How to get rid of dark armpits for Lighten Dark Skin: Our underarms lie in a blind spot on our bodies. We cannot see them without craning our necks down or looking in a mirror. This doesn’t mean others cannot see them. If it is hot weather outside, a tank top or similar sleeveless shirt might be called for. Thanks to sweat, razors, poor hygiene, and beauty products like deodorant, our underarm skin can get darker and look a little unpleasant. Often it is something that might fade naturally, but sometimes we might need a little help.
We also might want to know how to lighten underarm skin to stop it from getting worse. one HOWTO has some helpful tips to get rid of dark underarms with mainly all-natural and effective ingredients
Underarm lightening
For many people, dark underarms can be a source of embarrassment. Darker underarm skin can keep some people from dressing in sleeveless tops, wearing bathing suits in public, and participating in sports.
Like skin blemishes and discoloration on other parts of the body, dark underarms can result in a lack of confidence and self-esteem.
1. Use Baking Soda
Dark underarms are a consequence of dead skin cells accumulating over time. Not only does it darken your underarms further, but it also clogs the pores, leaving the skin unable to breathe. The key lies in exfoliating these dead cells off your skin. Baking soda when applied to the skin gives out a basic exothermic reaction which
scrapes off dead skin cells from the epidermis to give way to clear skin.
How to apply:
- Mix water and baking soda to create a paste and apply it to the underarms
- Scrub gently for a little over a minute, wash with cold water and pat it dry
- You can use rosewater instead of normal water and repeat this thrice a week
2. Use lemon
Thanks to bleaching and astringent effects, lemon is one of the best solutions for underarm whitening. Squeeze a lemon and apply its juice daily before showering, as well as combating odor, lemon juice will also help reduce melanin and remove dead cells from your armpits. The reason for lemon working to lighten your underarms
is due to its bleaching abilities.
How to apply:
- Mix all the ingredients together and apply in circular movements on your underarms
- Leave for ten minutes and rinse with water
- Make sure you add honey to the recipe, as using lemon to whiten underarms can cause photodermatitis due to the acids found in this juice
- If you do use lemon on its own, never leave it on for longer than 15
minutes as its acidity can cause damage to the skin.
3. Potatoes
Using lemons to lighten underarms can irritate sensitive skin, and cause rashes or some other kind of reaction. Potatoes aren’t as acidic as lemons but are a better option for sensitive skin. The citric acid in potatoes is milder and, even though they work at a slow pace, they give desired results too.
How to apply:
- Cut potatoes into slices and rub them on the underarms’ skin
- After 10 minutes of letting the essence settle, wash it with lukewarm water and dry it
- Repeat twice a day
4. Saffron and milk
A very effective home remedy to lighten underarm skin is mixed saffron with two tablespoons of cream or milk. An ancient method, it was rumored that drinking a mixture of saffron and milk during pregnancy would cause the baby to be born fair. While this isn’t exactly true, it will work to lighten dark underarms. Besides this, it is also good at eliminating bacteria and odor. Saffron is one of the most expensive spices, so this may not be an everyday remedy for lightening dark spots underarms.
How to apply:
- This recipe is really simple.
- Just mix the saffron and milk/cream together until well combined
- Spread it on the armpits before bed and let it stand overnight
- Rinse with lukewarm water
5. Cucumber
Along with their excellent bleaching properties, cucumbers are also filled with a number of vitamins and minerals. Simply rub a few cucumber slices on your dark armpits for a minute or two and let its juice remain on your skin another 10 mins, then rinse off with water. It is an excellent choice for reducing skin darkness if you repeat the method daily.
How to apply:
- Cut slices of cucumber and rub them on the skin
- After 10 minutes, wash it and pat dry.
- Repeat twice a day
6. Milk
This universally accepted beauty product is here to fight your dark underarms too! We do not prescribe going Cleopatra style and take dips in pools of milk but just use few teaspoons of it for its skin lightening properties and moisturizing benefits. Here is an age-old grandmother’s recipe for milk.
How to apply:
- Mix three tablespoons of milk in some gram flour
- Add a pinch of turmeric and make a paste
- Apply this paste, scrub for over ten minutes and leave it to dry
- Rinse with cold water and pat it dry.
- Repeat thrice a week
7. Hydrogen peroxide
Bleach excellence is hydrogen peroxide for either removing stains on clothing or skin lightening under the arms.
