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Axillary skin: biology and care
R L Evans1, R E Marriott, M Harker
1Port Sunlight Laboratory, Unilever Research and Development, Quarry Road East, Bebington, Wirral, CH63 3JW, U.K. richard.evans@unilever.com
International Journal of Cosmetic Science
|May 23, 2012
Summary
Axillary skin care requires specialized attention due to damage from hair removal. Effective moisturizing technology can resolve irritation and dryness, with five compound groups identified for damaged skin care.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and skin biology
- Cosmetic science and formulation
Background:
- The axilla presents unique biological characteristics necessitating specialized skin care.
- Common hair removal methods like shaving and plucking cause skin damage, including erythema, dryness, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIHP).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the unique biology of axillary skin.
- To characterize skin irritation and damage from hair removal and assess resolution via moisturizing technology.
- To propose relevant compound groups for treating damaged axillary skin.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of axillary skin biology.
- Description of skin responses to hair removal techniques.
- Evaluation of moisturizing compounds based on their mechanism of action.
Main Results:
- Axillary skin is biologically distinct and susceptible to damage from grooming practices.
- Erythema, dryness, and PIHP are common consequences of hair removal.
- Five categories of moisturizing compounds are proposed for effective management of damaged axillary skin.
Conclusions:
- Specialized care is essential for the unique biology of axillary skin.
- Modern hair removal techniques induce significant skin irritation and damage.
- Efficacious moisturizing technologies, utilizing specific compound groups, can resolve these adverse effects.
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