Why Are Armpits So Sensitive? Tips to Care for Your Underarms

Here at Make Waves, we know a thing or two about underarms. So, when our customers ask, ‘Why are my armpits so sensitive?’ - we’re always here to help. 

That’s why our experts have put together this blog, so you can find out all you need to know about sensitive armpits. As a team dedicated to caring for your underarms with our natural antiperspirants and deodorants, you can trust that we know what we’re talking about. 

We'll share the reasons why you could have sensitive underarms and tips and tricks for giving them that little bit of TLC. 

So, if you’re ready to discover why your armpits are so sensitive, keep reading!

Why are armpits so sensitive?

There are various reasons why your armpits are more sensitive than other areas of the body. For example:

• The skin under your armpits is thinner compared to other body areas

• At least in the UK, your underarms are less exposed to the sun and other elements (hello, jumpers!), which can impact the texture of your skin

• It’s estimated that 25,000 sweat glands are found in your armpits - creating a moist and warm environment that can be prone to more sensitivity (believe it or not…there are areas on your body with more!)

• Clothing can rub between your underarms, causing friction and skin irritation

• The amount of hair follicles under your arms can also create sensitivity, especially with shaving and ingrown hairs

Without realising it, our armpits actually deal with a lot! Therefore, it’s essential to care for your underarms so they are happy and healthy. 

10 ways to care for your sensitive underarms

We understand that sensitive armpits can cause discomfort, awkwardness, and even embarrassment, especially in the summer months. So, our experts are recommending ten of their top tips to look after your armpits. 

1. Opt for a skin-loving deodorant/ antiperspirant

Some deodorants are made of ingredients that can cause irritation. So, finding a deodorant or antiperspirant that has skin-loving ingredients is essential. Not sure where to look? You’re already in the right place!

Here at Make Waves, we worked with leading chemists to find ingredients for our natural antiperspirant and deodorant that not only are effective, but also take care of your skin at the same time. For example, our formulations include:

• Sunflower Seed Wax (Vitamins A, D, E)

• Shea Butter

• Safflower Seed Oil (Vitamin E)

• Apricot Kernel Oil (Vitamins E, C, K)

• Sunflower Seed Oil (Vitamins E and K)

All of which are known for their moisturising properties! When you choose Make Waves, you can trust that your underarms will be fresh and dry all day long, whilst also looking after your sensitive underarm skin. 

People with sensitive skin often struggle with natural deodorants because they include Sodium Bicarbonate (Bicarbonate of Soda), which can cause irritation. We were very conscious of this when formulating our two products, so we made sure that one of them didn’t include this ingredient. Our antiperspirant with a natural base is bicarb free, which means it is suitable for people with sensitive skin.

2. Skip the fragrance

If you’re someone who has sensitive skin, then you’ve probably heard this one before. But for good reason. Fragrance can cause irritation, especially in areas like the underarms, where the skin is thin and delicate. 

That’s why we’ve come out with our very own fragrance-free natural antiperspirant! Our most-requested scent ever, this is the perfect choice for those with sensitive skin who still want that all-day protection.

One of our co-founders, Oli, says: “Releasing an unscented version of antiperspirant was really important for us as we have lots of customers who have sensitive skin but want to be sustainable and support a UK-made brand. We spent a lot of time speaking with and listening to our customers and it quickly became apparent that this had to be our first new release!”

Sound like something you’d be interested in? Check out our natural antiperspirant starter kits here!

Check out our blog, ‘What is natural antiperspirant?’ for more information if you’re unsure if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle. 

3. Gently cleanse your underarms

Be honest: Do you really wash your armpits in the shower? We get it, sometimes things get missed - sometimes we are just too busy checking if the conditioner has been fully washed out of our hair!

However, it’s important to gently wash your armpits to remove any buildup of deodorant/ antiperspirant as well as bacteria. 

4. Keep them moisturised

As well as keeping them nice and clean, it’s also important to keep your underarms hydrated. We recommend using a body moisturiser that’s suitable for sensitive skin so that you don’t cause irritation. 

5. Exfoliate once a week

Have you ever considered exfoliating your underarms? Many of us exfoliate our faces and legs to remove the buildup of dead skin, and the same can be done for your underarms!

If you have extremely sensitive skin, try a test patch on a small area on one of your armpits just to be sure it won’t cause further irritation. But exfoliating can help reduce ingrown hairs, product buildup, and can even help improve body odour. 

6. Opt for breathable fabrics

You may think your clothing can’t harm your underarms, but this is far from true! In fact, some clothing can cause even more irritation to sensitive armpits, so choosing the right materials is crucial. 

We recommend materials with known breathable qualities, such as:

• Cotton

• Linen

• Polyester

• Silk

• Wool

7. Frequently change your razor head

This is yet another small task that many of us often forget to do! There are multiple benefits to switching your razor head often, such as reduced ingrown hairs and razor burns, a closer shave, and minimises the buildup of bacteria. 

All of which can reduce the sensitivity of your underarms. 

8. Take a pause on shaving

Talking of shaving, have you ever considered stopping shaving for a while? Even with all of the creams and changing heads, shaving is bound to cause some form of irritation. 

So, if your armpits are particularly sensitive, taking a pause on shaving could help reduce the sensitivity and calm any irritation. 

Worried that hairy armpits will make you smell more? Our blog reveals all!

9. Find a sensitive laundry detergent

Just like how we discussed that different materials can cause irritation, the same can be said about laundry detergent. Some of the ingredients can be particularly harsh on sensitive skin. 

Therefore, we recommend choosing a laundry detergent that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin to reduce any irritation. 

10. Choose a stick antiperspirant

When choosing between a roll on or aerosol deodorant, most people choose whichever is cheapest. In the UK, it is estimated that 17 million people opt for spray deodorant/ antiperspirant. This application style’s popularity isn’t a secret, but the negative effects of it are. 

For example, aerosol sprays are not only harmful to our environment, but can also cause extreme irritation under the arms. This is why, when we were designing our natural antiperspirant/ deodorant, the applicator we chose was a stick. It has many benefits, like:

• Environmentally-friendly

• Caring for your skin

• Easy to pop in your bag

• Able to be taken on flights

If this sounds too good to be true, our over 2,000 5-star Trustpilot reviews say otherwise. There’s only one way to find out. Shop with Make Waves today!