How to apply:
- Moisten a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide for topical use and apply it to the area of your underarms,
letting the liquid be absorbed and then wash it as usual - Like the lemon juice and baking powder make your blemishes disappear quickly
- Like lemon juice it is also dangerous to be left on the skin for too long, so do not exceed a 15-minute exposure
8. Apply Multani Mitti
Instead of using an expensive skincare product, ask your mother for the age-old magic product, fuller’s earth (a.k.a Multani Mitti) to lighten your underarms.
How to apply:
- Just mix 2 tablespoons of Multani Mitti with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and a few drops of water to make a paste
- Apply it on your armpits, let it dry for 10-15 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water
- This natural clay will exfoliate and lighten the dark armpits effectively if you apply it regularly
Your first step to lighten underarms
The first response to the “how to lighten armpits” question is to address some of the basic causes:
- Change your brand of deodorant/antiperspirant. Some people switch to a natural alternative such as baking soda or apple cider vinegar. Some people stop using deodorant altogether.
- Stop shaving. Some people select waxing or laser hair removal instead.
- Exfoliate. Many people use a body scrub or a facial exfoliator two to three times a week.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes.
- Stop smoking.
How can I prevent dark underarms?
Assuming your hyperpigmentation comes from irritation, your first move is to switch up your shaving routine and perhaps your deodorant too (especially if you’ve been meaning to try a safe, non-toxic deodorant anyway).
With shaving, there are several factors that might be leading to dark underarms. If you ever skip the shaving cream, for instance, the irritation might lead to a hyperpigmentation flare-up. Similarly, a dull razor could cause a skin reaction, as could shaving with too much pressure. Start by using a fresh razor, lathering up with moisturizing shaving cream, and shaving with a lighter touch. (How to lighten underarms)
Deodorant-wise, if you’re still using the same chemical-laden deodorant that you bought at the drugstore when you were in high school, you may be overdue for an upgrade. Switch to deodorant powered by natural, active ingredients. Look for a deodorant that uses known irritants (like baking soda) minimally and offsets them with ingredients like glycerin, which is an all-star skin soother.
Does shaving underarms make it dark?
Shaving can irritate your skin as it removes the fine top layer. You might want to protect against inflammation with cold compresses. For razor bumps try a warm compress. It really depends upon the irritation.
As the hair starts to regrow, you might see a stronger contrast from the bare skin because when you shaved the area appeared much lighter/less hairy which was the desired effect. But no, shaving will not cause either the hair or the skin to actually become darker.
5 Best Underarm Whitening Creams To Look Out For In 2021
Best Underarm Whitening Creams For You
1. Qraa Advanced Lacto Dark Underarm Whitening Cream
Product Claims
Qraa underarm whitening cream claims to lighten dark underarms by reducing melanin from the skin in the area. It contains kojic acid, witch hazel, and licorice extracts that reduce melanin production and exfoliate the skin without irritating it. This cream claims to lighten your underarms in just 10 days.
Pros
- Fast results
- Natural extracts
- Paraben-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Pleasant fragrance
- Non-greasy
Cons
- It May take time to show results
2. FC White Advanced Skin Brightening Cream
Product Claims
This dark underarms whitening cream is meant for the sensitive areas of your body, including the underarms and intimate areas. It helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and brighten the skin on your underarms, bikini line, and your private areas.
Pros
- Has a deodorizing effect
- Paraben-free
- No harmful chemicals
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- It may take time to show results
3. the Nature Republic Cotton Armpit Kit
Product Claims
This kit includes a whitening armpit wash and cream. The armpit wash is like a scrub that gently scrubs away dead skin cells on the skin, and the cream claims to brighten it. It also has a deodorizing effect, so you don’t need to worry about smelly armpits after you have applied this cream. This is an effective underarm whitening cream for all skin types.
Pros
- Contains niacinamide
- Contains green tea extracts
- Lasting effect
Cons
- Expensive
- Not easily available
4. Sanctus Underarm Whitening & Sweat Reduction Cream
Product Claims
Say goodbye to dark underarms and odor with Sanctus underarm cream. It removes dead skin cells and evens out the skin tone. And it also has antiperspirant effects that reduce your chances of developing a sweat-induced bad odor. It can be used on the knees, thighs, underarms, elbows, and all your intimate areas. It is the best under-arm darkness removal cream.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Oil-free formula
- Fast absorption
Cons
- It contains aluminum chloride that might irritate sensitive skin.
