How to Clear Dark Armpits
Dark pits can be limiting in many ways. One is that you cannot wear sleeveless outfits without worrying about your pits; even short sleeves can be problematic if you keep worrying about people staring at you. But it is entirely normal, and you are not alone.
Like other parts of your body, your armpits can become dark for many reasons, such as a skin disorder, Eczema, hormonal disorder, fungal or bacterial infection, obesity, excess sun exposure, harsh shaving, reaction to chemicals like deodorants and antiperspirants, friction from tight clothes, accumulation of dead skin cells, melasma, smoking, hyperpigmentation, etc.
Finding the cause is almost as important as finding a solution.
How to Clear Dark Armpits
No matter how you clear your dark underarms, it is always advisable to consult your dermatologist. They can help determine the underlying cause and fast-track your results. Regardless, you can clear your underarms by doing the following:
- Deodorant/ antiperspirant
Change to a milder brand or avoid it altogether, especially if you have been reacting to it.
- Shaving
Avoid shaving with harsh materials like a dull razor. Instead, you can invest in hair removal creams, waxing, or laser hair removal. If you still intend to shave, use shaving creams before, making it easier for the hair to come off. For waxing, ensure that a professional does it. Laser hair removal should also be done by a professional on the list. It has more prolonged effects and prevents hair growth.
- Exfoliate:
The accumulation of dead skin cells may cause your dark underarms. Exfoliation is the best remedy for this, especially before shaving. You can use homemade exfoliants with lemon and other ingredients or a chemical exfoliator.
Exfoliation should be done a few times a week but not most three times. Harsh physical exfoliators like scrubs that have coarse microparticles should be avoided as they can make the area darker.
- Wear loose clothing:
Trade out tight-fitting clothes that may cause a chafe in the underarm for loose clothing.
- Baking soda:
Baking soda is abrasive and can be used as an exfoliator. Its versatility extends to addressing tough stains on clothing, and it can similarly be employed to shed off dead skin cells and eliminate dark stains.
All you need to do is mix it with a bit of water to form a paste and massage it into the underarms. Leave it on for a few minutes and rinse off with water.
Nothing beats a homemade remedy. It is natural and affordable. Before trying out any of the treatments below, do the following:
- Consult your doctor for expert advice and approval.
- Conduct a small patch test to check for possible reactions. You can continue your treatment if there is no adverse effect after 48 hours.
- Avoid doing it frequently to avoid causing more harm.
- Lemon
Lemon juice is an organic bleaching agent containing high citric acid volumes. To clear dark underarms, cut slices of lemon and rub on the underarms for 2-3 minutes. Then rinse off after 10 minutes with water.
You can also mix lemon with aloe vera to form a paste. Mix a tablespoon of aloe vera gel and a teaspoon of lemon, apply, and leave for a few minutes before rinsing off.
- Coconut oil.
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and lightener. Massage a little coconut oil onto the affected area. Rinse off after 15 minutes with warm water and soap.
Medical Treatments for Dark Underarms
If you do not want to ply the natural remedy route and want something more intense, go for the medical treatments. Ensure that this is done under the supervision of a doctor.
Your dermatologist may prescribe products that contain ingredients like niacinamide, retinol, kojic acid, corticosteroids, azelaic acid, or hydroquinone.
- Laser treatments
It can be very effective for removing dark spots due to precision and ability to target specific areas.
