There are many people who suffer from dark underarm skin. There are many different causes for this condition which you need to know before you decide how to get rid of underarm darkness. The causes range from things we do to medical conditions that can bring this on.
Shaving Your Underarms
In this case, you just need to end shaving your underarms and switch to waxing to eliminate hair growth or you can pluck it out. There are also other removers that you can buy too, that run on batteries and are not as harsh as using a razor.
Dead Skin
The buildup of skin cells that have died can cause spots to appear on your underarms and also anywhere else on your body. They are basically stuck in microscopic areas on your skin. Once these are removed, you may see a difference in the discoloration.
You can get rid of this problem by exfoliating. It is best to get an exfoliate that has lactic acid in it to remove the dead skin. There are many over the counter products that can do this or you can make some at home. A sugar scrub may work well to get rid of the dead skin.
Once you know the cause and how to get rid of dark underarms, you won’t be embarrassed about wearing a tank top or a nice, sleeveless dress. Over time, dark spots may form and do not appear suddenly. Easy home remedies and skin care can help you get rid of them forever and also keep them away.
Deodorants and Antiperspirant Sprays
Sometimes, these products can have ingredients in them that you are allergic too. It might be the fragrance or something else that doesn’t agree with you that can cause the darkness on your underarms. Some people recover from this issue and never experience it again after they stop using antiperspirants and deodorants. Yes, you’ll probably have a little body odor but at least you won’t have the discolorations any more.
An easy method of how to get rid of dark underarms is to switch to a brand that is hypoallergenic or to stop using it altogether. There are also over the counter medicated powders that you can use to stop odors instead of deodorant or antiperspirant that work well. This is a good cure but make sure this is what is causing the problem. If you stop using it but the problem still exists, it means that the deodorant was probably not the cause and it is something else causing the problem.
Medical Illness Acanthosis Nigricans
A condition called Acanthosis Nigricans happens in people who are diabetic. The skin has dark discolorations on it where you have folds and creases that are velvet-like to the touch. Sometimes the skin in the affected area can get thicker and this commonly happens in the neck, groin or the armpits. This is also common in people who are overweight. If a child is diagnosed with this skin condition, it may be a sign the he or she may be at a higher risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. The only way to get rid of this disorder is to treat the cause.
There are many ways how to get rid dark underarms and treat Acanthosis Nigricans. Since it may go with obesity, the best method is to cut down your daily calorie consumption and switch to foods that are lower in fat. You should also increase your fiber intake to help you lose weight. You will also need to control your sugar levels since this ailment is common among diabetics. Losing weight will help you control sugar levels. Also you must add exercise into daily health routine.
Hyperpigmentation – How to get rid of Dark Underarms
This occurs when you have too much melanin in your skin. The strange thing is that this is not common in the armpits but it may be a cause of discoloration on other parts of the body.
This condition causes your skin to produce excess melanin pigment. It doesn`t usually affect armpits, so it’s a less likely cause.
How to get rid of Underarm Darkness – Hyperpigmentation
Use a sunscreen when you go outdoors that has an SPF of 15 or higher and when you buy products to treat this condition, it should have alpha hydroxy acids in it. Examples include lactic acid which is available in a cream format separately too. These are good for exfoliating the skin and removing the dead skin cells. Removal will help eliminate spots as well but you must be persistent. Kojic acid and Vitamin C are also good for discoloration removal and skin tone balancing.
Other Causes of Underarm Discoloration
Staying out in the sun too long can make the skin anywhere on the body darker, and this includes the underarms. Everyone will experience darkening of the skin because of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Exposure to the sun will increase the production on melanocytes to increase melanin which is responsible for the skin color. Too much of it makes spots appear on the skin.
Changes in a person’s hormones can also cause darkness of the underarms. Pregnancy is a good example where excessive melanin can be produced causing dark spots to appear on the body.
How to get rid of Dark Underarms: More Home Remedies
Home remedies are economical, safe and the work but if they don’t work, you may need to see a dermatologist. Though it isn’t a serious condition, you may need prescriptions to get rid of dark armpits.
