Home Remedies for Dark Underarms

Women from around the world seek home remedies for dark underarms, as it is a very common skin problem faced by most Indian women as well as women from around the world. It is also a very common cause for embarrassment, which prevents women suffering from underarm darkness from wearing sleeveless tops, tank tops, swim wear, and other clothing that is likely to make their underarms visible to people around them. In this article, we will explore some commonly asked questions as well as home remedies for dark underarms.

Reason for Dark Underarms

In normal circumstances, the color of the skin on your underarms should be the same color as the rest of your body. However, sometimes, the skin on the underarms can turn a slightly darker color due to hyperpigmentation, skin irritation caused by the use of deodorants, abrasion that is most commonly caused by the use of tight clothing & frequent shaving, melasma (dark patches on the skin), or Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) that is often caused due to obesity, diabetes, or hormonal imbalance.

Can Shaving Cause Dark Underarms?

Shaving per se doesn't cause dark underarms. Using the incorrect methods for shaving and removing hair too frequently can cause them. Shaving body hair, especially hair on the underarms, too frequently can be very abrasive and irritate the skin. This can result in hyperpigmentation. However, if you follow the right steps for shaving, the most important one being using the right Easy Shave Shaving Cream, especially one that contains natural ingredients, instead of ordinary soap & water which doesn't sooth & protect your skin or soften the hair follicles.

Using a sharp & efficient razor that is designed for women is also very important. Men's razors are designed differently keeping the thickness of their hair in mind, whereas women's razors are designed keeping in mind the contours of the body & safety in navigating delicate areas such as the underarms & bikini areas. You must also ensure that your razor blade has not become worn out. Going over the same area repeatedly to remove hair also causes skin irritation and abrasion. Always use a sharp razor blade that removes all your unwanted hair at once without you having to apply too much pressure.

Post shaving your underarms or any other part of your body, it is important to apply an Antioxidant Body Lotion to sooth & nourish the skin. By following all these steps, you will effectively prevent underarm darkness as a result of shaving/hair removal.

Medical Treatment for Dark Underarms

You should opt for medical treatments for underarm darkness only if home remedies fail to yield satisfactory results. You should also seek medical help if you are suffering from hormonal disorders, diabetes, allergic reaction due to the use of deodorants/antiperspirants, or if darkened skin is coupled with irritation/itching.

In such cases, depending upon the diagnosis of your dermatologist, he/she may recommend any of the following:

• The topical application of lotions or creams that contain ingredients such as corticosteroids, hydroquinone, tretinoin, or azelaic acid
• Chemical peels containing beta or alpha hydroxy acids
• Laser therapy
• Dermabrasion or microdermabrasion for thorough skin cleansing

Home Remedies for Dark Underarms

Here are some easy-to-prepare home remedies for dark underarms, which work very effectively when used consistently:

1) Aloe Vera & Lemon

You must always mix a mild ingredient such as aloe vera with any acidic ingredient such as lemon, especially while using it on the delicate areas of the body. This way, it works effectively without causing any harm/side effects.

Mix one tbsp. of aloe vera juice with one tbsp. of lemon juice. Apply it on your underarms and wash off after 15 minutes. Use this treatment three times a week.

2) Cucumber & Aloe Vera

Cucumber contains silica that stimulates the preservation and growth of the skin's connective tissues, and aloe vera has nourishing & anti-inflammatory properties. These ingredients combined together lighten as well as hydrate the skin.

Mix store-bought natural cucumber gel and aloe vera gel in equal quantities and apply on your armpits. Alternatively, you can grate a cucumber and extract its juice as well as crush/grind the gel of a homegrown aloe vera plant and use a mixture of the two.

3) Orange Peel

Lack of exfoliation, which results in the buildup of dead skin cells, is also another cause of discoloration of the skin on your underarms. Orange peel is an excellent exfoliator and skin-lightening agent.

Mix together 1 tbsp. of milk, 1 tbsp. of rose water, and enough orange peel powder to make a thick paste. Apply this paste on your underarms and scrub the area gently in circular clockwise and anti-clockwise movements. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water. Repeat this thrice a week.

4) Potato

Potatoes contain catecholase enzyme, an ingredient that effectively fights acne, blemishes, and dark spots. Also, it is rich in vitamin B6 that aids in the formation of new cells. It effectively removes dead skin cells and forms a protective layer on the topmost layer of the skin.

Grate a potato and extract an adequate quantity of juice. Apply this juice on the underarms and rinse off after 10 minutes with cool water. Use this treatment daily.

5) Multani Mitti/Fuller's Earth

This age-old remedy works wonderfully for exfoliating the skin, skin nourishment, and skin tightening. Multani mitti can also be used to lighten the skin on the underarms!

Mix together 2 tbsp. of multani mitti with 1 tsp. of lemon juice and enough water to form a smooth paste. Apply this paste on the affected area. Once it is completely dry, wash it off with lukewarm water using gentle circular movements.

We hope the home remedies for dark underarms described above help you treat the problem effectively in the comfort of your home and help you flaunt your favorite outfits!