Scrubbing your armpits every day is not advisable. Daily exfoliation can lead to irritation and damage to the skin barrier. Stick to 2-3 times a week to maintain healthy skin.
Exfoliate Regularly
Like the face, underarms can be impacted by skin sensitivity and irritation. According to Dr. Zalka, “too much oil, clogged pores, pimples (known as folliculitis), and a buildup of dead, dull, and sometimes discolored skin cells,” are all reasons exfoliation should extend below the neck.
Using a scrub daily is also not recommended, as it can be harsh on the skin and lead to irritation or inflammation. Over-exfoliating the skin can disrupt the skin's natural barrier and lead to dryness, redness, and other issues.
Taking care of your armpits includes daily cleansing, using a deodorant, shaving, exfoliating, using an underarm mask, and wearing breathable fabrics.
Exfoliate your underarms at least once a week with a natural scrub (No microbeads, please!) or body brush while taking a shower.
Doing this too often or too aggressively can strip the body of its natural oil barrier, causing skin irritation or even inflammation.
Yes! Face scrub helps your skin glow and plump. After exfoliation, the skin becomes clean and clear. It reduces dullness and evens up your skin complexion.
There are a few general rules to follow, though. 1) It's good to exfoliate at night in order to encourage skin repair while you sleep—but if you use harsh and irritating ingredients like retinol at night, opt for exfoliating in the morning. 2) Watch out for red, irritated skin and little bumps.
Gently clean the underarm area in a circular motion. Remember to exfoliate before hair removal, as well as several days after.
Use a gentle exfoliating scrubs for your bikini line and pubic area prior to shaving. We recommend staying away from harsh chemicals or exfoliants that are too aggressive for the sensitive skin in your pubic area. Typically a sugar based scrub with natural oils is common to use.
For most people, dark underarms are caused by something called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is a darkening of the skin due to irritation or damage.
Product build-up. Sometimes, the products you're using can actually contribute to the problem. If you're not rinsing off your soap or body wash completely, it can mix with sweat and bacteria, creating a perfect storm for odor.
As tempting as it may be, refrain from aggressively scrubbing your underarms. Physical pressure provides no benefits for treating hyperpigmentation. In fact, it's more likely to cause irritation and worsen the problem. So if you use a physical exfoliant, reach for one that's gentle.
An armpit detox is a mask that can be applied to your underarms for around 15 minutes. The mask can be made at home with common household items like baking soda and cornstarch, or some beauty brands offer their own masks or scrubs.
The final verdict on using a body scrub every day is that it's not healthy for your skin. It's best to keep your use limited, depending on your skin type. Now that you know when and how to use body scrubs, you can give your skin the maximum benefits without going overboard!
Dr Jaishree Sharad explains further, “The topmost layer of the skin is a protective barrier layer. Too much scrubbing will disrupt this layer and make the skin more sensitive to UV rays, leading to easy tanning, rashes and sunburns.
Stick to physical exfoliants like sugar, salt, and coffee grinds. Try to exfoliate your body at least once every 10 days, but we recommend one to two times a week if you have sensitive skin, and three to four if your chest and back are on the oily side.
While you might want to have glowing, freshly-exfoliated skin every day, over-exfoliating can cause damage to your skin and its natural barrier. Exfoliation should only occur once or twice a week and always moisturize afterward! This provides your fresh new skin with moisture and protection from the elements.
If we're cleaning our bodies, we should start with a clean slate. Start with an all natural body soap to remove the outermost layer of body oils, dirt, and dead skin. Then apply your body scrub to exfoliate the skin further, removing the tough, dry layer of skin below.
Below are dermatologist-recommended and NBC Select staff-favorite products that contain exfoliating ingredients like AHAs and BHAs and are in line with experts' guidance. Although some of these products may be safe for daily use, experts recommend exfoliating one to three times a week.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil can hydrate the skin and brighten it. Before going to bed, apply a few drops of coconut oil to your underarms. After applying it all night, wash it off in the morning. Do this each day.