Causes of dark underarm

1. Acanthosis Nigricans.

This is a common skin pigmentation disorder, it causes the armpit area to turn dark. Acanthosis Nigircans can also appear on the elbows, knees, groin, knuckles and soles of the feet.

2. Deodorants and antiperspirant

They cause irritation in the armpit area as they include alcohols which can irritate and sometimes burn the skin making it appear discoloured and dark. To avoid skin irritation use alcohol-free products.

3. Shaving

While shaving may appear to be harmless and an easy way to get rid of underarm hair, it might be one of the causes why you have dark armpits.

The reason is that razor shaves away the top protective layer of the skin along with the hair which then exposes the skin to sweat and sharp ingredients from products which then causes irrigation discolouration.

4. Hormonal imbalance.

Hormonal disorders in some women can cause dark underarms. Some medications, especially ones that contain high doses of niacin, certain birth control pills and corticosteroids may also be the cause of discolouration or dark armpit.

If you are faced with darkened armpit issues, not to worry have got you covered. Here are some homemade remedies that would do the tricks of helping you get rid of dark armpits.

How to get rid of dark underarm naturally

1. Tea tree oil

This oil has proven to be an effective remedy to clear darkened armpits. Not only does it help in the process of lightening your armpit but also helps keep it odour free. The anti-microbial properties combat microbes and ensure that your armpit stays odour free.

How to use: Add water to tea tree oil to dilute it. Put the mixture in an empty spray bottle and spray it on your armpits. And you are good to go.
Repeat the process daily for more effective results.

2. Baking Soda

The key to getting rid of the dark armpit is exfoliating dead cells off your skin. And baking soda is a powerhouse that when applied on your skin gives out a basic exothermic reaction which will scrape odd dead skin cells from the epidermis to give way to clear skin.

How to use: Mix water and baking soda to create a paste and apply it to the underarms. Then scrub gently for a little over a minute, wash with cold water and pat it dry. You can use rosewater rather than normal water and repeat this thrice a week.

3. Aloe Vera Gel

This is known as a natural sunscreen, it has antibacterial that soothes inflamed skin and lightens discoloured armpit.

How to use: open a fresh leaf of aloe vera and extract some fresh aloe vera gel. Apply a layer of the gel on your armpits and let it dry for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse with water and repeat the process every alternate day for good results.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

You can always rely on Apple vinegar cider to help you with dark armpit issues. An all-rounder, Apple cider vinegar has rich content of amino and lactic acid that helps clear dead skin cells and lessen scars. The astringent properties in ACV unclog the pores and reduce skin darkness.

How to use: Mix apple vinegar cider with water. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and gently dab it over your armpit area. Let the solution stay on for about 10 minutes. Then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Repeat process 3 times a week for best results.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric doesn’t just heal the skin it also has lightening properties, applying this antibacterial ingredient on your armpit area will brighten the skin as well as offer relief from itching.

How to use: Make a mix of organic turmeric, honey and milk in a small bowl. Mix all together well and apply it to your armpit. Leave it for 15 minutes then wash off.

Repeat this natural underarm tightening remedy thrice a week but make sure you try this remedy in the bathroom or you might end up ruining your clothes.

Note; The key to achieving a clean and healthy armpit is to follow these tips consistently till you get the result you want.