How to Unclog Your Underarm Pores
Armpits don't get much love -- but like the rest of your skin, they also have pores. When they're clogged, you might get ingrown hairs or even a few pimples. Blocked underarm pores are stuffed with bacteria, and that can make body odor smell worse.
Armpits don't get much love -- but like the rest of your skin, they also have pores. When they're clogged, you might get ingrown hairs or even a few pimples. Blocked underarm pores are stuffed with bacteria, and that can make body odor smell worse. You don't need a dermatologist's help to unclog pores -- regular exfoliating will do the trick. You can make your own all-natural exfoliating scrub, but if you're short on time, a wet washcloth works just as well.
Step 1
Wipe your underarms with a damp washcloth in the shower before shaving. The cloth will gently unclog pores by scrubbing away oil and dirt.
Step 2
Shave underarms in the evening before you go to bed. Your underarms won't be covered in deodorant at night, so shaving before bed allows them to breathe.
Step 3
Cut back on antiperspirant use. Antiperspirants block underarm pores to stop you from sweating. Use plain deodorant instead. You'll sweat, but your sweat won't smell bad.
Step 4
Add a few spoonfuls of vegetable glycerin to a small bowl. Mix in a bit of table salt, then stir. Keep adding salt and stirring until a thick paste forms. If desired, add a drop or two of essential oil to the paste for fragrance. Smooth a thin layer of the paste over each underarm in the shower, then rinse off.
Step 5
Mix 3/4 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of ground cloves, 2 tablespoons of grated orange zest and 1 tablespoon of dried rose petals in a small bowl. Add 1 1/2 cups of sesame oil, then stir well. Apply the paste twice a week on damp underarms, then rinse. Store leftovers in a dark, cool spot for up to six months.
Tip
To make your own natural deodorant, combine 1/4 cup of baking soda, 5 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1/4 cup of cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Keep the deodorant in a sealed container; it will stay fresh for several weeks.