There was a time when butt facials were all the rage. Now the focus has moved to armpit products— an area which until recently required nothing more than a spritz of deodorant for the most part. When it comes to de-fuzzing, whether you choose to remain au naturel or go hair-free is your call, but giving your underarms some TLC in the form of products that are designed specifically for them can add a little more oomph to an otherwise routine grooming step.
Armpits that are significantly darker than the rest of your body are one of the most common problems affecting this area. Alcohol-based fragrances, balms, and deodorants cause dryness and irritation leading to such pigmentation. Even hot wax can cause mild burning to the superficial layer of skin in this area and increase darkening. Dr Batul Patel, Medical Head, The Bombay Skin Clinic, says, "This habituated lifestyle has led to an increased need for treatments to brighten this area as well as for natural and organic masks like ubtans that help calm and soothe." But she cautions that the area can be very sensitive and suggests doing a patch test before applying any products. "Even a mild skin infection can worsen after applying a mask, so get a proper diagnosis before using anything. Similarly, darkening of the underarms could be caused by a condition called Acanthosis Nigricans, so always get your armpits checked with a dermatologist before treating the area with home remedies," she says.
Here's a list of armpit products that will jostle for space in your bathroom cabinet.
Dot & Key Underarm Colour Correction Duo
Designed to minimise odour and pigmentation, the Underarm Detox Charcoal Mask contains peppermint and tea tree to give you fresh-smelling, even-toned armpits, while the Underarm Colour Correction Serum is a light gel floral emulsion that moisturises and nourishes.
Green and Beige Armpit Mask
The easiest way to detox your pores, get rid of odour and reduce pigmentation, this mask has activated charcoal, Bentonite clay, and essential oils of pine, geranium, and frankincense to draw out impurities, cleanse, hydrate and regenerate damaged skin cells.
iORA's Prebiotic Underarm Brightening Serum
Liquorice and brown sugar extract combine in this organic vegan eco-certified prebiotic product to not just hydrate and repair, but to also encourage friendly bacteria and reduce odour.
NOTO Botanics Agender Oil
Hemp seed oil, smoky vetiver, and sweet lavender combine to create a multi-purpose, moisture-rich, unisex formula that can be massaged into your underarms to soften and protect. Whether you choose to stay au naturel with your hair or get rid of them, this product is an all rounder.
Bella Skin Beauty's Watermelon Probiotic Underarm Toner
Containing watermelon extract, ylang-ylang, probiotics, and lemon balm, this unique spray is meant to go under your deodorant to destroy harmful bacteria, reduce inflammation, and control oil production to leave you smelling sweet and feeling fresh all day.
Kaia Naturals The Underarm Bar
A soap bar with activated charcoal and apple cider vinegar to manage odour and even enhance the power of your deodorant, making it especially perfect for those with active lifestyles.
Oui The People The Big Reveal Toner
If you thought a toner was strictly for your face, you'd be wrong. This gentle, fragrance-free formula contains witch hazel, vegetable glycerin, and exfoliating gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) to help prevent ingrown hairs by sloughing away dead skin cells to give you smooth, bright skin sans any irritation.
Also Read:
13 Face primers to start your routine off right
9 Setting sprays for a base that stays put
6 Facial cleansing powders to try if you have sensitive skin