Potatoes – How to get rid of Dark Underarms
The acid found in potatoes can lighten the skin and works as a natural skin whitening solution. It is milder than skin bleaching and does not cause any reactions such as irritation of the skin. It’s very easy to use by taking a slice of potato and rubbing it on your underarms. Grated potato applied to the underarms is a good idea too since it will get the juice of the potato onto the area that is affected. This solution must be allowed to dry for a minimum of 15 minutes up to a maximum of 20 minutes and then rinsed off with water that is lukewarm. Do this twice a day regularly to see a noticeable difference.
Cucumber for How to Get Rid of Dark Underarms
Cucumbers aren’t just for the eyes, but they work well to lighten your skin as well. They have the ability to remove dark spots since that are a natural bleach to eliminate discolorations. Slice some cucumber and rub this on your underarms. The juice is what will lighten your skin. Try this two times a day.
The second method is to extract juice using a juicer and mixing it with lemon juice from a fresh lemon and turmeric. Apply this with your fingers to the underarms and leave it on for 30 minutes. It should be washed off with warm water. Because turmeric may be difficult to take off, it might help to shower after this application. Use this method of how to get rid of underarm darkness each day or a few times a week.
Lemon is a natural wonder when it comes to skin care. When you have any type of discoloration anywhere on the body, lemon juice can even the skin tone with its bleaching properties. It is a good cleaner and it is antibacterial so it is perfect for an antiseptic.
Cut some lemon wedges and apply one on the underarms. Rub it on for a few minutes to get rid of dead skin cells. After applying the lemon juice for how to get rid of dark underarms, leave in on for just ten minutes and wash it off. You will need to keep doing this a few times weekly.
You can also mix lemon juice, turmeric, honey and yogurt and apply this to your underarms and let it sit for ten minutes and then wash it off. Do this every other day.
How to get rid of Dark Underarms with Baking Soda
Baking soda is an effective exfoliate that remove dead skin cells and remove dark spots. Since it attacks the main cause, it is a perfect remedy for underarm whitening. In addition, it can open up pores that are clogged by removing oil and other debris in the skin.
Make a paste out of baking soda and water followed by applying the past on the underarms. Let it sit for a short while and then rinse it off. The skin should be pat dry. Do this several times a week.
Underarm Whitening with Orange Peel
Just like lemon, oranges also have whitening and skin lightening abilities. In addition, orange peel is also a good exfoliate to remove the cause of underarm darkness which is dead skin cells. This method how to get rid of dark underarms takes longer than some of the other remedies but it is effective and it is affordable.
Take orange peel and dry it in the sun for a few days. Make sure it is completely dry. Then grind it into a fine powder. If you don’t have a grinder, you can use a blender on the “Grind” setting. Then you will need to add rose water to the mix as well as some milk to make it a paste. Be careful not to put too much liquid in it. Use the scrub on your underarms letting it sit for up to fifteen minutes but not less than minutes. Then use cold water to remove it. This should be done every other day.
Using Coconut Oil for How to get rid of Underarm Darkness
One of the miracle cures for skin problems including dark underarms is coconut oil because it is high in Vitamin E which can help reduce discolorations. It’s also a good deodorant and can be used as a replacement instead of store bought brands if you suspect that deodorant or antiperspirant is the cause of your skin discoloration.
Simply apply the coconut oil with your fingertips or a cotton ball, leave it on for ten to fifteen minutes and then remove it with soap and water. Use warm water and do this twice or three times every day.
Milk – How to Get Rid of Dark Underarms
It’s the fatty acids in the milk as well as the vitamins that will help lighten dark underarms. In addition, it is a good moisturizer than can keep the skin soft so it’s not just for lightening your skin.
Take 2 tablespoons of whole milk, one tsp. of plain yogurt and one tablespoon of flour and mix it into a paste. Using your fingers, put it on the underarms letting it stay on for fifteen minutes or so before rinsing it off with water that is cold. Repeat this two or three times a week.
Sandalwood for Underarm Skin Lightning
Here’s an ingredient that’s not used or spoken of enough. Sandalwood can help with underarm whitening because it has skin lightening abilities. It can make your skin softer when combined with rose water.
Make a paste with 2 Tablespoons of powdered form of sandalwood, and a little bit of rose water just enough to make a paste. Let it stay for fifteen minutes after it is applied with your fingertips. You can also let it sit until it dries and then use cold water to wash it off. Use it every day and in a few days, you’ll see a remarkable difference.
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