How to Treat Dark Underarms

If you've recently thrown out all your sleeveless tops and only wear long-sleeve shirts to cover up your dark underarms, you no longer need to do that. This article will guide you through several at-home methods as well as medical treatments to help you achieve smooth, lighter underarm skin.

Use Natural Bleaching Agents. The acidic, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties of certain vegetables and fruits can naturally lighten the skin. Potatoes, cucumbers, and lemons are three effective options for treating dark underarm skin.

• Potato – Slice the potato into thin pieces and rub it on the dark skin. Alternatively, you can grate the potato to extract the juice. Apply the juice to the underarms, let it dry for 10 minutes, and then rinse off.
• Cucumber – Similar to potato, rub cucumber slices on the dark skin or grate the cucumber and use the juice. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice and turmeric (just enough to thicken the mixture) to the cucumber juice. Apply the mixture to the skin, wait for half an hour, then rinse it off.
• Lemon – Rub a thick slice of lemon on the dark underarms. Lemon helps exfoliate dead skin cells and brighten the skin. Afterward, rinse it off, and if needed, apply a moisturizer. (Be cautious as lemon can dry out the skin over time.) You can also mix some turmeric, yogurt, or honey into the lemon juice to create a thicker paste. Apply it to the skin for 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
• Egg Oil – Gently massage egg oil onto the dark underarm skin and leave it overnight. The omega-3 fatty acids in egg oil promote skin regeneration, making the skin smoother and brighter. In the morning, use a pH-balanced soap or body wash to cleanse the area.

Moisturize. The most important thing you can do to prevent or treat dark underarms is to moisturize the area at least twice a day. You should use natural moisturizers like aloe vera, lecithin, and so on.

Exfoliate. Darkening of the underarm skin occurs due to the buildup of dead skin cells over time, so exfoliating helps to lighten the skin.

• Sugar – Mix one cup of brown sugar with 3 tablespoons of pure olive oil. Apply this mixture to wet skin for one or two minutes while in the shower, then rinse off. You can use this exfoliating scrub twice a week while showering.
• Baking soda – Create a thick paste of baking soda by adding water, then use it to exfoliate. After exfoliating, rinse off and pat dry, then you can apply more baking soda to your underarms to lighten them.
• Baking soda and rose water – Mix rose water with baking soda to form a thick paste, then apply it to the underarm area. Finally, rinse with warm water and pat dry. Keep doing this until the skin becomes brighter.
• Orange peel – Dry the orange peel under the sun and then grind it into powder. Create a paste by mixing it with rose water and milk. Massage the paste into your underarm skin for 10-15 minutes to remove dead cells, then rinse with cold water.
• Pumice stone – Gently exfoliate your underarm skin with a pumice stone. This lightweight volcanic stone is available at pharmacies and beauty supply stores. Wet the stone thoroughly and gently rub it on your underarm area.

Use fluid treatments. Open your fridge or kitchen cabinet for natural remedies that can not only lighten but also make the darkened skin softer and fresher.

• Milk – The vitamins and fatty acids in milk help brighten the skin. You can make a thick mixture by combining two tablespoons of milk, one teaspoon of yogurt, and one tablespoon of flour. Apply it to the skin for 15 minutes, then rinse off with cold water. The skin will become smoother, and the dead skin cells will be removed to reduce darkening. Using whole milk provides better results.
• Vinegar – For bright, clear skin with a light fragrance, you can mix vinegar with rice flour to create a paste. After a warm shower, apply the paste to your underarms and leave it for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
• Coconut oil – Vitamin E in coconut oil helps gradually lighten darkened skin. To get the best results, use it daily or every other day. Before showering, massage the oil into your skin for 10-15 minutes. Then wash it off with mild soap and warm water. One bonus of coconut oil is its natural deodorizing effect.

Apply a whitening pack. If you're ready to commit to a regular treatment routine, you can use a natural whitening pack made with chickpea flour (also known as green gram flour). Mix the flour with yogurt, lemon, and a little turmeric powder to form a thick paste. Apply it to your underarm area, then leave it for at least 30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Use this whitening pack daily for two weeks, then three times a week to speed up the whitening process.

Stop shaving and start waxing. Darkened underarms can be caused by thick hair growing under the skin after shaving. Waxing removes the hair from the root, which may result in brighter, smoother skin.

Skip the deodorants. The antiperspirant chemicals found in deodorants often cause inflammation and darkening of the underarm skin. Very few people actually struggle with body odor, and most don’t need to rely on the heavily marketed deodorants.

See a doctor. Home remedies may not work if you have acanthosis nigricans, a condition that causes skin to darken in certain areas, including the underarms.

• This condition can occur due to obesity or hormonal imbalances. It’s common in people with diabetes or those prone to it and is most prevalent among individuals of African descent.
• Other causes of acanthosis nigricans include Addison’s disease, pituitary disorders, growth hormone therapy, hypothyroidism, or the use of birth control pills.

Change your diet. If the issue is related to diabetes, adjusting your diet by reducing starches and sugars is essential.

Stop taking the medication. If oral contraceptives are the cause of the skin disorder, switching to a different form of birth control may help improve the condition after discontinuing the pills.

Prescription treatments. Retin-A, 20% urea, alpha hydroxy acid, and salicylic acid can help improve the condition, though their effectiveness is often limited.

• The most commonly used skin lightening ingredient in the United States is hydroquinone, which is regulated by the FDA. Dermatologists may prescribe skin lightening treatments containing up to 4% hydroquinone, while over-the-counter products typically contain no more than 2%. Always consult a doctor before using any products containing hydroquinone.
• Use skin lightening products from reputable brands. Although the FDA banned the use of mercury in skin lightening products in the U.S. in 1990, some creams containing this toxic metal have still been found in the country. These products are often manufactured abroad but sold in stores in the U.S., so it's crucial to check the labels carefully before purchasing.

Stop using electrolysis. While electrolysis hair removal can be effective, it can lead to hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), particularly for women with darker skin tones. If you've been using electrolysis for underarm hair removal, it's advisable to discontinue it to prevent changes in your underarm skin color.

• If you don't have hyperhidrosis, it's important to realize that darkening of the skin is completely normal in areas with very thin skin, such as the eyelids, genital area, and around the anus. This is not a physical defect. You should observe women in professional images (advertisements, brochures) who often adjust the color of the skin under the arms using special effects during post-production. Female adult film stars often bleach the skin around their anus/genital areas to appear more attractive.
• Skin whitening treatments, as well as excessive exfoliation, can cause severe damage and leave scars. Hair follicles, pores, and sweat glands in the armpits can become infected. Approaching the area near the lymph nodes can be very dangerous, as infections can spread quickly throughout the body, leading to severe bacterial infections. It's important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before touching such sensitive skin. Seeking advice from a healthcare professional should be the first and most important step.