Trust me when I say I’ve seen and heard it all when it comes to underarm woes. Everything from odor and sweat issues, to rashes and hyperpigmentation. One thing many people notice is bumps on their armpits. The skin on the underarms is vastly different from the skin on other areas of the body, such as the arms and legs. This means you may notice a different texture that includes bumps, similar to a “chicken skin” condition. So, what’s the real culprit of this unwanted texture? Read on to find out.
As I mentioned, the skin on the underarms is vastly different from the rest of the body and armpit bumps can be largely attributed to the abundance of hair follicles in this area. When these follicles are irritated, clogged or infected, the skin texture can change, resulting in bumps. Bumps on the armpits can also be caused by reactions to the products you are using, your hair removal method and technique, or your skin’s overall condition.
Ingrown hairs caused by shaving are a common cause of armpit bumps. When a hair follicle is bent or twisted back and grows into the skin instead of outwards, this results in ingrown hairs.
In some cases, dead skin can clog hair follicles leading to ingrown hairs. These armpit bumps can be quite uncomfortable, especially if they become infected or inflamed.
Waxing or plucking can cause tiny, rough bumps on the armpit due to these techniques’ pulling method. The pulling causes irritation in the hair follicle leading to bumps on the armpits.
Dull razors causing razor burn can also lead to bumps on armpits and even further irritation.
There are several ingredients in deodorant products that could cause bumps on your armpits.
COCONUT (COCOS NUCIFERA) OIL
Coconut oil-based natural deodorants are very common; however, this comedogenic ingredient is not an armpit-friendly ingredient, often leading to clogged hair follicles = ingrown hairs. Not only that, but it can stain your clothes!
BAKING SODA (SODIUM BICARBONATE)
Another very common ingredient in natural deodorants is baking soda; however, I always recommend staying very far away from it. It is a highly alkaline ingredient that can cause rashes, armpit bumps and irritation.
HIGH FRAGRANCE LEVELS
Is any fragrance in deodorant bad? No, deodorants with a light fragrance can be a great option for most; however, many natural deodorants use fragrance to mask body odor, loading their products up with the maximum level of fragrance. These high levels lead to irritation and rashes.
COCONUT (COCOS NUCIFERA) OIL
Coconut oil-based natural deodorants are very common; however, this comedogenic ingredient is not an armpit-friendly ingredient, often leading to clogged hair follicles = ingrown hairs. Not only that, but it can stain your clothes!
BAKING SODA (SODIUM BICARBONATE)
Another very common ingredient in natural deodorants is baking soda; however, I always recommend staying very far away from it. It is a highly alkaline ingredient that can cause rashes, armpit bumps and irritation.
HIGH FRAGRANCE LEVELS
Is any fragrance in deodorant bad? No, deodorants with a light fragrance can be a great option for most; however, many natural deodorants use fragrance to mask body odor, loading their products up with the maximum level of fragrance. These high levels lead to irritation and rashes.
There are several ways to prevent and treat the bumps on your armpits.
Since we apply deodorant on the underarms, sometimes several times a day, the hair follicles are prone to building up with deodorant residue that leads to ingrown hairs and irritated or infected hair follicles. I developed a product called the underarm bar, which is designed to remove this deodorant buildup and pull impurities with activated charcoal. It also has apple cider vinegar and sea salt to help eliminate odor-causing bacteria and will not only help prevent bumps on the armpits but will help you stay odor-free for much longer. Simply lather for 20-30 seconds on each underarm, rinse and follow with my charcoal deodorant.
I always recommend using a natural deodorant, but it’s important to avoid the irritating ingredients I mentioned above. Look for a baking soda-free, coconut oil-free and naturally but lightly fragranced deodorant. I developed a charcoal deodorant formulated without these ingredients as I learned so many people experienced rashes, clogged hair follicles and ingrown hairs from their natural deodorant and were looking for an alternative. It’s called the takesumi detox charcoal deodorant; check it out.
I always recommend using a natural deodorant, but it’s important to avoid the irritating ingredients I mentioned above. Look for a baking soda-free, coconut oil-free and naturally but lightly fragranced deodorant. I developed a charcoal deodorant formulated without these ingredients as I learned so many people experienced rashes, clogged hair follicles and ingrown hairs from their natural deodorant and were looking for an alternative. It’s called the takesumi detox charcoal deodorant; check it out.
Gently exfoliating the underarms 1-2 times a week will help remove dead skin cells and deodorant residue that could be clogging your hair follicles. Use a gentle washcloth and my underarm bar in the area to give your underarms extra TLC. Be sure not to exfoliate every day or use aggressive scrubs or vigorous motions as this can lead to more issues such as hyperpigmentation and irritation.
Don’t exfoliate on the same day you will shave; wait 12-24 hours following exfoliation to shave or apply products.
If ingrown hairs cause your bumps, there are steps to take to help prevent them.
If ingrown hairs cause your bumps, there are steps to take to help prevent them.
Dry skin conditions can lead to armpit bumps, so it’s important to keep your underarms moisturized. If you suffer from this, use a lightweight, oil-free lotion to help keep the skin soft and comfortable.
Avoiding these irritating ingredients and incorporating these simple steps into your underarm care routine can effectively reduce armpit bumps. Trust me, your underarms will thank you.
Each week on my blog The Little Book of Human Discomforts I share clever solutions for seemingly embarrassing skin, body, and hair issues. Consider subscribing below to be the first to know when new content is live! I also share lots of body and skincare tips on Instagram @kaianaturals and on my TikTok page @madamesweat.
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