Shaving your armpits may seem like a pretty easy task, but if you want to get the perfect result, things start to get a little more complicated. The reason is that, in that area, the skin is extremely sensitive, so it tends to get irritated easily. By using the right tools and preparing the skin in advance you can be able to minimize the redness and swelling to have smooth and perfect armpits.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Skin
Step 1. Apply an oil
Moisturizing the skin in the armpits makes it softer, to reduce the risk of it becoming irritated by the razor. Instead of a normal body cream, it is better to use a product that guarantees intense and deep hydration. The ideal is to apply an oil at least 24 hours before shaving, to give it time to penetrate deeply into the skin.
- Choose a rich oil, such as argan or olive oil. Coconut is not suitable because being very light it is absorbed too easily by the skin.
- The oil may soak your clothes, so it's best to wear something you don't mind staining. For convenience, you can apply the oil before bed and put on an old shirt.
Step 2. Schedule hair removal for the next evening
You probably have a habit of shaving your armpits when it suits you, but choosing the right time can help you get the best results. Shaving inevitably removes numerous protective skin layers, so the skin tends to become irritated and infected more easily. Shaving your armpits in the evening is preferable, because the skin will have time to calm down before coming into contact with the deodorant or other cosmetics you usually apply in the morning.
- Generally, in the evening we are less in a hurry and have more time to dedicate to ourselves. Greater calm helps you make fewer mistakes.
- If you know that after using the razor your skin reacts negatively to deodorant or any other body cosmetic, it is especially important to shave in the evening when you do not need to use these products.
Step 3. Exfoliate the skin
Whichever time of day you choose, it is helpful to exfoliate your armpits before shaving to remove dead skin cells. Doing so allows you to bring the hair closer to the skin surface thus ensuring a more accurate shave. Use a gentle scrub or massage a shower gel into the skin using a soft exfoliating glove.
- When applying the scrub under the armpits, try to make circular movements, being careful to cover the entire area.
- If you prefer to use natural products, you can create a DIY scrub by mixing two teaspoons of brown sugar, a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of lemon juice.
Step 4. Moisten the skin
Before holding the razor it is important to wet the armpits. Moistening them with hot water serves to soften not only the skin, but also the hair, which will be softer and easier to cut. The easiest way to get your armpits wet is to take a shower.
Shave immediately after a shower. The heat and humidity will have made the skin and hair very soft
Step 5. Apply a shaving gel
Moisturizing your skin beforehand helps you get a closer, closer shave, but extra lubrication is required to make sure the razor blade glides smoothly. Apply a shaving gel or cream; the razor will slide more easily on the skin allowing you to exert less pressure. As a result, the risk of irritation will be reduced.
If you know that underarm skin tends to get irritated easily, it is important to use a shaving gel or cream specifically formulated for sensitive skin
Part 2 of 3: Using the Razor Correctly
Step 1. First choose the right razor
To get the closest possible shave, you need to use a sharp blade, so don't forget to replace the razor head regularly. In addition, it is advisable to use a razor equipped with multiple blades and with the oscillating head, because it adapts perfectly to the shape of the armpits. Some razors are specially formulated to remove hair in that area, read the directions on the different packaging before making your choice.
- To make sure the blades are sharp and clean enough, you should replace the razor head every 4-5 uses.
- Choose a razor that has a rubber handle: it will guarantee you an excellent grip even when it is wet, and you will have less difficulty following the profile of the body.
Step 2. Keep the skin taut
When you're ready to start shaving your armpits, try to make the area as smooth as possible. Try to stretch the skin as tight as you can to minimize the number of creases and wrinkles.
Keeping the skin taut with one free hand while using the other to move the razor is not easy at all. The simplest solution is to bend the arm that corresponds to the armpit you intend to shave and then lift it upwards, pushing it slightly backwards
Step 3. Make the correct movements
To get a close and close shave, it is essential to move the razor in the right direction. Armpit hair does not grow in one direction, so it is important to move the razor in multiple directions to ensure an ideal result. Start by directing it down, then move it from one side of your armpit to the other.
- Try to make clear and precise movements. If you move the razor carelessly or roughly, you risk inadvertently slipping the blade and running the risk of cutting yourself.
- Moving the razor in the opposite direction to that of the hair results in a closer and longer lasting shave. If you have sensitive skin, however, it is best to avoid shaving against the grain as it could become irritated.
Step 4. Rinse the blade frequently
Each time you slide the razor over the skin, hair, dead skin cells, shaving cream and other skin impurities accumulate on the blade. Leaving all these residues on the razor will prevent him from doing his job well: the hair will be badly cut and the shaving will be inaccurate and not very deep. The ideal is to rinse the blades with hot water after each pass on the skin.
A dirty razor can cause bacterial contamination and subsequent skin infection or irritation
Part 3 of 3: Soothe the Skin After Shaving
Step 1. Moisturize the skin in the armpits
Shaving may have made her sensitive and slightly irritated. The best way to reduce inflammation is to apply a moisturizer immediately after rinsing and drying it. In order not to risk irritating her further, it is best to use a fragrance-free body cream. Alternatively, if you love taking care of your skin with natural products, you can use coconut oil.
- Some deodorants also contain emollient ingredients, such as avocado oil, sunflower oil or glycerin. In this case it is not necessary to apply a moisturizer as well.
- Be careful not to use a deodorant that contains harsh substances, such as alcohol or dyes. Otherwise, your skin may become irritated, even if you have applied a moisturizer beforehand.
Step 2. Use a cream that prevents small pimples or redness from shaving
If you often get ingrown hairs in your armpits, it's best to try to avoid them in advance. There are numerous products specifically formulated to prevent skin irritation and ingrown hair, which should be applied immediately after shaving. They generally contain exfoliating and regenerating ingredients, such as salicylic or glycolic acid, which remove dead skin cells to prevent hair from getting trapped underneath.
If you have sensitive skin, it is best not to use a no-rinse product on your underarms. Look for a bubble bath that contains salicylic acid to use specifically for that area. After use, rinse your skin thoroughly to prevent any residue from irritating it
Step 3. Wear the right clothes
Sometimes the skin in the armpits becomes swollen and irritated due to the clothes we wear. Clothes and shirts that are too tight or made of synthetic fabrics tend to trap dirt and sweat, favoring the proliferation of bacteria that can produce inflammation and irritation. Prefer soft clothes, in natural and breathable fabrics, to allow for greater air circulation.
- Breathable fabrics include for example cotton and linen.
- Wash your underarms daily to stop bacteria from growing on the skin.
Advice
- Hair in the armpits grows twice as fast as hair on the legs; for this reason it is likely that you will have to shave them a couple of times a week to always have a smooth and perfect skin.
- Do not shave your armpits before going swimming in the sea or the pool. Salt and chlorine could irritate them, as the skin in that area tends to be very sensitive.
- Rinse your underarm skin with cold water when you're done using the razor. The cold helps to close the pores and reduces the risk of skin irritation.
