Having dark underarms can be an embarrassing and confidence-lowering issue for many people. The skin under the arms is delicate and prone to pigmentation due to friction, shaving, dead skin cells build up, use of chemical laden deodorants and antiperspirants, hormonal changes etc. Thankfully there are some simple, natural ways to lighten the dark underarms and get back your confidence.
Causes of Dark Underarms
Here are some of the common causes behind dark underarms:
- Shaving: Using razors irritates the thin underarm skin which can cause pigmentation and darkening. The irritation and inflammation leads to excess melanin production.
- Deodorants & Antiperspirants: The harmful chemicals like alcohol, fragrances etc in deodorants/antiperspirants can react with the underarm skin and cause darkening over time. The aluminum salts in antiperspirants also accentuate the problem.
- Dead Skin Cell Buildup: Accumulation of dead skin cells can block pores and lead to dark elbows and knees. This can happen in underarms too.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menstruation, menopause etc can trigger excess melanin production leading to pigmentation.
- Excess Sweating and Friction: Excess sweating and moisture in folds like underarms can cause friction and darkening. The constant friction also irritates the skin.
- Obesity: In some overweight people, the underarm skin can become darker due to constant friction between arms and body.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like acanthosis nigricans can also cause pigmentation in body folds including underarms.
- Genetics: Some people are just genetically predisposed to have darker underarms.
Natural Remedies for Underarm Whitening
Here are some tried and tested home remedies that can help lighten dark underarms:
1. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a miracle ingredient for underarm whitening thanks to its natural bleaching properties. The citric acid in lemon gently exfoliates the skin to remove dead cells. It also fades dark pigmentation.
How to use:
- Cut a lemon in half and rub it directly on the dark underarms.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes before washing off with water.
- Do this daily for fast results. It may cause a mild burning sensation due to acidic pH but this is normal.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a popular natural bleaching agent. It also helps get rid of dead skin cells responsible for pigmentation. Plus, it neutralizes excess oils and sweat that can cause underarm darkening.
How to use:
- Make a paste with 1 tsp baking soda and few drops of water/lemon juice.
- Gently scrub this paste on underarms and wash off after 5 minutes.
- Use 2-3 times a week for visible results within a few weeks.
3. Cucumber Juice
The mild bleaching and soothing properties of cucumber can lighten dark underarms. It also shrinks enlarged pores and reduces excess sweat.
How to use:
- Grate a cucumber and squeeze out its juice.
- Apply the juice on underarms with a cotton ball.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse off.
- Repeat twice daily.
4. Aloe Vera Gel
Fresh aloe vera gel can reduce pigmentation while deeply moisturizing the underarm skin. It also prevents razor bumps and irritation after shaving the underarms.
How to use:
- Cut open an aloe vera leaf and collect the fresh gel.
- Gently massage it into your underarms.
- Let it absorb for 20 minutes before rinsing off with water.
- Use aloe vera gel daily after shaving to prevent darkening.
5. Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth)
Multani mitti is an absorbent Ayurvedic clay that can effectively lighten dark underarms. It clears clogged pores, absorbs excess oil and shrinks pores.
How to use:
- Make a paste with multani mitti and rose water/water.
- Apply this paste to your underarms and let it dry completely.
- Wash it off and follow up with a moisturizer.
- Repeat 3-4 times a week.
6. Potato Slices
Potato is a time-tested bleaching agent for skin pigmentation. It contains mild acids that work to fade pigmentation. Plus, it helps draw out excess oil/sweat from underarms.
How to use:
- Cut thin slices of a potato. Rub the slices on clean underarms for a few minutes.
- Leave the potato juice on the skin to air dry.
- Rinse off after 15-20 minutes. Use this remedy daily.
7. Orange Peel Powder
Orange peel powder is a traditional methods for natural skin whitening. The vitamin C in oranges lightens pigmentation while the citric acid provides gentle exfoliation.
How to use:
- Mix some orange peel powder with rose water/curd/water to form a paste.
- Gently rub it on underarms and let it sit for 15 minutes before washing off.
- Do this 2-3 times a week. Store the powder in an airtight box.
8. Sandalwood & Rose Water/Milk
Sandalwood powder soothes and cools the skin while fading pigmentation. When combined with milk or rose water, it makes an excellent underarm whitening pack.
How to use:
- Mix some sandalwood powder with milk/rose water to form a paste.
- Apply it on clean underarms and let it dry. Rinse off after 20 minutes.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week for a few weeks.
9. Yogurt
Lactic acid in yogurt deeply moisturizes and exfoliates the skin to lighten pigmentation. It also helps balance pH levels of underarm skin.
How to use:
- Apply some plain yogurt on underarms with a cotton ball.
- Let it sit for 20 minutes before washing off with water.
- Use this remedy daily for fast results.
10. Milk Cream
Milk cream is a simple and effective underarm whitening home remedy. The natural milk proteins nourish the skin and improve its texture with regular use.
How to use:
- Scoop out the malai (cream) floating over warm milk.
- Massage it gently into underarms for 2-3 minutes.
- Allow it to absorb for 15 minutes before rinsing off.
- Apply daily for visible results in a few weeks.
Tips for Prevention of Dark Underarms
Along with natural home remedies, follow these tips to avoid underarm darkening:
- Exfoliate underarms 2-3 times a week using a scrub to remove dead cells. Avoid over-exfoliating.
- Use a gentle, natural deodorant instead of chemical laden antiperspirants. Change deodorant if it causes irritation.
- Shave carefully using a sharp, clean razor. Avoid shaving over the same area repeatedly.
- Apply a moisturizer after shaving to prevent dryness and irritation. Aloe vera gel works well.
- Wear loose, cotton clothes to avoid friction and allow ventilation. Tight fitting synthetics trap sweat.
- Control excessive sweating using antiperspirants with aluminum hydrochloride or get medical help.
- Manage conditions like PCOS that can cause hormonal imbalance and pigmentation.
- Maintain a healthy weight as obesity can cause constant friction and darkness in underarms.
- Protect underarms from sun exposure as UV rays can worsen pigmentation.
When to See a Doctor
You should consult a dermatologist if:
- The underarm darkening is sudden and very noticeable.
- It is spreading progressively to other areas.
- It is accompanied by other symptoms like irritation, rash, acne etc.
- Home remedies provide no improvement after several weeks.
- The darkening could be a sign of an underlying condition like diabetes or hormonal imbalance.
A dermatologist can examine the pigmentation and prescribe stronger creams, chemical peels or laser treatment if necessary. So don’t hesitate to seek medical advice for stubborn underarm pigmentation or if it affects your self-confidence.
Conclusion
Dark underarms can make you self-conscious but are treatable in most cases with simple natural ingredients found at home. With regular exfoliation, use of natural bleaching agents and skin nourishment, you can lighten the pigmentation gradually over a few weeks. Also take preventive steps like avoiding harsh deodorants, shaving carefully and protecting skin from sun exposure. See a doctor if the condition does not improve with consistent home treatment. Just be patient and stick to the remedies to get your confidence back by bidding goodbye to dark underarms for good!
