While Indian monsoons bring relief from the heat, it also welcomes a host of skin and hair care woes. Increased humidity during rainy season leads to frizz in our hair and scalp issues like dandruff, and excess sweat leads to fungal and bacterial infections. While we do follow a healthy skincare routine for most parts of our body and face, we tend to forget our underarms. The rainy season can have an impact on our underarms due to increased humidity and moisture. Underarm care is essential to keep body odour and other skin irritations at bay. Below we will give you tips on how to take care of your underarms during monsoons.
Your Monsoon Guide to Underarm Care: Hair Removal to Odor Control: The Basics
Excess moisture can cause sweat and cause itchy underarms. From underarm hair removal to avoid wearing tight clothes, there are many ways to take care of our underarms during rainy season. For healthy and hygienic underarms, follow our ultimate monsoon guide to underarm care.
Your Monsoon Guide to Underarm Care: Hair Removal to Odor Control
1. Wash With Anti-Bacterial Soap
Factors like sweat, moisture and warmth can contribute to bacterial growth. Regular use of anti-bacterial soap can help reduce the growth of bacterial, minimising the chances of odor. Bacteria can also cause various skin infections and inflammations. Anti-bacterial soap can help prevent the overgrowth of bacteria that could lead to those infections.
2. Shave or Trim Regularly
Underarm hair can trap sweat and moisture, causing it to be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Underarm hair removal helps to keep the area drier, thus, reducing the risk of fundal growth and foul smell. Removing underarm hair can also make the application of deodorant or underarm roll on easier, helping to control the odor more effectively.
Shaving can sometimes cause irritation and minor cuts, leaving the skin dry and damaged. To restore the moisture and accelerate the healing process, apply Vaseline Healing Jelly. This petroleum jelly keeps the skin moisturised by creating a protective barrier and locking in moisture. It is ideal for sensitive skin as it is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and has non-irritating properties. Apply a thin layer of the jelly with your fingertips across your skin until it is absorbed.
3. Gentle Exfoliation
Mild exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hair. Exfoliating prior to hair removal can help prepare the hair follicles for a closer and smoother removal process. It also assists in reducing odor and allows anti-perspirants to work effectively. Regular exfoliation can also help brighten dark underarms and even out any discolouration and dark patches.
Excessive exfoliation can lead to dryness and itchiness. Apply Vaseline Refreshing Body Balm Jelly Stick to restore dry skin. It is the perfect moisturiser to prevent or relief skin from friction. This non-greasy stick also contains menthol to provide a subtle, instant cooling sensation.
4. Use Sweat Pads
Underarm sweat pads are designed to be worn inside the underarm area to help absorb sweat and prevent it from staining. Ensure that the underarm area is clean and dry before applying the sweat pads. Remove the adhesive backing that allows them to stick securely to the inside of your clothing. Align the pad properly, ensuring it covers the entire underarm area. They can be particularly useful during excessive sweating or when wearing delicate clothing.
5. Use Anti-Perspirants
Anti-perspirants work by temporarily blocking or narrowing the sweat ducts, reducing the amount of sweat that reaches the skin’s surface. They also include deodorising agents that inhibit bacterial growth and provide a fresh scent. By reducing sweat and odor, anti-perspirants keep your underarms drier and fresher. When choosing fragrances for underarms, choose alcohol-free deodorants as they cause less irritation and does not clog pores.
6. Keep the Area Dry
The combination of moisture and warmth in the underarm area creates an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria and fungi and unpleasant odor. By keeping the underarms dry you can minimise the risk of bacterial infections and the amount of sweat that accumulates. Use a clean towel to pat your underarms dry after showering. You can also use absorbent talc to help keep your underarms dry throughout the day.
7. Wear Breathable Clothes
Tight clothing can trap moisture and inhibit airflow, leading to increased sweat and discomfort. Opt for loose-fitting clothes that allow for better ventilation and helps keep the underarms dry. Wear breathable fabrics like cotton and linen as they allow air circulation and absorb sweat. On the other hand, clothing made of synthetic materials like polyester or nylon can lead to increased sweat and bacteria growth.
FAQs about Your Monsoon Guide to Underarm Care: Hair Removal to Odor Control
Q1. How to remove underarm hair naturally at home?
A. Some people can have allergic reactions to shaving and waxing. Sensitive skin people can combine some natural ingredients that can help remove underarm hair at home. For example, turmeric has been used in traditional hair removal remedies. Create a thick paste by mixing turmeric and milk. Apply the paste to the underarm area and leave it until it dries. Gently scrub the paste off in the opposite direction of hair growth. This method may help slow down the hair growth over time.
Q2. How to get rid of dark underarms?
A. Try home remedies for dark underarms, like using lemon juice, rubbing potato slices or baking soda to lighten underarms. Lemon juice and potato contain bleaching properties that help lighten dark underarms.
Q3. How to exfoliate underarms?
A. Choose mild scrubs with granules or a chemical exfoliant containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). You can also gently exfoliate using a loofah.
Underarm hygiene promotes comfort and boosts our confidence. Maintaining dry underarms during rainy season can also help fight unwanted bacteria and infections keeping our health in check. If you experience persistent itching, redness, irritation or any other skin issues in your underarms, it's advisable to consult a dermatologist. Follow the above underarm care routine for hassle-free and enjoyable monsoon season.
Written by Sania Dhirwani on Jul 17, 2023