Hair, Skin & Nails 4 MIN READ 2255 VIEWS July 17, 2023

How to Lighten Underarm Darkness?

Written By HealthKart
Medically Reviewed By Dr. Aarti Nehra

Underarm pigmentations are extremely common, and there can be varied reasons like hyperpigmentation, melisma, chemical irritants, friction, shaving, waxing, hormonal disorders, medication use, genetics, obesity, medical conditions like diabetes, obesity, etc. that result in darkened armpits. 

But are you concerned with your dark underarms? Do not worry! There are multiple underarm darkness removal processes. The section below talks about the different ways you can get rid of the dark underarms. 

Know About the Underarm Darkness Removal Process

You can opt for home remedies as well as doctor’s assistance to get rid of your underarm darkness. 

  • Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the most sought-after ingredients used as a dark underarm remedy. It is highly effective in treating pigmentation and dark spots. Massage a few drops of coconut oil onto the underarms and wash it with lukewarm water. In addition, coconut oil not only keeps the skin hydrated with moisture but also boosts the natural production of collagen. Coconut oil also helps in reducing inflammation as well. 

  • Baking Soda

One of the best home remedies for dark underarms is baking soda. Mix baking soda with water and apply the thick paste on the armpit. Apply it twice a week and wash it off. Baking soda has a natural bleaching effect, which lowers the visibility of the dark spots. It even acts as a mild abrasive that helps in getting rid of excess oils and dead skin cells, thereby exfoliating the skin. Further, it balances the skin’s pH and encourages collagen production.

  • Lemon

Lemon contains citric acid and hence is a great natural bleaching agent. It helps to remove the dead skin cells and helps in lightening the dark spots. The natural bleaching properties of the lemon will help you get an even skin tone. Gently scrub a lemon piece on your underarms for a few minutes, at least 3 to 4 times a week, to see the result. 

  • Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is infused with aloin and aloesin. While aloin is a natural depigmenting component that helps in lightening the dark patches, aloesin helps in preventing the production of excess melanin, thereby reducing skin hyperpigmentation. Apply aloe vera over the pigmented areas before bedtime and wash it off with warm water the next morning daily and see the result.  

Did you know?Mixing aloe vera with lemon juice proves extremely beneficial in lightening the underarm’s darkness. It also has the following benefits:It helps in removing tan and pimples. The combination acts as a natural detoxification. It enhances skin texture.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar

Another effective way to lighten the black underarms is using apple cider vinegar. You can easily source it from any local store. It contains lactic acids and amino acids, which prove ideal for removing dead skin cells. It also helps in unclogging the pores, thereby lightening the armpit darkness and making the armpit area smoother. It also helps in unclogging pores, prevents skin infections and balances the pH of the skin. 

Besides trying these home remedies, you can also apply topical creams, antibiotics, and ointment to lighten the underarms. You can go for:

  • Chemical peels: Chemical peels that have AHAs and BHAs, which help in exfoliating the skin. It also contains TCA (trichloroacetic acid), which helps in removing dead skin cells. 
  • Hydroquinone cream: This can be used to lighten the dark areas of your skin, including underarms. It is considered a skin-lightening or standard depigmentation agent. Clinically, it is used to treat melasma, freckles, etc. 
  • Retinol: Retinol accelerates cell turnover, leading to a reduction of melanin. So, it can yield good results for moderate underarm hyperpigmentation. 
  • Calcipotriene: It is a vitamin D-based cream that helps in minimising pigmentation as well. 

You can also opt for laser therapy for underarms black removal. It is effective in minimising skin thickness, which is prevalent alongside skin darkening. Besides lightening pigmented spots, it also helps in improving sun-damaged skin, improves skin tone and texture, lightens freckles, etc. Laser therapy disrupts melanin production in pigmented areas like the underarms. This lowers the amount of pigment in the skin, thereby resulting in a brighter and lighter skin tone.  

#Expert Tip: Use retinol with sunscreen or any hydrating ingredients to avoid skin dryness and irritation. Also, you must start with a lower concentration of retinol. 

Wrap Up 

Dark underarms are the cause of major concern for many individuals. However, it can be lightened easily. You do not have to rely on expensive products or undergo any major treatment to get rid of the condition. In case the darkening of the underarms is due to underlying medical conditions and home remedies do not suffice, you must reach out to a doctor or dermatologist for other remedies and medications. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Read these next