Dark underarms? It’s something that makes me scream. I mean, what happens if you have dark underarms? What are you going to do? Cover yourself in layers just because you’re afraid of someone catching a glimpse of it?
Well, layering can save you from the embarrassment temporarily, but it isn’t a solution to the problem. Though hyperpigmentation isn’t an issue for everyone, it can be problematic for a person like me.
I’m a perfectionist, and I like dressing up in a way that makes me the center of attention. I have a simple belief, ‘if you have it, flaunt it.’
So dressing up and wearing all my party outfits is what I love. I feel like it’s an anti-stress therapy. If you want a fancy lifestyle too, the first thing you need is a well-toned body, and the second would be an even skin tone, including the color of your underarms.
Reasons Behind Dark Underarms
As a matter of fact, your underarms change color because of several reasons. Before we jump into any further details, I want you to figure out the reason you have dark underarms in the first place.
Knowing the reason would help you get rid of the problem quickly and effectively. So let’s have a look at the few possible reasons you may be going through the issue:
- Hyperpigmentation (Increased level of melanin in the body)
- Melasma ( A condition of hyperpigmentation)
- Erythrasma (A bacterial skin inflammation)
- Smoking (It can be the reason behind increased hyperpigmentation)
- Improper shaving (Abrasion, cuts or burns)
- Hormonal imbalance, obesity, or excessively high blood sugar level
- Damage to adrenal gland (Also known as Addison’s disorder)
- Lack of scrubbing and accumulation of dead skin cells
- Use of deodorants (Chemicals may irritate the skin)
- Genetics (If it runs in your family)
- A drug reaction (It can be a reaction to a certain medicine as well)
Ways to Get Rid of Dark Underarms
Alright. Are you sick and tired of layering? Do you want to flaunt that mini black dress you bought, especially for your date night?
Well, you need not worry about it. There are several home remedies that can help lighten your underarms and reduce pigmentation. Remember that home remedies may take a little longer to work, but they’re equally effective and side-effect-free.
Tea Tree Oil
Let’s start with my personal favorite ingredient, tea tree oil. Here’s what you need to do: take an empty spray bottle and fill it up with some water. After that, add a few drops of tea tree oil in it.
Spray the mixture on the hyper-pigmented area twice a day, and you’ll see the results in less than two weeks. I always keep a bottle of it with me, Handcraft Tea Tree Essential Oil is my go-to ingredient for all my beauty fixes.
Coconut Oil
The simplest of them all that is available in probably every household is the coconut oil. All you need to do is take a little coconut oil and massage your armpits with it.
Let it absorb a little, for 15-20 minutes, before washing it off. Keep practicing it for 2-3 weeks, and you’ll be good to go. If you don’t have coconut oil already, try out COCO & CO. Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.
Scrub it Away
Scrubbing and exfoliating is a big part of my skin routine. I believe it’s crucial if you want your skin to stay healthy with an even skin tone.
Make a habit of exfoliating your skin every day in the morning before taking a shower and moisturizing it afterward. It will help remove the dead cells and will eventually lighten your underarms.
Let me share with you my most trusted products; it’s M3 Naturals Activated Charcoal Scrub and Neutrogena Moisturizing Sheer Body Oil-Moisturiser.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another household item that can effectively help you get rid of dark underarms is apple cider vinegar, an all-rounder. That’s right, it has various advantages, and decreasing hyperpigmentation is one of them.
Spray a little apple cider vinegar on your armpits and let it dry. Once it’s dry, you can wash it away. Repeat it until you see the desired results.
If you’re not comfortable with applying apple cider vinegar to your underarms, you can try a toner instead. Not your ordinary toner, but the one that has apple cider vinegar in it. Boscia Resurfacing Treatment Toner is one great option here.
Lemon
Lemon is rich in antioxidants, and it works well for skin lightening. Just cut a slice of lemon and rub it on the affected area. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes and wash it using a mild soap. Make sure to wash it thoroughly as lemon can irritate your skin otherwise. Also, moisturize your underarms afterward.
Ways to Prevent Dark Underarms
Continuing such remedies may be hard for some, so why not take a few steps beforehand to prevent the entire issue in the first place?
It’s a wise thing to understand the cause and avoid it altogether. After all, prevention is always better than cure. What do you say?
Following are a few things that can help prevent dark underarms:
- Quit smoking! First and foremost, you need to quit smoking as it can be the culprit behind your uneven skin tone, especially dark underarms.
- Dress up in loose fit clothes and let your underarms breathe.
- Purchase organic deodorants and roll-ons, preferably the ones with honey, lemon, or apple cider vinegar.
- If you’re going through a skin condition such as melasma, treat them right away and consult a dermatologist ASAP.
I’ve seen a lot of models embracing their dark underarms proudly. The reason I’m telling you is that it isn’t anything to panic about, it’s something natural, and you should take it normally.
Rest assured, following these home remedies, you’ll gradually get rid of your dark underarms and that too, without having any side effects. Give it a try, and you can thank me later! Good luck, my pals!