Avoiding Those Common Under Arm Blunders - Part 2

This post is sponsored by Dove® ClearTone™ Deodorant - designed to visibly reduce underarm dark marks and even skin tone.

As promised, here is Part Two of the Avoiding Those Common Under Arm Blunders mini series. In our first post we took a closer look at a few tips to help treat red blemishes that can sometimes appear on our under arm skin. Today we are going to give a few tips on how to treat our under arm skin from getting unsightly dark marks.

So let's get right to it, shall we?

To get rid and prevent dark marks to under arm skin, give these tips a try:

1. Start waxing the under arm area instead of shaving. Why? Waxing is the best choice because it will remove the hair from the root, leaving no dark marks (this is especially recommended for those of us who have dark colored and or coarse hair).  Shaving does not do this. When shaving, the hair is removed however the root stays beneath the skin - which is what causes the skin to have a darker appearance.

2. Treat the area with baking soda. This can be done two ways: Baking soda can be applied directly to freshly washed skin or by making a paste to use when exfoliating the skin. When making a paste simply take a few teaspoons of baking soda add in a few drops of lemon juice. Apply this mixture to under arm skin allowing it to sit on skin for a few minutes, then wash off completely.

3. Treat the skin with a natural bleaching mixture. This is done by mixing a few teaspoons of plain yogurt with a few drops of lime juice. Similar to using baking soda, this mixture is applied to skin leaving it on for at least 20 min. It is recommended to do this treatment before bathing.

4. When washing under arms always use a gentle loofah - this removes dead skin cells.

5. Avoid applying perfume or any type of fragrance to under arm skin. Doing this will cause the skin to darken over time.

6. Use talcum powder on those days where the temperature is extremely hot.

7. Try to wear clothing made of natural fabrics only. These would be cotton, hemp, bamboo even soy fabrics. Wearing natural fabrics allows the clothing to "breathe" which will help avoid chaffing and irritation to the under arms. Wearing other fabrics, such as polyester or poly-cotton, will do exactly the opposite: trap in the heat causing you to sweat more than normal which will cause the fabric to irritate the skin.

Side Note: IMPORTANT: When using any natural home remedy for preventive care, please be patient! Results can vary, and can take time to appear. But, more importantly - don't give up!

And there you have it! Simple treatments that can be done in the comfort of your home. Now,  there should be NO reason why you shouldn't be able to wear those sexy sleeveless tops during the summer months!

Now it's your turn: How do you take care of your under arm skin? Do you have any suggestions about waxing? 

Please share your ideas and comments with us - we love interacting and hearing from our readers!

I was compensated for this post by the Clever Girls Collective.com. All the opinions expressed here are my own.

Avoiding Those Common Under Arm Blunders...Part One

This post is sponsored by Dove® ClearTone™ Deodorant - designed to visibly reduce underarm dark marks and even skin tone.


This summer we have seen the humidity and heat rise to new levels. Here in Gahanna, Oh we had days that the temperature rose above the 100 mark! Now, I am not complaining - trust me I love some hot weather BUT what I don't appreciate is having to wear clothing with any type of sleeves. I can't do it! I just can't!

I know that for some of us (myself included) wearing sleeveless tops is to be avoided at all cost, however, there are ways we can get over this. Yes, you read correctly: There are ways we can definitely keep those unsightly dark marks and red blemishes from appearing on our under arm skin.

To get rid of any red blemishes or bumps under the skin try these tips:

1. Exfoliate under arm skin on a regular basis. Keep in mind this does not have to be done everyday but at least a few times a week should suffice. Exfoliating our under arm skin is recommended because this will remove all the dead skin cells from this area. I have found that the best way to exfoliate is by using a small shower sponge and gently buffing the underarm area right before shaving.

2. If you prefer to remove under arm hair with a razor, make sure to use a generous amount of shaving cream, shower gel or soap. Personally, I tend to use a oatmeal and almond soap for my skin and this has helped a lot! Whichever you decide to use, rule of thumb is to provide under arm skin with a think layer of product creating a "cushion" that will protect skin from razor blades.

3. Always try to use NEW razors when possible. Since the blades are sharper, they will glide across the skin much easier reducing any possibility for irritation, as well as avoiding  having to run the razor over skin more than once.

4. IMPORTANT: Always glide the razor blades in the SAME direction of the hair growth. I know, most people would say the opposite but please trust me on this one! If you do glide razor in the opposite direction, you will be causing ingrown hairs to appear - this is exactly what you need to avoid doing!

Now for the last step, if you DO have any red bumps do the following step BEFORE applying Dove Clear Tone Deodorant.

5. After shaving under arms, dry skin completely then apply a thin layer of hydrocortisone cream. This will help calm any irritation and itching that you may have. Once this dries, apply a layer of Dove Clear Tone Deodorant.

For those of you who DO NOT have any blemishes under your arms, after completing step #4, apply a layer of Dove Clear Tone Deodorant and allow this to dry before putting your top on.


Now it's your turn: How do you typically keep your under arm area blemish free? Have you seen the new Dove Clear Tone Deodorant? Which one do you use?

Please share your thoughts with us as we will be continuing this conversation in a second post where we will be giving tips on how to treat and avoid getting dark marks on our under arm skin.


I was compensated for this post by the Clever Girls Collective.com. All the opinions expressed here are my own.