5. Beautilo Advanced Brightening Whitening Cream
Product Claims
This whitening cream moisturizes, lightens, and even tones the complexion of the dark and dry skin of your body. It is enriched with Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin, which smoothen and brighten the skin. This can be used on nipples, groin, knee, neck, underarms, legs, etc. It is also effective in removing body odor and diluting melanin, giving you a firm, even-toned skin complexion.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Contains natural active whiteners
- Ideal for all body areas
Cons
- Might cause rashes or allergies in some people
What To Consider Before Buying An Underarm Whitening Cream
Skin Type: Knowing your skin type is essential before buying any cream for your skin. Most whitening creams are designed to suit different skin types. A cream that does not match your skin type can cause skin rashes and irritation. Going for an underarm whitening cream that suits your skin type will give you the best results.
Smell: People could be allergic to different types of smells. Such allergies may cause headaches and discomfort. Trying a sample beforehand helps. You can also read reviews of verified customers before purchasing.
Ingredients: Being aware of what the cream contains will tell you how best it can suit your skin. Go for natural ingredients. Also, if you are prone to allergies, reading the ingredients list can tell you how safe the product can be for you.
Budget: Every product belongs to a different price range. While certain expensive brands may not show any results, others that are reasonably priced may cause issues. Hence, go for a whitening cream from a brand you already trust. Most effective underarm whitening creams cost between $30-50$.
Other Factors To Check: Find out more about the brand. You may also check to ensure the product is not animal-tested. Also, read customer reviews to understand if the product causes any side effects.
Both men and women can get dark underarms. There are several factors responsible for it.
What’s the problem?
When it comes to your armpits, it is the melanin that causes the area to become darker. Here are some common causes that leave you with undesirable dark underarms.
1. The use of alcohol-based deodorants and antiperspirants.
2. Excessive rubbing / Friction: constant rubbing or friction may result in thickening of the skin and darkening of the skin.
3. Hormonal changes: Periodically, your body goes through hormonal changes, like when you get pregnant. This causes your body to increase the production of melanin, leading to blotchiness, uneven skin tone, and skin darkening on the upper lip, neck, and yes, your underarms as well.
4. Acanthosis nigricans: The Dark underarms may also be a result of a medical condition that is known as acanthosis nigricans, which is often associated with obesity, hormonal disorders, certain medications, and cancer. Areas affected become thickened or dark gray or brown color.
5. Shaving / Waxing: Underarm hair that has been shaved tends to be darker and coarser. Underarm waxing has its own drawbacks. It doesn’t truly relieve you of underarm hair, but only reduces it.
6. Use of hair removal creams.
7. Bacteria: If you do not clean your underarms properly, they may appear black and dark. Dead skin will start to build up, and microorganisms will thrive in the dark and sweaty conditions of your underarms. This may lead to a chronic infection in the deeper layers of your underarm skin, further which leads to the formation of rough, discolored skin that is red in the first place but slowly changes brown in color.
Medical treatments for armpit lightening
Treatments
1. Topical Creams
The best option is always to consult your dermatologist to get the best advice on dark underarms. Under the supervision of a dermatologist, prescription creams, ointments, and gels can be used to lighten the skin under the arms. The medicines like retinoid creams to thin and lighten the skin, hydroquinone cream to lighten the color of the skin, a vitamin D-based cream to reduce pigmentation, and using topical antibiotics or antibacterial soaps to minimize discomfort.
2. Chemical Peels
Various combinations of peels can be used to treat the dark underarm concern. Chemical peels help in the rejuvenation and repair of the skin. Chemical peel brightens and evens out your skin tone by reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration. They revitalize dull-looking skin, help skin look soft and smooth. Because of their deep exfoliating effects, Peels can refine the surface of your skin. They also cause your skin to peel physically, so they require around a week of downtime. However, the results are worth the wait!
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3. Underarm Pixel
A Laser system can effectively target deeper pigmentation within the skin. This treatment works well. The laser beam breaks down the melanin, which subsequently diminishes in a few treatment sessions. Successive sessions will be required to see effective results. The laser light goes deep into the skin and heats up the dermal layer. The body’s defense mechanism promptly perceives this action as an injury and rushes to repair it. This process stimulates collagen production, making skin tissue firmer and more elastic. Skin darkening may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires immediate attention, so people with dark underarms should see their doctor.
When the underlying condition is treated, the symptoms are resolved and the skin gets lighten. But if an underlying cause is not treated, then dark underarms can reoccur. Always consult a dermatologist as they can always recommend medications and treatments for the same. Never neglect any such condition.
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