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Dark underarms are not unusual. Your friend is probably out there sighing over her pigmented underarms right now. That being said, while a few of us are indifferent to it, others explore ways to brighten their dark underarms. To each their own; after all, you can rock a sleeveless top either way!
However, if you are looking for ways to brighten this area of skin that’s prone to hyperpigmentation, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Before you check for home remedies to treat dark underarms, it’s essential to understand why they happen in the first place.
Reasons For Dark Underarms
• You might be overdue for an upgrade if you are still using the same chemical-saturated deodorant. What should you be wary of? Deodorising products that include harsh ingredients, such as aluminium, baking soda, and alcohol. Switch to safer and non-toxic alternatives that don’t result in discolouration.
• Lack of exfoliation allows layers of dead skin to settle on your armpits. The result? Darkened skin. Regular scrubbing with a gentle exfoliator is recommended to buff away accumulated dead cells.
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are known to cause dark underarms. So, before you opt for superficial products in such cases, work on treating the underlying medical issues instead.
• Wearing extremely tight clothes can cause friction between the fabric and your skin, resulting in chafing. Try wearing loose-fitting clothes whenever possible.
• Smoker’s melanosis, which is increased tissue pigmentation or darkening of skin, is common among people who smoke. Although it mostly affects the lips, in some cases, it can also affect the skin around the underarms.
• Excessive shaving or using razors to get rid of underarm hair can result in the darkening and thickening of the skin. So, what’s the better alternative? Waxing or laser hair removal.
Home Remedies For Dark Underarms
If you have been searching for natural remedies for black underarms, your search ends here. Here’s a lowdown on home remedies for dark underarms.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Step 1: In a spray bottle, add 5 tablespoons of Tea Tree Oil and 1/4th cup of Water. Shake it well.
Step 2: Now, spray the mixture on your underarms in generous amounts.
Step 3: Allow it to dry naturally.
2. Baking Soda
Step 1: In a bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of Baking Soda and 1 tablespoon of Rosewater.
Step 2: Dip a cotton ball in the paste and apply this paste to your underarm area.
Step 3: After leaving it on for 10 minutes, wash it off with water.
3. Potato
Step 1: Peel a Potato and grate it. Squeeze the juice from it into a bowl.
Step 2: Dip a cotton ball in the juice and rub it on the darkened skin.
Step 3: After leaving it on for 10 minutes, wash it off with water.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Step 1: In a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 tablespoons of Baking Soda and stir well. Bubbles will rise in the mixture.
Step 2: Once the bubbles have subsided, apply an even layer of this paste on your underarm area.
Step 3: After 20 minutes, rinse off with lukewarm water.
5. Aloe Vera
Step 1: Scoop out the gel from an Aloe Vera Leaf into a cup. Refrigerate the gel for an hour.
Step 2: Now, apply the cool gel to your armpit area and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Wash off with water.
6. Turmeric
Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of Turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon of Yoghurt, and 1 drop of Honey.
Step 2: Directly apply this paste to your underarm region and leave it on for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Wash off with lukewarm water.
7. Cucumber
Step 1: Peel a Cucumber and slice it into a bowl. Refrigerate the slices for an hour.
Step 2: Now, rub the cool Cucumber slices on your armpits until the juice oozes out into the skin.
Step 3: After leaving it on for 10 minutes, rinse with water.
8. Multani Mitti
Step 1: In a bowl of water, add 2 tablespoons of Multani Mitti and 1 tablespoon of Lemon Juice. Mix well till it forms a thick paste.
Step 2: Massage this paste in circular motions on your underarms and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Wash off with a mild cleanser.
9. Lemon Juice
Step 1: In a cup, add 4 tablespoons of Milk and drop 2 slices of freshly cut Lemon into it. Let it soak for 2 minutes.
Step 2: Now, lift the Lemon Slice and scrub your underarms with it for at least 3 minutes.
Step 3: After leaving it on for 10 minutes, rinse off with water.
10. Alum
Step 1: In a bowl of water, add 2 tablespoons of Alum powder. Mix it well.
Step 2: Apply this paste to your underarms and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Wash off with lukewarm water.
11. Yogurt
Step 1: In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of Yoghurt and 1 drop of Honey.
Step 2: Directly apply this paste to your underarms and leave it on for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Wash off with cold water.
12. Gram Flour
Step 1: In a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of Gram Flour, 2 tablespoons of Milk, and a pinch of Turmeric. Mix it well.
Step 2: Directly apply this paste to your underarms and leave it on for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Wash off with lukewarm water.
13. Orange Peels
Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of powdered Orange Peels with 1 tablespoon of Milk.
Step 2: Directly apply this paste to your underarms and leave it on for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Wash off with cold water.
14. Rosewater
Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of Rosewater, 1 tablespoon of Turmeric, and 1 drop of Honey.
Step 2: Massage this paste on your armpits and leave it on for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Wash off with lukewarm water.
15. Sunflower Oil
Step 1: In a bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of Sunflower Oil and 2 tablespoons of Almond Oil.
Step 2: Massage this mixture on your armpits for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Wash off with lukewarm water.
16. Sandalwood
Step 1: Grate some Sandalwood into fine powder. If you have powdered Sandalwood at home, you may use that.
Step 2: Mix it well with either water or rose water for the best results.
Step 3: Apply this paste to your underarms, let it sit for 15–20 mins, and rinse it off.
17. Rice Flour & Vinegar
Step 1: Take some Fine Rice Flour and Vinegar and create a paste.
Step 2: Apply this paste to your underarms.
Step 3: Rinse it off after a few minutes.
18. Papaya
Step 1: Take pieces of Ripe Papaya and rub them on your underarms for a few minutes.
Step 2: Let it sit for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Wash it off with lukewarm water.
19. Almond Oil
Step 1: Take some Almond Oil and rub it on your underarms.
Step 2: Consistently do this for a few weeks to see results.
20. Mint Leaves
Step 1: Crush some freshly plucked Mint Leaves.
Step 2: Create a paste by adding some water.
Step 3: Rub the mush on your underarms and leave it for 15–20 minutes.
Step 4: Wash it off and wipe dry.
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
Dark underarms are very common, but you should seek help if you see sudden spots or patches on your underarms that appear unusual. According to research, if your underarms get unusually dark, it may be because of Acanthosis nigricans. This occurs when certain body parts accumulate a lot of heat and get extremely pigmented. You should then seek professional intervention to treat the condition.
FAQs
1. Suggest the best cream for dark underarms, along with effective serums, if any.
Sanfe Spotlite Lightening & Depigmentation Combo For Dark Underarms
SANCTUS Underarm Dark Spot Correction Mask
2. Is Coconut Oil an effective home remedy for dark armpits?
Coconut Oil is an effective dark underarms remedy. Every day, massage a few drops of Coconut Oil on your underarms and let it sit for 10 minutes before you wash it off.
Nykaa Recommends:
Sri Sri Tattva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
Organic Harvest Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
3. What are the medical treatments recommended by professionals for dark underarms?
According to a study, laser therapy, chemical peeling, and microdermabrasion are all safe options that work well at targeting darkened skin on the underarms to make it appear brighter. Topical creams that can be applied include active ingredients such as hydroquinone, tretinoin, corticosteroids, azelaic acid or kojic acid. Consult with your dermatologist to help you understand the right treatment and medications for your case.
