5 Top Tips for Sensitive Underarms

Start your routine with a gentle cleanse. Washing your armpits daily helps remove sweat and bacteria, reducing irritation. While specialized armpit wash does exist, a product like Dove Ultra Sensitive Serum Body Wash or Dove Sensitive Body Wash will do the trick, delivering a hydrating cleanse to sensitive armpit skin. Wondering exactly how to wash armpits? Simply apply your body wash under your arms and lather up with a washcloth or loofah to remove any deodorant residue. Use gentle circular motions and avoid harsh scrubbing. If you’re struggling with odor, an antibacterial body wash can help target this. After your shower, pat your underarms dry with a clean, soft towel (rather than rubbing them), as this will help prevent irritation.

Wondering, "Should I moisturize my armpits?" The answer is yes! Keeping your skin hydrated helps maintain its barrier and reduces sensitivity. Try using a light, fragrance-free lotion or gel rather than thick, greasy creams (as these may clog pores). Your skin should be clean, so make sure you moisturize straight after showering. If you don’t use antiperspirant at night, this would be a great time to add moisturizer to your underarm routine. Certain antiperspirants will also help with underarm hydration. Our Advanced Care Sensitive Antiperspirant Stick is formulated with ¼ moisturizing cream and Pro-Ceramide Technology to help prevent dry, sensitive armpits while keeping sweat and odor at bay. Win, win. 

Armpit hair removal for sensitive skin requires care. Shaving products will help protect your skin and allow the blade to glide, so make sure you apply a thin layer before you get going. Start in the direction of the hair growth and keep your strokes short and light. If you have sensitive skin, you may find shaving cream works better for you than shaving gel, as it creates a richer, more hydrating barrier. A dull blade can exacerbate armpit sensitivity, so change your razor every 5-10 shaves to help prevent irritation and ingrown hairs.  Exfoliating your underarms between shaves will also help remove deodorant buildup and dead skin cells, reducing your chances of ingrown hairs and clogged pores.

Let your skin recover between shaving sessions – and skip it entirely if you’re experiencing rashes, bumps or broken skin. If you notice painful lumps or recurring boils, it’s time to seek advice from your doctor.

Choosing the right antiperspirant deodorant for sensitive underarms is vital. Did you know that sweat can actually lead to irritation that compromises your natural skin barrier? Our Clinical + Care range offers 96H protection for hormonal, heat, and stress sweat, reducing your chances of sweat-induced irritation. This skin-loving formula is also enriched with 7% nourishing serum, providing essential nutrients to support your skin’s resilience against dryness and irritation. 

Finally, consider your clothing choices. Breathable fabrics like cotton and linen allow air circulation, reducing sweat and irritation. Wearing tight clothing and synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon and acrylic can trap moisture and make sensitive underarms worse. 

Ready to give your underarms the gentle care they deserve? By working these tips into your routine, you can help ease armpit sensitivity and keep your underarms feeling fresh, comfortable and ready for whatever the day sends your way.