Ever been frustrated over not being able to flaunt your favourite sleeveless top due to black underarms? Let’s take a look at how we can get rid of them.
Have you ever finally have had a chance to wear your favourite sleeveless dress for a fun night out but dark underarms stopped you? Or took photos where it felt like you had not waxed your underarms because of how black they looked? Don’t fret, there is a lot you can do to make it better. From easy lifestyle changes to exfoliating and more, here’s a list that tells how to lighten underarms.
Causes of dark underarms
Ever wondered why some people did not have to worry about black underarms? Well, there are several causes that may be responsible for your tank top deterrent.
Skin conditions
An increase in serum cortisol level can affect the underarms and the neck area. Another reason is Acanthosis Nigricans, a pigmentation disorder that turns certain body parts dark like the underarms, elbows, knees, groin, knuckles, palms and soles.
Deodorants with alcohol
Deodorants and antiperspirants may be your friends but they may do more harm than good if they have alcohol content. It can irritate the sensitive skin and hence cause discolouration of the underarms.
Shaving
Almost every beauty junkie must have looked up the internet at least once to know if shaving turns underarms dark. While it is the easiest and least painful way to get rid of underarm hair, the razor also peels off the topmost protective layer of the skin making the underarms susceptible to discolouration.
Lack of exfoliation
Like any other body part, dead skin cells, sweat and grime can accumulate on your underarms, darkening them and requiring exfoliation.
Tight clothes
Yeah, you read that right! The friction caused by tight clothes on your skin can actually lead to the darkening of your underarms.
Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal changes during puberty, disorders like PCOS or underactive thyroid can also turn your underarms black.
Lifestyle changes to lighten underarms
If your underarms are dark due to simple reasons like shaving or tight clothes, there are easy tips and lifestyle changes recommended by experts like Dr. Mrunal Shah Modi that can help lighten them.
Maintain weight according to your BMI
Use natural deodorants and antiperspirants that do not have alcohol as an ingredient like the Dove Eventone Deodorant Roll On that is also paraben-free, has skin-lightening ingredients and prevents odour
Avoid rough shaving and hair removal cream as it also creates ingrowth which adds to the darkness
Exfoliate at least once a week
Wear loose cotton clothes
Visit a dermatologist if your underarms are black due to hormonal changes or fungal infection
Stop smoking if you are a smoker.
How to remove underarm hair without blackening the area
Women really have it tough, huh? If shaving causes black underarms then how do you get rid of the hair? Well, there are some hacks that just might help.
Waxing
Waxing does wonders to your underarms as it removes all hair effectively, prevents ingrowth and reduces tan which also adds to the darkness of the underarms. This is a one of the easiest and best way to tackle the trouble of how to lighten underararms.
Moisturise before shaving
There is a particular hack to shaving that can reduce the darkness from your underarms. Before you get to shaving, keep your underarms moisturised with the help of Vaseline Healthy Bright Lotion which is non-greasy, moisturises as well as reduces darkening and heals damaged skin.
Make sure to soften the skin with lukewarm water and exfoliate. Then generously add shaving cream and use new disposable razors every session. Dr. Niketa Sonavane reveals that this reduces ingrowth and the post-inflammatory trauma that leads to hyperpigmentation.
Home remedies to lighten underarm
Sometimes it might be the things lying around in your kitchen that can be added to your beauty regime. Let’s take a look at some natural ingredients and how they can lighten underarms.
Lemon juice
It has astringent properties and is a natural bleaching agent that brightens skin. Dilute with a few drops of water and massage for a few minutes before showering regularly.
Potato
Potato is yet another age-old remedy used to brighten dark spots and blemishes. Rub the skin of the potato or squeeze its juice and apply it to the underarms for 20 minutes before washing it off.
Turmeric
Turmeric has soothing and antibacterial properties. Apply a paste of turmeric and honey to lighten the underarms as well as heal the dry and flaky skin that may be responsible for hyperpigmentation in the first place. Wash it off once the paste is dry.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a commonly recommended remedy to lighten underarms, thanks to its lightening properties. Massage it for 15 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
Tomato
Tomatoes may be red but they surprisingly whiten the underarms. Rub a slice of raw tomato every day for quick results.
Milk
Almost every guide related to blemishes and dark spots on the face recommends milk. So, why can’t we use it for our black underarms as well? Milk or even just the malai (cream) is an anti-darkening agent and can be applied every day before shower for best results.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a home remedy used to keep underarms odour-free but why not use it to lighten them too? It has anti-darkening as well as anti-microbial properties. Dilute it with a few drops of water and apply to the underarms daily.
Aloe vera
When in doubt head for an aloe vera leaf! It’s gel has anti-bacterial properties that lighten dark spots and also soothe dry and flaky skin. Apply the gel daily for 20 minutes and then wash it off.
Apple cider vinegar
It has amino and lactic acids that help with that much-needed exfoliation that your underarms require. Along with getting rid of dead skin cells it also reduces already darkened underarms. Dilute a few drops of apple cider vinegar with water and apply it for 10 minutes before washing it off.
Rosewater and baking soda
Here’s another 2-in-1 remedy! Baking soda makes the underarms odour-free while rosewater lends a natural fragrance. This potent combo also lightens underarms drastically. Take 1 tablespoon of baking soda and rosewater and apply it for 10 minutes before washing the paste off.
Cucumber
Applying cucumber slices to the underarms prevents infections and bacteria that are formed due to sweat and dead skin cells. It is also an astringent that lightens the skin. Apply the slices for 10 minutes and then wipe it off your skin.
Fuller’s earth
Fuller’s earth aka multani mitti is a popular Indian remedy used to treat blemishes and acne. Well, why don’t we try it out for our underarms? It is known for its bleaching properties that can reduce darkness and also help with exfoliation. Make a paste of a tablespoon of fuller’s earth, a few drops of lemon juice and rose water and apply it. Wash it off after the paste dries.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt has lactic acid and is known to provide quick results when trying to detan or treat facial blemishes. It is also loaded with vitamins and fatty acids that heal the trauma caused by shaving. Apply it for 15 minutes and then wash it off.
FAQs to know how to lighten underarms
Does shaving cause dark underarms?
Shaving roughly can cause dark underarms. The razor peels off the top protective layer and also causes ingrowth which lead to the darkening effect.
How to clean underarms?
Along with the daily washing with soap, you need to exfoliate at least once a week with a body scrub.
How to get rid of underarm odour?
Along with applying alcohol-free deodorants, you can also make sure your underarms are odour-free by applying a toner that balances your pH levels. There are also some home remedies that you can refer to in the article above.
Make use of these tips and never ask yourself why my underarms are very black!
Written by Lopa K on Jul 28, 2022