Make sure to use a rich oil, such as argan or olive oil. It’s best not to use coconut oil because it’s so lightweight that it absorbs too easily into the skin. The oil that you apply may come off on your clothing, so be sure to wear an old shirt that you don’t mind staining. You may prefer to apply the oil to your underarms before you go to sleep when you’ll only be wearing pajamas.
Shaving your underarms at night usually allows you to take more time with the process, which means you’re less likely to rush and make a mistake. If you notice that your underarms have a reaction to your deodorant, body spray, or perfume after shaving, it’s especially important to shave at night when you don’t use those types of products.
When you’re applying the exfoliator to your underarms, use circular motions, making sure to cover the entire area. If you prefer natural body products, you can create your own body scrub for the under arms by mixing 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon lemon water.
Shave at the end of your shower. That gives the moisture and heat plenty of time to soften your skin and hair.
If your underarm area is prone to irritation, be sure to choose a shave gel or cream that’s formulated specifically for sensitive skin.
To ensure that your razors are sharp and clean, replace them after every four or five uses. Look for a razor with a rubber handle that’s easier to grip. That allows you to follow the contours of your underarm area more easily.
It can be difficult to pull your skin taut when you only have one hand free as you’re shaving. To pull the skin tighter, stretch the arm that you’re shaving as far over your shoulder as you can.
Be sure to move the razor as firmly as you can. If you use too light a hand, you can wind up slipping and cutting yourself. Shaving against the grain of hair growth gets you the closest shave. However, if you have sensitive skin, you should avoid going against the grain because it can cause irritations.
Shaving with a dirty razor can also spread bacteria, which may cause an infection or other irritation in your underarm area.
Some deodorants contain moisturizing ingredients, such as avocado oil, sunflower seed oil, or glycerol, so you can eliminate the need for a separate moisturizer for your underarms. Avoid deodorants that contain harsh ingredients, such as alcohol or dyes. They can irritate your skin even if you use a moisturizer.
If you have sensitive skin, it’s best not to use a leave-on product under your arms. Instead, use a body wash that contains salicylic acid on the area. You rinse it away, so it won’t sit on your skin too long and irritate it.
Breathable fabrics include cotton, linen, and chambray. Make sure to wash your underarm area every day to prevent the growth of bacteria.