Did you know that one of the most common concerns for both women and men is the underarm skin being darker than the rest of the body? So, if you have been feeling embarrassed about it, relax! It is a common skin issue, and the time is ripe to take care of this matter once and for all.
What Causes Dark Armpits? Common Causes You Should Know
According to studies, dark armpits are characterized by increased production of melanin.
The two most common causes of dark armpits are friction from wearing tight clothing and genetic predisposition. However, waxing and even applying too much pressure to that area while shaving are other common causes.
Lastly, deodorants and moisturizers also cause dark armpits when chosen wrong. If you have sensitive skin, be aware of the ingredients in your skincare products to avoid inflammation or irritation of the skin.
Other Reasons for Dark Armpits:
- Diabetes
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)- PCOS is a common reproductive hormonal disorder experienced by women and causes patches of dark skin in folds like neck, armpits, uder the breasts and between the legs.
- Psoriasis- This is a contagious chronic disease where skin cells build up and cause scaly and itchy patches on the skin.
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis- This is a skin reaction caused by an irritating factor in your environment or an allergen.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation- When excess melanin is produced, that reaction is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. When the skin is irritated and melanin is produced in excess, the armpits may darken.
- Hormonal imbalances
- Lifestyle factors such as a poor diet and vitamin B12 deficiency
Benefits of Choosing Natural Remedies Over Chemicals for Treatment
Over the years, there has been a growing desire to use natural remedies or ingredients.
If you have sensitive skin or want to reduce your intake of skincare products, natural pain relief is your preferred choice and the best choice. Natural products offer not only additional health benefits but also keep harmful chemicals out of your body.
Although many skincare companies extract some ingredients and vitamins from natural sources, they still use the same lab-created counterparts of the same ingredients.
Natural remedies for dark armpits are most preferred because they can be imparted without causing irritation.
Natural Remedies to Whiten Underarms
Is it not amazing how armpits are often overlooked when it comes to skincare routines? Think about all the skin content you see around. The good news is, even though it is a sensitive area that needs to be kept hygienic, armpits do not need complex formulas to thrive.
You can take care of this area with ingredients found right outside your door. Below are some natural remedies that can whiten your armpits effortlessly:
- Aloe Vera
Acquiring aloe vera gel from the plant and applying it to your underarm area while massaging could result in lighter armpits when done consistently over time. Apply the gel directly to the area, let it dry, and then rinse it off with warm water and soap.
- Potato
Extract juice from a potato and generously apply it to the armpits. Leave for 10 minutes before rinsing with cold water. Do this repeatedly for a week or two to lighten your armpits.
- Turmeric and Lemon
Make a thick paste of lemon and turmeric, then apply it to your armpits and let it sit for 30 or so minutes to achieve armpit lightening over a period of time.
- Coconut Oil
Applying coconut oil to the armpits and leaving it for 15 minutes before cleansing off with warm water and soap could work magic.
- Baking Soda
A mixture of baking soda and rose water is an underarm whitening remedy that can be applied to the armpits using cotton wool for five minutes for two weeks to achieve the desired results.
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Underarm Darkening
Avoid tight clothing: Friction against the underarm skin occurs when you sweat and you are wearing tight clothing. This friction causes skin irritation and triggers the production of melanin, which darkens the skin. Over time, the frequent friction causes the area to appear black.
Focus on a healthy diet: To prevent or address dark armpits, ensuring a balanced diet with adequate vitamins and minerals is crucial. Eat foods like milk, bananas, almonds, fruits, leafy greens, grapes, and watermelon to help reduce sweat production.
Stay hydrated: Depending on factors like your health, physical activity, and diet, drink water and stay hydrated.
Consider quitting shaving and waxing: Begin Laser Hair Removal. Laser hair removal means that the procedure reduces the thickness of the underarm skin, which in turn makes it appear lighter in tone. This treatment is expensive, but it is one of the best ways to lighten dark armpits.
When to Visit a Dermatologist
If you try all these methods, still have dark armpits, and are concerned about the color, visit a dermatologist to determine the issue and to rule out the above-mentioned causes. Sometimes, to reverse or improve a dark armpit may require a dermatologist’s intervention to find the right diagnosis.
Also, if your darkening is accompanied by itching, pain, a rash or achange inskin texture, seek medical attention immediately.
Bottom Line?
Do not be afraid to go outside sleeveless again. With these underarm whitening tips, do not let those dark armpits keep you indoors or discourage you from having maximum fun. Let this summer be yours to shine and begin your armpits self care journey before the holiday.
You can simply be the envy of your friends group by incorporating the tips and using the information we have given you to your advantage. So do not hesitate! Improve your underarm skin tone today.
Let us know what has worked for you from the above underarm whitening tips in the comment section.