Reasons for Dark Underarms and how to deal with it 

Dark, discoloured underarms aren’t a medical condition and can be caused due to shaving, accumulation of dead cells, excessive sweating, improper ventilation, usage of certain medications or deodorants, etc. But being cautious all the time demands you to sacrifice your freedom and we don’t want you to do that. Hence try these natural, safe and cost-effective remedies to lighten your dark underarms without any side effects.

Causes of dark underarms – The science behind it

Your underarms should naturally be about the same shade as the rest of your skin. But sometimes, the skin in the armpits can turn a darker hue. The medical reason behind is the fast multiplication of pigment cells. Medically, this condition is known as Acanthosis Nigricans. Let me tell you what causes this condition.

• Type 2 diabetes

If you’ve type 2 diabetes, you might be suffering from this problem.

• Obesity

Obesity can also result in a reduction of underarm fairness. Actually, people who are overweight become more resistant to insulin which regulates the blood sugar. High levels of insulin in the blood can result in the formation of skin pigment cells. Detox water can even help you to lose weight.

• Hormonal disorders

Certain hormonal disorders can also affect fair underarms. People with the following hormonal disorders are at a high risk of developing Acanthosis Nigricans which ultimately results in dark underarms.

1. Crushing syndrome
2. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
3. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid glands)
4. Acromegaly

• Medications

Some medicines also affect underarm lightening. These include:

1. Birth control medicines
2. High-dose niacin
3. human growth hormone
4. Corticosteroids

• Genetics

Acanthosis Nigricans appears to run through families so you can become its victim genetically.

Lifestyle habits that make dark underarms worse

• Shaving

Excessive shaving can result in discoloured dark underarms. It causes the inflammation of the skin. Repetitive shaving causes more friction which results in the discolouration and pigmentation of underarms. When you shave the skin, it stimulates the regeneration of pigment cells resulting in dark underarms. This phenomenon is more common in women with darker skin tones. Try switching to regular waxing for hair removal instead of shaving.

• Antiperspirant and deodorant

The chemicals in these products damage the skin and cause the discolouration. Also, people with darker skin tone, with higher melanin production, are at a higher risk of losing fair underarms while using such products frequently.  Direct application of these products on the skin may lead to discolouration – causing dark underarms.

What measures you should take to avoid dark underarms

• Waxing vs. hair removal vs. shaving

Quit shaving. It is one of the main causes of losing fair underarms. You must go for options like tweezing or waxing. Both these options; especially waxing results in the reduction of armpit hair overtime. As a result, you need to put less stress and pressure for waxing with the passage of time.

• Roll-ons vs. Deodorants vs. Natural deodorants
  

  

There are several fragrance options available in the market, but if suffering from dark underarms, you must go for a fragrance with strong antiperspirant properties. When buying deodorant or other fragrance, please check the label for no nasty chemicals, and try to settle for natural deodorants if possible.

• Detoxification masks – Exfoliation

Exfoliating scrubs and detoxifying agents work effectively against the skin darkening issue. over time, dark dead cells accumulate in the armpits. A scrub with exfoliating properties works well to remove this, leading to fair underarms over time. The presence of sweat glands makes underarms sweat a lot more than other parts of the body.  To eliminate accumulated dry sweat and dirt, investing in a good detox mask which deep cleans skin is important. Look out for ingredients like activated charcoal and tea tree oils which detoxify skin and deodorize.

Products and DIYs for dark underarms treatment

Here are some effective DIYs to get rid of dark underarms and bring back the underarm fairness naturally.

• Tomato juice

It is a great remedial measure which effectively lightens underarm skin. It accelerates the underarm whitening process and helps get rid of dark underarms. The natural bleaching properties of tomato help to reduce the discolouration which results in underarm lightening. Food plays a major role to fight ageing of the skin.

• Lemon juice

The antibacterial and antiseptic qualities of lemon make it a perfect natural bleaching agent. Apart from underarm lightening, lemon juice also helps in exfoliating dead cells. Lemon juice is a wonderful natural remedy for dark underarms.

• Vitamin E oil

When the skin becomes dry, it develops the tendency of accumulating pigments. Thus resulting in dark and thick skin. In such a situation, you can invest in nourishing natural oils like almond or coconut oil. These oils are a rich source of vitamin E, thus helping skin regain the moisture required. Do you know about the essential oils for skin.

• Turmeric

It is a natural skin whitening remedy. Antioxidant-rich agent curcumin is found in turmeric which effectively works to reveal underarm fairness. You can apply it in the form of a paste with or after a good underarm lightening cream.

• Milk

Massage underarms with milk to observe a significant change in the texture of your underarm skin. Milk consists of lactic acid which helps in underarm whitening. It is a great moisturizer which results in softer and fairer underarms.

• Underarm lightening scrubs

If the cause of dark underarms is dead cells, you must go for the whitening scrubs. Remember to select a scrub according to your skin type and use twice a week. Look out for ingredients like activated charcoal, natural clays, oatmeal, etc.

• Underarm whitening cream

As far as the whitening cream for dark underarms is concerned, you must select a cream with natural and herbal ingredients. The underarm lightening cream not only fixes the dark skin issue but also moisturizes and balances the pH value. In this way, you get healthier complexion. Make sure the underarm whitening cream is free of nasty chemicals like parabens and phthalates.

• Underarm whitening cleanser

In addition to the underarm whitening cream, you can also use a cleanser for dark underarms treatment. Cleaners such as underarm packs and masks are available which clear the skin of pollutants and other foreign materials and when coupled with whitening cream for dark underarms, they produce magical results.