical to protect your skin from cuts, razor burn, and irritation.
She also emphasizes the importance of using a sharp razor and replacing blades regularly. Dull razors tug at hair and skin, causing micro-injuries that lead to bumps and irritation.
For best results, soften your hair first by taking a warm, steamy shower before shaving. Exfoliating the area gently beforehand also helps remove dead skin and prepare your skin for a smoother shave.
After shaving, apply a moisturizer to soothe the skin and maintain hydration. This routine helps prevent inflammation and keeps your underarms looking and feeling smooth.
4. Consider Laser Hair Removal for a Long-Term Solution
For those seeking a more permanent way to achieve smooth underarms, laser hair removal is an effective option.
Although this is the most costly and time-consuming choice, it offers lasting results by reducing or eliminating hair growth altogether.
Dr. Camp explains that laser hair removal targets hair follicles and is a well-tolerated procedure for the underarms (axillae). It effectively removes hair after a series of treatments spaced out over time.
Typically, the process takes around six months, with appointments every four to six weeks, depending on the individual’s hair growth cycle and skin type.
Some people see quicker results, while others may need more sessions for stubborn hair.
To ensure the best outcomes, it’s crucial to follow your practitioner’s aftercare instructions closely.
Proper care post-treatment helps avoid irritation and promotes safe healing, leading to smoother, clearer underarm skin.
While laser hair removal requires patience, it can be a game-changer for people who frequently suffer from shaving-related irritation or who want to reduce the hassle of constant hair removal.
Final Thoughts
Underarm care often gets overlooked, but it plays a significant role in your overall skin health and comfort.
By following these expert tips—regular gentle exfoliation, consistent moisturizing, proper shaving techniques, and considering laser hair removal—you can enjoy smoother, healthier underarms.
Remember, your underarm skin is delicate and sensitive. Treating it with care prevents irritation, reduces bumps, and improves texture.
Incorporating these dermatologist-approved habits into your routine will help you feel confident and comfortable, even when your underarms are exposed.
Have you tried any of these tips before? What has worked best for you in keeping your underarms smooth and healthy?
By consistently following these dermatologist-approved strategies, you can transform your underarm care routine and enjoy lasting smoothness and comfort.
Remember, healthy skin starts with mindful habits tailored to your unique needs.
