5 Ways to Avoid Itchy Armpits After Shaving
Do you constantly find yourself dealing with itchy armpits after shaving? You could be experiencing razor burn, ingrown hairs, or even an allergic reaction. Luckily, there are a few ways to prevent itchy underarms after shaving. Read on to hear why you get itchy armpits from shaving and what you can do to avoid it—and treat any active inflammation.
What Causes Itchy Armpits After Shaving?
There are three main reasons why you might be experiencing underarm itchiness: razor burn, ingrown hairs, and allergic reaction. Once you understand the cause of itchy armpits you’ll be able to prevent the issue at hand.
Razor burn refers to those little itchy pink bumps you get after shaving. Or at least, if you’ve been shaving wrong. Razor burn occurs when you skip the shaving cream or use a dull razor, both of which cause friction which leads to irritation and itchiness.
Ingrown hairs give fewer bumps than razor burn but are more inflamed—and they also itch. While it’s uncommon for ingrowns to occur on the underarm area, they can still happen due to poor shaving practices such as dry shaving, using a dull razor, and skipping the after-shave moisturizer.
An allergic reaction, also known as contact dermatitis, typically looks similar to razor burn but tends to be less bumpy and itchier. Allergic reactions can occur due to a fragrance in a deodorant or if you’re sensitive to certain ingredients in your shaving products.
How to Prevent Itchy Armpits After Shaving
It’s always a good idea to stop itchy armpits before they start. Here are five ways to avoid itchy armpits after shaving.
Tip 1: Exfoliate
You probably already exfoliate your face, but your underarms can benefit from some buffing too. The pores in that area can also get clogged which is why exfoliating your armpits can prevent oil and dirt from trapping hairs—resulting in ingrowns.
What’s more, it helps remove dead skin cells so that your razor can glide across easily without getting clogged. Exfoliation should always be the first step in your hair removal process to ensure the hair follicles are clean and your razor blades don’t get clogged.
Tip 2: Apply Shaving Butter
One of the most common causes of itchy armpits after shaving is skipping shaving cream. Shaving cream or butter is a must whenever and wherever you shave. It lubricates the skin and creates a cushion between the razor and your skin to prevent friction and razor bumps and burns.
Look for a rich shaving butter formulated with hydrating, barrier-boosting ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients are especially great for dry skin and sensitive skin as they help to seal in moisture.
Tip 3: Stick to Single Glides
Skin under your arms is particularly delicate and sensitive. That’s why you shouldn’t shave over an area more than once to avoid skin irritation and itchy armpits. Dermatologists recommend investing in a high quality razor and always using a sharp, clean razor whenever you shave. This way, you’re always guaranteed a smooth, irritation-free shave without the dreaded armpit itch.
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Tip 4: Moisturize
To avoid itchy armpits and irritated skin, always finish your shaving routine with a nourishing body lotion or butter. It’ll seal in moisture and strengthen your skin barrier while soothing inflammation for a silky soft finish. Look for a moisturizer that contains a blend of hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut milk.
Tip 5: Switch to a Gentle Deodorant
If you experience itchy armpits after shaving the area, switching deodorants might help. Some deodorants contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin and cause itching. Choose a natural, aluminum-free formula that’s enriched with nourishing ingredients to combat odors without stripping or irritating your skin.
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Best Ways to Treat Itchy Armpits After Shaving
Already dealing with itchy underarms after shaving? Here are some quick fixes for quelling inflammation and itchiness.
1: Soothe With Lavender Oil
Lavender oil serves as a soothing solution for itchy armpits post-shaving, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This natural remedy can ease irritation, redness, and prevent infections. To use, mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil, and gently apply it to the affected area for a calming effect.
Alternatively, invest in a topical ingrown treatment that contains lavender oil to help relieve itchy armpits. Other itch-alleviating ingredients to look out for include tea tree oil and jojoba oil.
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2: Apply Ice
Ice can be another effective and immediate remedy for itchy armpits after shaving. The cold temperature helps reduce inflammation, numb the area, and provide relief from itching. Run an ice cube over your armpits to cool and calm the area. Alternatively, you can use a cold compress. This method can help constrict blood vessels, decreasing redness and soothing the skin.
3: Cool With Coconut Milk
Coconut milk can also help alleviate itchy armpits after shaving. Its moisturizing properties hydrate the skin, reducing irritation and promoting a soothing effect. It also boasts anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can reduce redness and ease itchy skin.
You can apply coconut milk directly to the affected area for instant cooling effects. Or, look for skincare products that contain coconut milk.
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Other Ways to Avoid Itchy Armpits
Itchy armpits can be annoying. Fortunately, there are some other ways to prevent them even if you’re dealing with them without shaving. Here are some of the best ways to avoid them.
Change Your Laundry Detergent
Some laundry detergents contain harsh chemicals that can cause itchy skin and armpit rashes. Switch to a natural, fragrance-free detergent that doesn’t contain strong chemicals. Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, certain laundry detergents can irritate the skin and contribute to itchiness.
Wear Loose Clothing
To prevent friction, wear loose, breathable clothing. This will also give your underarms the chance to breathe and prevent rubbing which can cause chafing and itching.
Opt for Fragrance-Free Soaps
All skin types can benefit from using gentle, fragrance-free soaps and cleansers to avoid itchy armpits after shaving as well as itching on other areas of the body. These are especially beneficial for people with sensitive skin.
Itchy armpits after shaving is a common skin complaint. Luckily, you can avoid it by mastering your shaving technique, switching to a natural deodorant, and moisturizing well. There are also plenty of over-the-counter treatments such as hydrocortisone cream that can alleviate itchy skin. If you suspect you have a skin condition like eczema, consult your dermatologist or healthcare provider.
Photo by Sakshi Patwa, Pexels
