Under arm, also known as the armpit or axilla is a part of the body which is under the arms and connects to the shoulder. It is that part of the body which has numerous sweat glands. For some people, dark underarms can cause awkwardness and self-consciousness. There are several ways on how to lighten underarms.
Overview
People with unusually dark underarm areas may refrain from wearing dresses that are sleeveless, bathing suits or sportswear in public places. Just like how severe acne on the face can cause low self-esteem dark underarms can also affect self-esteem
Causes of dark under arms
The reasons for dark armpits include :
- Accumulation of skin debris due to absence of exfoliation
- Using too many chemical anti-perspirants and deodorants
- Using razor to shave the arm pit area which can irritate the skin
- Dark underarms result due to excessive smoking that can cause hyperpigmentation
- Increased levels of melanin, the skin pigment
- It can also result from wearing tight, body hugging clothes for a long time causing friction
- Certain hormonal disorders like Addison’s disease can also lead to hyperpigmented underarms
- One of the reasons for dark armpits could be due to a bacterial infection
In spite of this being a problem, there are remedies to get rid of dark underarms.
There are several home remedies which one can try and are known to be effective in treating this skin problem.
Natural ways on how to lighten Underarms
Lemon
Lemon, is a citrus fruit that is a concentrated source of Vitamin C which is a natural cleanser and skin lightening agent. Cutting slices of lemon and applying it over the dark patches of the axilla, can help in reducing the pigmentation.
This can be done every day or 3-4 times/week for best results. It is considered to be one of the most effective ways on how to lighten your underarms.
Turmeric
Turmeric has many skin benefits, among which, one is lightening darker underarms. You can prepare a paste of turmeric with lemon juice and apply to the underarms and wash it after 15 – 20 minutes. This is a very effective way of dealing with dark armpits.
Egg oil
Egg oil can also be used to lighten dark skin patches in the axilla. Applying few drops of egg oil on the armpits and washing it off can improve skin tone
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains an lactic acid that helps in eliminating skin debris and scarring. Because of its astringent properties it helps in reduction of skin darkness in the underarm areas. It can be applied with the use of cotton pads and washing off after few minutes
Almond oil
Almond oil is a rich source of Vitamin E and phytochemicals. These act as natural bleaching agents and improve skin tone by lightening the underarm area. Few drops of almond oil can be massaged on the armpit and wash off after 10 minutes
Orange peel
Orange is a member of citrus fruit family which contains good amount of vitamin C. Research shows that it acts as a natural cleanser due to its antioxidant properties.
. The peel of orange can be made into a paste and combined with milk or rose water and used as a scrub for the armpits. It gives wonderful results and can also act as a natural deodorant for reducing the armpit odor
Tea tree oil
Along with its many skin benefits like acne reduction and scar removal, tea tree oil can also work on dark patches on the skin and even skin tone.
The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil helps in getting rid of micro-organisms in the arm pit and eliminate the odor. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with some water and apply it over the underarms. This can be a good natural remedy for dark underarms
Aloe Vera gel
Aloe Vera is a traditional plant used for a variety of skin problems, one of them being hyperpigmentation. The anti-inflammatory property of aloe vera gel helps in soothing and lightens hyper pigmented armpits.
You can extract the aloe vera gel by slicing the aloe vera plant. When you apply it to the affected areas and make it a part of your daily routine it can give you better results for your underarms.
Olive oil and sugar
Sugar is yet another natural exfoliator. If you combine sugar with olive oil it provides hydration and nourishment to the skin. Apply this to your underarms combat dark underarms. If applied over the armpits with this mixture and wash off with water after 10 minutes will gives good results.
Baking Soda
Baking soda has natural exfoliating properties that help in skin cell regeneration and bleaching agent. A scrub or a paste can be prepared using baking soda and lemon juice or rose water. By applying that scrub or paste on darker areas will give better results.
Sunflower oil
This naturally contains vitamin E which helps in skin cell regeneration. It also gives natural radiance and freshness to the skin, thus reducing dark skin patches in the underarm area. Apply few drops of sunflower oil and massage for few minutes and wash it off
Cucumber
Many people use cucumber to get rid of dark circles under the eyes. The same can be helpful to lighten your underarms. Cut the cucumber into slices and apply over the armpits, followed by washing it with cold water. This gives good results when used routinely
Coconut oil
According to experts in the field, coconut oil helps to lighten skin and may aid in reducing the appearance of dark spots or uneven skin tone. Massaging a few drops of cold pressed coconut oil on the under arm area can help in evening out the skin tone
Potato
Because of the starch in potatoes, it is a good cleanser and removes dark patches on the skin. Extracting the juice out of a grated potato and applying it on the armpit can work as a natural bleach for dark armpits
Castor oil
Castor oil helps in absorbing the toxins and impurities present on the skin. By applying it to the affected area all the dirt and excess sebum will go away and thereby giving promising results.
Fuller’s Earth
This is an ancient go-to remedy for skin beautification. Fuller’s Earth is natural clay that helps in absorbing skin impurities and unclogs pores.
It also acts as an exfoliator to remove skin debris and cause brightening of skin tone. Mix 1 – 2 tablespoons of Fuller’s Earth with water to make a paste or a mask.
By applying this paste on the underarms and rinse after 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat this procedure until you get promising results.
Other general recommendations
- Switching from shaving to waxing or laser treatment for hair removal could be an option which can minimize skin darkening in the armpit area
- A change of deodorant to a one that has natural substances in it such as apple cider vinegar, orange oil or orange extract instead of synthetic one can be one more way to lighten dark underarms
- Using a natural exfoliator like banana, lemon or honey as a part of daily skin care routine can help in removing accumulated dead skin cells and regenerate new cells thus making the armpit less dark
- Reduce or stop smoking
- Wearing loose and comfortable, breathable clothes especially in summers and areas with hot and humid climate conditions
Conclusion
There are some medical treatment options also available on how to lighten your underarms area. They include some topical ointments and creams, chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser therapy. But they are expensive and more invasive as compared to traditional home based options.
Choosing natural ways on how to lighten your underarms is the best option to prevent and treat dark underarms with no side effects and at minimum cost. If it does not respond to any of the home remedies, one can visit a certified dermatologist for solution.
Sirisha B