8 Steps You Need in Your Underarm Care Routine

Most of us shower, slap on deodorant, and rush out the door without thinking about our armpits… until we catch a whiff of them at the end of the day. Our underarms are rarely visible, so it’s common to overlook them in terms of a daily care routine.

But did you know that bacteria, dead skin, and clogged pores all contribute to underarm odor? And unfortunately, a simple shower won’t rinse it all away. So, establishing an underarm care routine ensures you’ve got a clean slate each day.

These tips work for both men and women alike, only varying in the specific products you chose to fit your needs. Below are eight tips to help you get started with a proper armpit care routine.

This article was originally published in September 2020; updated in August 2022, and June 2023.

1. Cleanse (Daily)

Step one in your daily underarm care routine is cleansing. Sweat mixes with bacteria and produces body odor. Over time, bacteria and odor will build up if it’s not cleaned daily. It only takes using soap and water to wash off the germ build-up.

Even if you don’t shower every single day, at least make sure to cleanse your armpits. Keep in mind that your armpit skin is sensitive. Therefore, use a mild soap and be careful to not rub too hard. (If you have problems with body odor, consider using an antibacterial soap.)

2. Tone and Moisturize (Daily)

After washing your armpits, it’s important to apply toner. Toner works to gently remove bacteria as well as leftover residue from deodorants and antiperspirants. Some toners are healthier for your skin than others, so make sure to look for one that fits your skin’s needs. Check out this alcohol-free Clarifying Toner from Oleavine (buy on Amazon).

Once you’ve dried your armpits from washing, gently massage the toner onto your underarm skin. After the toner has dried, apply a gentle moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

3. Use a Natural Deodorant (Daily)

To help neutralize or mask odors, use a natural deodorant. Unlike commercial deodorants and antiperspirants, natural products are chemical-free and won’t plug your pores. If you are new to natural deodorants, be sure to plan for a transition period - or detox phase - of about a month. All of these underarm care tips help your body adjust while switching to a natural deodorant. Use the product only as directed and apply to dry skin.

4. Shave (2-3 times a week)

Part of your underarm care routine should include shaving 2 to 3 times a week. (Yes, guys… we mean you!) Shaving your underarm hair is beneficial for numerous reasons:

• Sweat doesn't get trapped in the hair, which prevents it from evaporating.
• Soaps can reach the surface of your skin, thereby killing bacteria that hide in the recesses.
• The lack of hair allows deodorants or antiperspirants to penetrate your skin, making them more effective.

If you are shaving with a razor, make sure you lubricate your armpits. For best results, use shaving gel or cream. The hair in your armpits grows in all directions,  so be sure to shave in all directions: up, down, and side-to-side.

5. Exfoliate (Weekly)

An important part of underarm care is exfoliating once or twice a week. This is an important step because it removes the dead skin cells from the top layer of skin, which prevents odor-causing build-up. You can either use an exfoliator cream, such as Pacifica Coconut and Charcoal Underarm Detox Scrub (buy on Amazon) or a wet washcloth or loofah with body wash.

Remember, your underarm skin is sensitive so if using an exfoliating product, be sure to select a gentle one. You can even use the same one you use on your face. Gently rub in a circular motion and rinse.

6. Use an Armpit Mask (Weekly)

Did you know there is such a thing as armpit masks? Just like facial masks, armpit masks detoxify your skin from all the nasty build up. There are several benefits to using an armpit mask:

• It helps with body odor by stripping away build up.
• It removes any deodorant or antiperspirant residue that doesn’t come off from washing.
• It supports the transition to natural deodorants.

For best results, use an armpit mask once a week. Need a suggestion? Check out this highly rated product: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask (buy on Amazon).

7. Maintain your Razor (Monthly)

It is very important to use well-sharpened razors when shaving. If you don’t, it creates opportunities for micro-tears in your skin, which can lead to infections. The best way to prevent micro-tears is to switch to a new blade about every five uses or so. Keep the blade out of the shower so that it can dry thoroughly and avoid rust stains. Want to treat yourself? Check out the Gillette Heated Razor (buy on Amazon) for the ultimate shaving experience.

8. Wear Breathable Fabrics

The last of our underarm care tips is to wear breathable fabrics. Fabrics that are breathable allow air to easily flow through them, which speeds up sweat evaporation. In turn, this also helps prevent potential odor. Most natural fibers will do the trick, though a few synthetic fabrics are lightweight and breathable.

Now that you know how to start an underarm care routine, you are destined to feel fresher at the start of each day. Just a few extra steps will immensely improve the overall health of your underarms.

Take Control of Sweat Stains and Odor

To help reduce the appearance of sweat and the occurrence of underarm odor, check out our line of sweat proof undershirts (buy on our shop or on Amazon.) Pair your pampered armpits with an Ejis undershirt to experience “wearable confidence” instead of worrying about ruining your clothes with sweat and odor.

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