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 tank top and swimsuit season.

Want to rock sleeveless dresses and flaunt your toned arms but dread exposing your darkened underarms at the same time?

Well, the darkening of your underarms can be caused due to a variety of reasons such as shaving, sweating or due to the accumulation of dead skin cells therein. The phenomenon is more common than you think.

You are constantly wondering how to remove dark underarms or how to lighten dark underarms. It is a task to remove dark underarms. Some women even opt for an underarm whitening treatment. While some search for dark underarms remedy, some even ask how to remove black underarms.


Possible Dark Underarm Causes

Deodorant and Antiperspirants

Using deodorant and antiperspirants is essential to stay fresh all day but the presence of alcohol and other harmful ingredients can cause the underarm skin to get darker. It is recommended to use an alcohol-free deodorant. 

Shaving

Shaving may seem like the quickest technique to get rid of underarm hair. But razor blades can be abrasive as they remove the top protective layer of the skin causing irritation and dark underarms.

Friction

Wearing very tight clothes can cause friction against the skin and frequent rubbing can cause dark underarms. Wear cotton and other skin-friendly fabrics and avoid body-hugging clothes. 

Dead Skin Cells Accumulation

Dead skin cells get accumulated in every part of your body and underarms are no different. When you don't clean the area well or fail to scrub it every few days it can lead to darkening.

Obesity

Carrying extra weight makes your body more resistant to the effects of insulin. This hormone helps regulate your blood sugar. High levels of insulin in your blood can lead to increased production of skin pigment cells.

Lightens your Underarm naturally

If you’re faced with the darkening of your underarms, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Instead of using all those expensive products on trial and error bases, you can always go for these homemade tips and tricks to get rid of dark underarms. Many people choose a natural approach to armpit lightening. Advocates of natural remedies suggest a number of natural bleaching agents, including these:

Aloe Vera

Cut into a fresh leaf of aloe vera and extract the gel. Gently massage the aloe vera gel onto your underarms. Let it dry for about 20 minutes. Then, rinse it off with lukewarm water. You can also substitute aloe vera for the aloe vera gel available in the market.

Lemon

 Cut thick slices of lemon and rub the slices on your underarms. After 10 minutes, rinse your armpits with cool water, dry them, and apply moisturizer.

Turmeric

Take a teaspoon each of organic turmeric, honey and milk in a small bowl. Mix all the ingredients well and apply to the underarm area. Let stay for 15 minutes then wash off. Repeat this natural underarm lightening remedy thrice a week.

Coconut Oil

Massage a few drops of coconut oil onto your armpits. After 15 minutes, wash your armpits with lukewarm water and a mild soap. Repeat these steps two to three times a day.

Potato

Grate one potato and extract its juice. Using a cotton ball apply this juice directly on your underarms. Rinse after 10 minutes with cool water. Repeat this twice a day.

Cucumber

Cut thick slices of cucumber and rub the slices on the dark areas of your underarms. After 10 minutes, rinse your underarms with cool water. Repeat twice everyday.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Dilute apple vinegar cider with water. Soak a cotton ball in this solution and gently dab it over your armpit area. Let this solution sit for about 10 minutes. Then, rinse it off with lukewarm water.  Do this everyday.

Tea Tree Oil

 Add some water to tea tree oil to dilute it. Pour this mixture in an empty spray bottle and spray it on your underarms. Repeat this daily.

Orange Peel

 Mix 1 tablespoon of milk and 1 tablespoon of rose water with enough powdered orange peel to make a thick paste. Gently scrub your armpits with the paste and then leave it on for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water. Repeat two to three times per week.


Medical Treatments for Dark Underarm

  • Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor or dermatologist might prescribe treatments to lighten underarms, such as:
  • Topical creams or lotions containing Hydroquinone, Tretinoin, Corticosteroids, Azelaic Acid, or Kojic Acid
  • Laser Therapy to Remove Pigment
  • Chemical Peels with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) to exfoliate the skin
  • Dermabrasion or Microdermabrasion to thoroughly cleanse the skin
  • If you have been diagnosed with Erythrasma, your doctor will likely prescribe topical Erythromycin or Clindamycin and/or an oral antibiotic such as Penicillin.