Let’s face it, blackheads are the worst. And while they’re most commonly found on the forehead, back, or nose, this form of acne may occur practically anywhere on the body. That means armpit blackheads are very much a thing, so if you have them, you’re definitely not alone.
But just like any skin issue, you can treat underarm blackheads and get rid of them once and for all. However, you do need to prepare yourself for a long journey; otherwise, those annoying acne may come back before you know it.
Today, I want to talk to you a little bit more about the causes of armpit blackheads and the most effective treatments. Let’s dive in.
Key Takeaways
- There are many different causes of underarm blackheads. It could be a poor shaving technique, sweating, friction, your genetic profile, or comedogenic deodorants.
- Try to uncover what’s causing your armpit pimples before picking a treatment.
- Regular cleansing, exfoliating, and proper shaving are the best ways to get rid of armpit blackheads once and for all.
What Causes Armpit Blackheads?
Armpit blackheads are a usual occurrence, and there’s often no reason for concern. But depending on the cause of their appearance, you can understand how to treat them effectively and get rid of them for good.
Here are the most common reasons why blackheads might form under your arms.
Sweating
Sweating and friction are common causes of armpit pimples. Your skin may get irritated when you sweat a lot, and your pores may get clogged. That’s when underarm blackheads may form under your arms and cause discomfort.
The armpit area is sensitive and daily exposed to a lot of friction. All that moving around and the constant movement can cause an underarm inflammation. Even if you don’t sweat that much, your underarm skin may get irritated or injured.
This moisture can often worsen skin irritation and lead to blackhead formation under your arms.
Genetic profile
Another common cause of armpit pimples is your genetic profile, which is, unfortunately, something you don’t really have control over. As a result, some people are simply more prone to developing armpit blackheads than others. And that’s OK.
What you can do is be careful about which type of deodorants you’re using on your armpits and avoid comedogenic products to prevent blackheads from forming.
Comedogenic deodorants
As I just mentioned, you should try to steer clear of comedogenic deodorants because they may clog the hair follicles and lead to armpit pimples.
It’s important to avoid ingredients that may worsen any skin issues that you already have. For example, when looking for deodorants, stay away from comedogenic products and make sure you listen to what your body is telling you. If you notice scratching, infection, or irritation after applying a product, get rid of it as soon as possible.
Shaving technique
Shaving may also lead to ingrown hair and underarm blackhead formation. Daily use of razors could increase the chances of blackheads developing under your arms. It’s vital to properly hydrate your skin before using a razor on it.
Also, forget about dull and old razors because they’re not your friend. They might introduce new bacteria into small breaks in your skin, potentially leading to ingrown hairs, bacterial infection, and pimples. Instead, treat your underarm area properly with the right ingredients and clean products.
Skin impurities
When impurities start to clog your hair follicles, that’s when blackheads tend to occur. And since there are plenty of these follicles in the armpit area, you’re more likely to develop blackheads in that part.
Also, your underarm skin is more sensitive and delicate than other parts of your body, which is why it’s more prone to skin issues such as pimples and blackheads.
With excess oil filling your underarm hair follicles, blackheads may climb to the surface of your skin and make it flare up.
How Do I Get Rid of Armpit Blackheads?
If you’re stressed about armpit pimples, I’ve got you covered. Luckily, there are plenty of effective ways to treat these breakouts and prevent them from reforming in the future.
Before you make your mind on how you want to get rid of underarm pimples, try to uncover the reason behind their occurrence on your skin. Depending on the cause, you will be able to treat the problem more effectively.
Here are the best solutions for underarm blackheads.
Regular Cleansing
Cleansing is the first and the most vital step in every acne treatment, even when you’re dealing with underarm blackheads. Since the most common causes of armpit blackheads are impurities and sweating, you need to implement cleansing into your daily skincare routine.
Choose a water-soluble cleanser to wash your underarm area thoroughly. This type of cleanser will protect your skin against acne and blackheads (continue reading for a cleanser recommendation).
Make sure you cleanse this delicate area regularly without making it overly irritated and dry.
Exfoliation
Another way to get rid of your armpit pimples is a proper exfoliation routine. Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin using chemical exfoliating tools. This process also helps clear clogged pores from the skin, making it smoother and clearer.
We often talk about exfoliation when we talk about skincare routines, but this process is equally beneficial for your underarm area. So, if you want to get rid of acne and blackheads under your arms, look for products with beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to clear your skin.
BHAs are lipid-soluble, meaning they can dissolve in the oil that piles up in follicles. This is how it removes the dead cells and unclogs follicles that help create blackheads.
I’ll share some suggestions on which products to use in the following section of this article, so stay tuned!
Proper shaving
If the cause of your underarm blackheads is improper shaving or old razors, the best way to treat them is to change your shaving routine. Something in your shaving technique is not serving you well, so it’s important to alter it to avoid skin flare-ups.
Your best bet is to use a clean, new razor and non-comedogenic shaving gel. As discussed previously, a clean razor is a must in your shaving routine because it will keep acne-causing bacteria away, maintain your skin health, and prevent ingrown hairs. If your ingrown hair doesn’t go away on its own, make sure to reach a dermatologist about it.
On another hand, hydrating non-comedogenic cream will prep your armpits for shaving, keep them free of acne breakouts ingrown hairs. In the next section, I’ll share the best products for shaving and keeping your skin blackhead-free.
The Best Products for Removing Blackheads
Picking the right products for your skin routine plays a significant part in keeping your skin healthy. You have to know your ingredients if you want to have healthy, glowy skin.
Also, not only do you have to be careful what type of products you put on your armpit area, but you have to know what works well on your skin.
Here are some recommendations for treating and getting rid of underarm blackheads.
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This is a great foaming cleanser for removing excess oils, impurities, and dirt from the skin. What’s particularly ideal about it is that it’s extremely gentle on the skin, so you’ll know your armpits get the care they need.
It contains powerful ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide that work together to restore the skin’s natural barrier, provide intense hydration, and soothe the armpit skin.
Using a CeraVe cleanser under your arms can help prevent, treat, and get rid of unwanted acne and blackheads.
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Another solution for underarm blackheads is this Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Exfoliant. It contains 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA) that unclogs pores, diminishes enlarged pores, and gently exfoliates dead skin cells.
This lightweight leave-on exfoliant is ideal for those who want to forget about armpit blackheads, breakouts, or acne. It’s one of the most popular exfoliating products worldwide, and it’s clear why. This effective, yet soft formula is a game-changer for delicate skin.
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Another Paula’s Choice product worth mentioning is this advanced pore-refining treatment with 4% BHA. This incredible exfoliant removes dull skin without the use of harsh abrasives and gently clears pores.
If you’re looking for a stronger formulation than Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Exfoliant, I suggest you give this product a try. It has a higher concentration of salicylic acid, making it more effective in fighting blackheads.
This is an excellent product for those that want to treat underarm blackheads and have smooth, healthy skin.
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Final Thoughts
Armpit blackheads are truly a pain, but that doesn’t mean you should let them get away with it. If you’re persistent and dedicated enough, those boring acne will soon become a thing of the past for you.
Remember, there are many different reasons for your armpits flaring up; it could be your improper shaving technique, the type of deodorants you’re using, or simply genetics.
The trick is to discover what’s making your underarm area irritated before continuing your treatment. If you need any professional assistance along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dermatologist to help you.
Keep calm, and don’t ever give up on healthy skin!