Why are my armpits sensitive and how to care for them?

Here’s the lowdown on why your pits need a little extra TLC:

Paper-Thin Skin: The skin in your armpits is significantly thinner and more delicate than elsewhere on your body, making it much easier for irritants to penetrate the surface.

The "Fold" Factor: As a skin-on-skin area (known as an intertriginous zone), your armpits experience constant friction, which can lead to chafing and a compromised skin barrier.

A High-Traffic Hub: Your underarms are home to a high concentration of sweat glands and hair follicles. This means more moisture, more bacteria, and more opportunities for follicles to become irritated after shaving.

The Absorption Highway: Because this area is warm and often damp, your pores stay open, meaning they absorb whatever you put on them—including fragrances and alcohols—much faster than other areas.

According to the British Association of Dermatologists, the skin in body folds is particularly prone to irritation (irritant contact dermatitis) because the warm, moist environment can increase the absorption of potential irritants.

Beyond the products, your clothing choice plays a huge role. I noticed my sensitive armpits skin would flare up whenever I wore tight, synthetic gym gear, so I started swapping to loose, natural fibers like cotton or bamboo to let the skin breathe and reduce friction. It also helps to embrace a very soft exfoliation once or twice a week helps remove dead skin cells and product buildup. I use a soft washcloth once or twice a week or sometimes Wild’s exfoliating bars to remove product buildup and prevent ingrown hairs. Finally, always try the "dry before you apply" rule: making sure your skin is completely dry after a shower before applying your sensitive range stick deo on your armpits prevents moisture from being trapped against the skin.

Safety First: If underarm irritation is persistent, worsening, or painful, it’s best to speak to a GP or dermatologist to rule out underlying skin conditions.