How do you remove the waxy buildup on your skin from stick antiperspirants / deodorants? Need a solvent for the wax and soap doesn't work.
G. Baldauf from San Francisco, CA
When you shower, use an exfoliant (mild skin scrubber) this not only will remove the wax, but will remove any dead skin cells and your skin will be as soft as a baby's.
EXFOLIANTS include
* Apricot face scrubbing cleaner by St. Ives. This is my favorite, but when I'm out I use:
* Plain old table SALT or SUGAR mixed with bit of baby oil or cooking oil to a "creamy" consistency You can add a bit of shampoo to it, but the shampoo has water in it and this will "melt" the salt or sugar so use it right away after adding the shampoo. DO NOT add water!
You can use this to scrub your armpits, then use it all over your body as well, follow with your usual soap, and rinse. Your skin will love you for it.
If you need to remove the wax without taking a shower, use a paper towel, wash cloth or a cotton make up pad and to this add plain old rubbing alcohol and scrub. And while your at it, get a clean pad and use the alcohol to clean your neck and behind your ears, this works great. I use this on my son who gets the dirtiest neck!
Also if you're ever camping or hiking and get a bit smelly and need a quickie cleaning, use rubbing alcohol or vodka to clean your arm pits. This works great as it kills the germs that cause odor.
When showering, to remove the waxy build-up of deodorant, I use full-strength Suave '2 in 1' shampoo; used with it is a waffle-patterned cloth that's usually used for washing dishes. The pattern helps exfoliate your skin. If the build up isn't being removed fast enough, just add more shampoo to your cloth. Depending on the amount of build up, you may have to fully cover your underarms with full strength shampoo.
In-between showers, full-strength alcohol is used on a tissue, paper towel or damp dish/wash cloth like mentioned above; the dishcloth removes it faster. The alcohol eradicates odor and can be substituted for deodorant in a 'pinch' ... it will have to be reapplied every few hours, depending on how much you sweat.
Fast Orange! Yes, the mechanics hand cleaner. I have used this and it works wonderfully. It is also great for removing skunk oil from your dog, should you have that problem.
Try using rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball.