How to Brighten Up Dark Underarms

Wondering how to get rid of dark underarms? Not only do they make you feel conscious while wearing sleeveless clothes, but also while wearing a swimsuit or going to a salon for other
treatments. However, to understand how to get rid of dark underarms, you first need to understand the causes.

You might have noticed that famous deodorant brands are running campaigns that promise to whiten underarms. However, getting rid of darker underarms is not as easy as we think it is. While these might help to a degree, deodorants are responsible for darker underarms in the first place. So, to understand how to get rid of dark underarms, you need to understand what could be causing dark underarms in the first place.

 Top 6 Causes For Dark Armpits:

It comes as no surprise that so many women have dark underarms, because there are more than a few factors that contribute to this problem.

1. Shaving

When you use a razor to shave, you cut off hair just below the surface of the skin. Shaving results in unsightly stubble, which gives the illusion that you have darker underarms. The same goes for hair removal creams like Anne French or Veet. Both of these also remove hair on the surface only, which makes the underarms look darker. The fact that shaving results in ingrown hair also further contributes to the problem. Instead, try waxing as it removes the hair from the root itself.

2. Dead Cells

Darker underarms could very well be the result of dead cells accumulation on your underarms. All you need to do is exfoliate gently, either by using a loofah or scrubs with lactic acid.

3. Using Deodorants and Antiperspirants Excessively

Many theories reveal that the chemical compounds in strong deodorants could be the reason for darker underarms. This leads to pigmentation, which can result in permanently darker armpits. To change that, use deos for sensitive skin or resort to natural methods for dealing with underarm odour.

4. Friction

Sometimes, when we wear tight clothes on a daily basis, the friction between the material and your armpits can lead to darkening. To reverse the damage, switch to looser clothes and fabrics that breathe easily in the summer. Basically, fat accumulated under the arm rubs against fabric and causes darkening. Losing weight will also help.

5. Hereditary Factors

Sometimes, hereditary factors can be the cause for darkened underarms. It could be excessive weight gain, hormonal factors that result in pigmentation or even the use of birth control pills. In such cases, visit the doctor to get professional advice as your problem is much deeper than just dark underarms.

6. Diabetes

What many people don’t realize is that diabetes also causes pigmentation, resulting in darker underarms. The best way to deal with this is to maintain optimum insulin levels and try natural remedies.

8 Top Ways to Get Rid Of Dark Underarms:

Now that we know what could be causing darker underarms, let us focus on how to get rid of them.

1.  Waxing or Electrolysis

The biggest reason for dark underarms is shaving or using hair removal creams. Instead, try waxing. It will hurt more, but at least the hair will be removed from the root and your underarms will appear fairer immediately. Waxing also works as an exfoliating method. For those who want to get rid of underarm hair for good, electrolysis is another permanent option. In time, the darkened patches under the arm will lighten.

2.  Lemon Juice

One of the most effective ways to lighten underarms is to rub them with lemon juice every day before taking a bath. Lemon is a natural bleaching agent and will slowly lighten the area. After your bath, use moisturizer to soften the skin and skip the deodorant for a few days.

3.  Lightening Masks

To get rid of dark underarms, make a homemade whitening pack or buy one at the market. If you want to prepare the mask at home, mix a handful of gram flour with yogurt, lemon and a little turmeric powder. Keep it for 15-20 minutes, and then wash it off. If you want to buy a readymade mask – try any clay-based lightening skin mask.

4.  Potato and cucumber

Potato also works as a natural bleaching agent. You can either rub underarm skin with thinly sliced potatoes, or grate the potato and apply the juice to the affected area. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash. You will notice that soon the underarm skin appears to be lighter in colour. Similarly, you can grate a cucumber and apply the juice under your arms.

5.  Saffron Mixture

An effective home remedy that works in two ways is mixing a pinch of saffron in two spoonfuls of milk or cream and applying to the underarms before bed. Keep this for the whole night, and wash off the next morning. Not only does this lightens the underarms, but also kills all germs and bacteria that cause underarm odour.

6.  Less Usage of deodorants

Since we know that your deodorant or antiperspirant could be the reason you have darker underarms, give them a miss. Instead, try natural remedies to combat body odour for a few days. You can mix baking soda with a little water and wipe the underarms with this solution. Anti-fungal powders and alum are also great alternatives. Once your underarms look lighter, shift to specialised whitening deos or deos made especially for sensitive skin.

7.  Try Sandalwood and Rose Water

Another great way to treat dark underarms naturally is to create a paste of sandalwood with rose water. While the sandalwood has lightening properties, the rose water will cool down the skin and make it softer. Leave the paste for a few minutes before washing it off and use this every day to see a difference.

8.  Whitening Scrubs

If your dark underarms are a result of dead cell accumulation, the best way to treat this is to use whitening scrubs. Select a scrub for sensitive skin, such as Nivea, St Ives and Everyuth Naturals.

9. Stir a paste of white vinegar and baking soda and apply to your underarms twice a day. Baking soda, a natural cleanser, combined with vinegar, a natural stain remover, can help lighten the skin.

10. Spread lime juice on the area twice daily. Use real lime, not reconstituted juice.

11. Alternatively, rub lemons under your arms after you shower.

12. Apply apple cider vinegar to dark underarm skin and do not rinse off. Repeat daily for a few weeks and your underarm skin may get lighter.

13. Consider using a skin lightening cream on occasion to lighten skin under arms. Be sure to purchase a safe one. Talk to your pharmacist, doctor, or aesthetician for guidance.

14. Mix lime juice, milk powder, and honey into a paste and apply to underarm skin. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. After several weeks of this treatment, your skin will become lighter.