The Most Hygienic Way To Wash Your Armpits In The Shower

Knowing how to maintain your body's hygiene is always a learning curve, and there's certainly no shame in changing your routine. In fact, with time, our bodies change, and the hygiene routines we used to have may not work as well anymore. One area that many tend to be self-conscious about is the armpits. Armpit odor is completely normal, but knowing how to properly take care of this area can help you have clean and odor-less armpits for longer.

For advice, we turned to dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman of Kopelman Hair Restoration, who clarified a couple of armpit-related facts for our readers. From how to properly clean your armpits while showering to whether hair equals a change in your armpit-washing routine, Dr. Kopelman exclusively explains to Glam just what you need to pay attention to in order to have your healthiest, cleanest, and happiest armpits yet.

When it comes to armpits, not practicing proper hygiene can not only result in more body odor but also irritated skin. "When it comes to washing armpits, I always recommend a gentle but thorough approach," Dr. Hannah Kopelman tells us exclusively. "The most hygienic way to clean your armpits in the shower is to use a mild, pH-balanced soap or body wash, along with warm water." 

Of course, using the right type of soap or body wash is crucial, but Dr. Kopelman's advice doesn't end there. Rushing through this step can result in you not cleaning your armpits properly, which can leave residue on them. "Be sure to lather the area well, as this helps break down oils, sweat, and deodorant residue that can accumulate throughout the day," she adds. "You can use your hands or a soft washcloth, but avoid anything too abrasive, as this can irritate the skin." If you're going to apply deodorant or lotion after, make sure you dry your armpits properly with a clean towel, and only then apply products to them. And if your deodorant isn't working well, these might be some of the reasons.

Many may not realize that armpits are rather delicate and can easily become irritated, especially if you aren't paying close attention to them. "Armpits are a relatively sensitive area, especially when compared to other parts of the body like your legs or arms," Dr. Hannah Kopelman explains exclusively to Glam. "The skin here is thinner and often subject to friction from clothing or shaving, making it more prone to irritation."

Because armpits can be sensitive, you need to handle them gently. "It's important to be a bit more careful when cleaning them," Dr. Kopelman adds. "I advise against using harsh soaps or scrubbing too vigorously, as this can disrupt the skin's natural barrier and lead to irritation or dryness." If you do, however, notice dryness and irritation, treat the skin of your armpits the same way you would any other — layer a rich moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides on them overnight, and by morning, they should feel better.

Armpit-hygiene routines usually vary from person to person based on myriad health and lifestyle factors. However, Dr. Hannah Kopelman suggests that cleaning them "once a day" is generally sufficient. "I typically recommend cleaning your armpits every time you shower, which for most people is once a day," she tells us exclusively. "However, if you engage in activities that make you sweat more — like exercise or spending time in hot weather — it's a good idea to give your armpits a quick rinse afterward to prevent odor and buildup."

Just like any other skin on your body, over-washing your armpits can cause dryness, which is why if you shower once (or even twice a day), using a mild body wash is crucial. You never want to strip away your skin's natural moisture.

Shaving your armpit hair is a personal choice, which is why we also asked Dr. Hannah Kopelman whether hair can influence the way you need to take care of this area. "If you have armpit hair, it doesn't change the frequency of cleaning, but it may slightly affect how you approach it," she tells us exclusively. "Armpit hair can trap sweat and odor more easily, so it's important to make sure you're thoroughly lathering and rinsing to keep the area clean." If you do shave your armpits, make sure you don't dry-shave, as it can cause bumpy and irritated skin.

Since armpit hair is more prone to trapping residue and oils, Dr. Kopelman recommends an extra step. "You might also find that using a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week helps remove any trapped residue and keep the skin smooth," she suggests. "Just be sure to avoid anything too harsh to prevent irritation." And while armpit exfoliation is a great way to get hairy armpits squeaky clean, you can also use it every now and then on armpits with no hair for that extra bit of cleanliness. However, regardless of what your armpit hair preference is, make sure you never over-exfoliate, as it can cause irritation.