The underarm area rarely gives us any trouble, apart from sweating, and we conveniently forget all about it. Unfortunately, the skin in this area is very sensitive and is susceptible to a variety of problems like rashes, pigmentation, infection, ingrown hair, and even pimples. There’s a lot that can happen in such a small area! However, one of the most common complaints by both men and women is pigmentation or discolouration.

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Your underarms should naturally be about the same shade as the rest of your skin. But sometimes, the skin in the armpits can turn a darker hue. Dark underarms usually aren’t a sign of anything serious, but some people may find them embarrassing — especially during swimsuit season.

In this article:

Why does this Happen?
How do I Get Rid of Dark Underarms?
How can I Lighten My Underarms Overnight?

6 Best Home Remedies for Dark Underarms in Women

Why does this Happen?

Skin darkening can often be due to a skin condition called acanthosis nigricans (AN). It causes the skin to thicken and darken in folds around the body. Your skin might also itch or have a foul odour in those areas.

Although AN is usually genetic or tied to an underlying condition, there’s some evidence to suggest that hair removal may also be a culprit. It’s thought that irritation from repeated shaving or plucking might stimulate excess melanocyte production. To avoid irritating your underarms, lubricate the skin with a gentle soap or shaving cream before shaving. Apply an unscented moisturizing cream afterwards.

It can also be an indicator of obesity or type 2 diabetes, both leading causes. High levels of insulin in your blood can lead to increased production of skin pigment cells.

Read More:Body Odor During Pregnancy: 11 Ways to Get Rid Of It

 

How do I Get Rid of Dark Underarms?

There are a variety of home remedies you can try, apply and rinse off to get evenly toned underarms, such as:

Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy

You will need

• 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda

What you have to do

1. To the baking soda, add the vinegar and let the mix bubble.
2. Once the bubbles have subsided, apply this mixture on the underarm area and let it dry.
3. Rinse with cool water.

How often you should do this

• Repeat this thrice a week.

Apple Cider Vinegar contains mild acids that will remove the accumulated dead skin cells and also lighten the dark underarm area. Additionally, it will also act as a disinfectant and kill the microbes there.

Aloe Vera Remedy

You will need

• An aloe leaf

What you have to do

1. Cut open the leaf and extract fresh aloe vera gel.
2. Apply a layer of this gel on your underarms and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
3. Rinse with water.

If you do not have an aloe plant at home, you can also use organic aloe vera gel.

How often you should do this

• Repeat this every alternate day.

Aloe vera stops the activity of the enzyme responsible for discolouration and soothes the area.

Turmeric Remedy

You will need

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

What you have to do

1. Mix all the ingredients and apply the paste on the underarms.
2. Let it dry for 10-12 minutes and then rinse.

How often you should do this

• Repeat this twice a week.

Turmeric is commonly used in face masks to lighten and brighten up the skin tone and also fade away spots and scars. Regular application on the underarms will unquestionably lighten the dark skin. Milk contains lactic acid that further aids in the underarm whitening process

Rosewater Remedy

You will need

• Rosewater
• 1 tablespoon baking soda

What you have to do

1. Make a thick paste with the ingredients and apply it on the underarms.
2. Leave it on for about 5-7 minutes and then rinse with cool water.

How often you should do this

• Repeat this twice a week.

Rosewater possesses multiple skin benefits such as brightening the skin, soothing, moisturizing, balancing the skin’s pH, and stimulating circulation. Baking soda acts as an excellent exfoliant.

Cucumber Remedy

You will need

• 2 cucumber slices

What you have to do

1. Rub the cucumber slices on the dark armpits for a minute or two.
2. Let the juice that has oozed out from the slice onto your skin stay there for another 10 minutes.
3. Rinse with water.

How often you should do this

• Repeat this as often as you wish

Cucumber slices are often used to soothe eye bags and also to lighten under-eye dark circles. This is because cucumber extract has skin lightening properties. The same property can also be used for lightening dark armpits.

Lemon Juice Remedy

You will need

• 1 lemon

What you have to do

1. Cut the lemon into thick slices and scrub the underarms area with them for 2-3 minutes.
2. Let the lemon juice stay on there for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off.

How often you should do this

• Repeat regularly 3-4 times a week

Lemon juice has a high concentration of citric acid, which is a natural exfoliant and bleach.

Another variation of this is to add antimicrobial yoghurt (it is very well known for its lightening and brightening properties) and mix it with some lemon juice drops and olive oil in a small proportion and apply it on your armpits. Leave it to dry and absorbed by the skin underneath. Later, you can rinse it off or wipe using a cotton ball. This natural remedy works wonders for dark underarms.

How can I Lighten My Underarms Overnight?

There are over the counter medicines that claim to do this but very few of them actually work. It is recommended to first try home remedies to see what suits your skin before you try chemical-based remedies.

Sources

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322860.php

https://www.bebeautiful.in/all-things-skin/everyday/5-natural-ways-to-get-rid-of-dark-underarms