Dry, Itchy and Irritated? Skincare For Your Arms and Legs

We use our arms and legs everyday but we don’t give them the care that they deserve. 

Oftentimes we neglect these areas as they’re hidden under our clothes but there are many great ways that we can give them a little extra attention through upgrading our skincare routines, and as a result tackling common skin conditions including seasonal dryness and Keratosis pilaris.

HOW CAN I CARE FOR THE SKIN ON MY ARMS?

When our arms are experiencing extreme dryness, it could be due to a variety of factors. From harsh weather conditions to skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, our arms can have patchy areas of dryness. As we age, our oil production tends to decrease also leaving the skin parched and irritated. 

Our underarms are also areas that need extra care. We spray them with deodorants and antiperspirants everyday to inhibit and mask sweating but we may find that we’re not taking proper care that we should. Simple tips like how to wash our underarms and proper aftercare after hair removal on your armpits will elevate your bodycare routine leaving you fresh for longer.

HOW ARE MY UNDERARMS DIFFERENT FROM THE REST OF MY BODY? 

The pH of the skin on our underarms are slightly higher than the rest of the body. Generally our skin has a pH of around 5.5 but our underarms have a pH reading of 6.5 making them less acidic and prone to bacteria. 

These areas are also moist and often hidden in dark places which is the optimum condition for the growth of bacteria that can often lead to body odour. 

HOW CAN I CARE FOR MY UNDERARMS?

USE A GENTLE BODY CLEANSER. 

One simple way to take good care of the underarms area is to use a gentle body wash. By doing so, it won’t disrupt the natural pH of the skin leading to less irritation. Daily cleansing will wash away any buildup of bacteria that has collected throughout the day.

OPT FOR A HYDRATING DEODORANT. 

Some deodorants on the market can be too harsh for the skin. Aluminium-based deodorants inhibit perspiration by blocking the pores leaving the underams bumpy, dry and itchy. 

Switching to an organic deodorant that is free from the nasties will allow your skin’s microbiome to flourish naturally without the unpleasant odour. 

Our Cotton Fresh Natural Deodorant Cream is infused with shea butter and coconut oil to hydrate your skin as well as sage oil to deliver anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to the skin throughout the day.    

WHAT IS KERATOSIS PILARIS?

Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition more commonly known as ‘chicken skin’ or ‘strawberry skin’. These are tiny little bumps all over the arms or legs that are rough to the touch. 

They are caused when hair follicles get trapped beneath the skin due to a buildup of keratin. They’re usually harmless but can cause itchiness and discomfort especially during the winter months. 

We’ve already written a handy guide on how to tackle keratosis pilaris which you can find here!

HOW CAN I PREVENT DRY, PATCHY SKIN ON MY ARMS?

While there is no magic cure for dryness, there are some things you can do to prevent them and fight against drying skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. 

• Incorporate a gentle and hydrating body cleanser into your skincare routine. The addition of a gentle daily cleanser will allow you to cleanse the skin without it being overly stripping in the affected areas.  

• Remember to moisturise. Dry skin can get worse during the winter seasons due to the colder and harsher weather conditions. Remembering to moisturise after you shower will ensure the affected areas are properly hydrated to aid in repairing the skin’s barriers.

• Multipurpose products can cut down your routine. For those lazy days where you want a 2-in-1 product to achieve smoother skin, you can use a cleanser that is also moisturising. Our Super Berry Bath and Shower Oil is an effective and luxurious cleanser that hydrates and plumps the skin.

HOW TO CARE FOR THE SKIN ON MY LEGS

Our legs are prone to irritation and dryness particularly for those who shave regularly. The friction of a razor blade across delicate skin can cause razor burns, irritation and itchiness as well as ingrown hairs. 

Knowing how to shave properly and taking proper aftercare will help you achieve smoother legs without the redness.

HOW DO I SHAVE PROPERLY?

1. Exfoliate the skin. Exfoliating the skin will buff away dead skin cells whilst also allowing for a closer shave in the next steps. This step is also important for preventing those bothersome ingrown hairs. A gentle scrub will do just the job!
2. Apply a shaving or shower oil over the skin. Once you’ve washed away the scrub, massage a hydrating shower oil onto the skin. This is a great multipurpose step to allow the blade to glide across the skin effortlessly whilst also seeing where you have left to shave. Super Berry Bath and Shower Oil is a in-shower body conditioner that cleanses and hydrates the skin turning into a creamy texture with the addition of water.
3. Gently sweep the razor across the skin to shave. Use long but controlled strokes when shaving to ensure smooth coverage across the legs. You can even prop your leg up to avoid slipping in the bath. Remember to replace your razor regularly to ensure the blade is sharp and doesn’t pull at the skin!
4. Moisturise. This is a very important step to reintroduce hydration back into the skin. Shaving can be an irritating process particularly for those who are more sensitive. Moisturising will calm and soothe the skin and prevent post-shave irritation. This will leave your skin supple and smooth.

While there is no magic formula that will magically get rid of dry patches and irritation on the arms and legs, the addition of a hydrating moisturiser and opting for gentler products will make a huge difference. Try switching to an organic and vegan deodorant and opting for a gentle cleanser for the arms and legs to see what difference it makes!

You may also like: 

From Head to Toe: How To Make Your Whole Body Glow

Why Switch to a Natural Deodorant

What is Keratosis Pilaris?