Difference between revisions of "Keep Your Underarms Fresh and Clean"

#Shower daily. The skin is your body’s largest organ, and washing it frequently will help protect you and your underarms against harmful bacteria, odor, and illness. <ref name="rf1">http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/body/</ref> <ref name="rf2">http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Body-odour/Pages/Treatment.aspx</ref> Use warm water and a mild soap.

#Wear natural fibers. Fabrics made of natural fibers (cotton, wool, silk, etc.) rather than synthetic ones (nylon, polyester, etc.) allow your skin to “breathe” easier.<ref name="rf2" /> This means sweat will evaporate quicker, keeping moisture, bacteria, and odor under control. Make sure to wear clean clothing and wash your clothing frequently.

#Be wary of certain foods that can make your sweat smell worse.<ref name="rf3">http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/what-can-i-do-about-my-strong-body-odor</ref> Foods with strong scents, such as garlic, onions, and spices like curry can contribute to body odor. Other products like coffee and tobacco may also be contributing factors. Limiting how much of these you eat or use will ultimately keep your underarms feeling and smelling fresh.

#Apply a deodorant after showering to control underarm odor.<ref name="rf2" /> Deodorants typically work by masking body odor with various scents. One with baking soda as an ingredient will also help to neutralize odor.

#Use an antiperspirant to control sweat and odor. Antiperspirants work by blocking sweat glands. The lack of moisture from sweat will deter bacterial growth and resultant odor. This means that a antiperspirant will also control odor, while a deodorant alone may only mask it.<ref name="rf4">https://www.rose-hulman.edu/~devasher/CHEM470/classnotes/23The%20Dry%20Facts%20About%20Wet%20Perspiration.pdf</ref>

#*Most antiperspirants contain aluminum compounds. When you apply the deodorant, these compounds block your sweat glands, preventing perspiration. Some research, however, suggests that there may be a link between aluminum and issues like breast cancer and Alzheimer’s.<ref name="rf5">https://www.rit.edu/affiliate/nysp2i/sites/rit.edu.affiliate.nysp2i/files/potential_hidden_dangers_of_personal_care_products_handout_potential_hidden_dangers_of_personal_care_products.pdf</ref> Other research draws more mixed conclusions.<ref name="rf6">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18829420</ref><ref name="rf7">http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp22.pdf</ref> If you are concerned, talk with your doctor.

#Try baking soda. If you are looking for a more natural or additional preventive, try baking soda as a deodorant. Baking soda will neutralize odors, not simply cover them up. Take approximately an eighth of a teaspoon of baking soda in your hand, then add a few drops of water to make a paste. Once the baking soda is dissolved, simply apply lightly to your underarms.<ref name="rf8">http://www.newsmax.com/Health/Health-Wire/baking-soda-deodorant/2015/09/01/id/673105/</ref>

#*Try this easy recipe. Mix one part baking soda to one part cornstarch. Then add four parts coconut oil to each part of this baking soda/cornstarch mixture. If you want an additional scent, add a few drops of an essential oil, like tea tree, lavender, or violet. Store in a glass jar and apply as a deodorant.<ref name="rf9">http://blogs.sierraclub.org/greenlife/2013/06/3-toiletries-to-make-toothpaste-deodorant-shaving.html</ref>

#Shave regularly. This helps underarms dry more quickly, keeping odor down.<ref name="rf2" /> Many also believe it improves appearance. You can choose an electric razor, a non-electric razor with disposable blades, or a disposable razor.

#*Unscented cream is best, because it lessens chances of irritation and allergic reaction. <ref name="rf10">http://www.evergreenbeauty.edu/blog/tips-on-how-to-shave-even-if-you-have-sensitive-skin/</ref>

#* Replace your razors regularly. It's time to get a new one when you see an accumulation of waste in the razor. This waste can introduce bacteria to your pores and cause an infection.<ref name="rf11">https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2015/06/want-a-smooth-safe-shave-every-time-try-these-10-tips/</ref>

#*Many people find such creams to be harsh and to have offensive odors.  The strong chemicals used in these creams are potentially caustic to the skin and can cause irritation.<ref name="rf12">http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/experts-warn-depilatories-veet-nair-article-1.2144447</ref>

#*Carefully follow all directions provided with the cream. Due to the harshness of the chemicals, it is safer to leave the cream on for less than the lowest recommended time.<ref name="rf12" />

#*Always test a depilatory cream before a full use. Apply to only a very small portion of your skin, then wait 24 hours. If you do not have any allergic reactions like redness, swelling, or itching, then it is likely safe for use on your skin.<ref name="rf13"> http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/?pageId=3455</ref>

#Wax if you want a more long-term solution. Waxing is somewhat painful, and can leave skin irritated for a time. However, it will keep hair away longer than shaving will.<ref name="rf14">http://health.clevelandclinic.org/2013/06/shaving-vs-waxing-whats-better-for-your-skin/</ref>

#*Hair should be neither too short nor to long for optimum waxing—about ¼ of an inch is a good estimate. Trim the hair before waxing if it is longer than that. <ref name="rf15">http://www.waxing.org/6-tips-to-make-waxing-underarms-easier/</ref>

#*Waxing requires skill and can be painful and even dangerous, so you may want to have a professional take care of this. Be sure to go to a reputable and clean salon<ref name="rf16">http://www.dermascope.com/hair-removal/the-importance-of-sanitary-waxing-practices#.WE79cH2lz2o</ref>

#Consider electrolysis if you want a permanent prevention of hair growth. In the process of electrolysis, a thin needle is inserted in the skin near the hair follicles. A low-level electrical charge destroys the hair follicle so that the hair does not grow back.<ref name="rf17">http://cancer.dartmouth.edu/pf/health_encyclopedia/ty7422</ref> The process is slow and expensive, but results in permanent hair removal.<ref name="rf13" />

#Lighten underarms using simple remedies. Darkening of underarm skin can have a number of causes, including dead skin accumulation or a reaction to a deodorant. If you find this darkening disagreeable, you may want to lighten the skin. There are commercial skin lightening creams, but these are not well-regulated and may contain harsh chemicals.<ref name="rf18">http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/skin-lightening</ref> Luckily, there are natural ways of lightening the skin. Some of the simplest and most effective include:

#*Try using honey as a simple and safe remedy that may help lighten skin. Apply raw honey over your armpits and leave it on for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then, rinse it away. You can also combine a ½ tablespoon of honey with a tablespoon of yogurt or ½ teaspoon of lemon juice to intensify the effects.<ref name="rf19">http://www.skindiseaseremedies.com/honey-for-skin-whitening/</ref>

#Change your deodorant if your underarms are irritated or bothersome. You may have an allergic reaction to a component of a deodorant if you notice persistent itching, redness, swelling, etc. on your underarms. Research has shown that a deodorant containing glycerol and sunflower seed oil can reduce irritation after shaving. <ref name="rf20">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18489309</ref>

#*If your deodorant does not seem to reduce underarm perspiration or odor, or if you have a reaction to it, talk to a medical professional about stronger or alternative products.<ref name="rf21"> http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Body-odour/Pages/Treatment.aspx</ref>

#*If sweat smells fruity, it could be a sign of diabetes, while liver or kidney disease can cause sweat to smell like bleach.<ref name="rf2" /> Consult a doctor if you notice an unusual smell or a marked change in smell.