Some of us are embarrassed by our dark armpits and avoid wearing sleeveless clothes or bathing suits. Darkening skin patches under your arms happen in both men and women, however, it’s more common in women with darker skin. Many have tried various “dark armpits treatments” such as creams and gels, but haven’t seen the changes they’ve expected. Dark armpits are caused by hyperpigmentation in the underarm area and many times is caused by changes in hormonal levels and especially during pregnancy. Here is a list of things you should not be doing then a list of some remedies to help you get rid of them:
TOP CAUSES OF DARK ARMPITS:
1. Shaving
Stop using razors to shave your underarms as when you do it cuts the hair just below the surface of the skin which looks like stubble. Hair removal creams do the same which makes the underarms look darker. Try waxing as it removes the hair from the root itself. For waxing, you can try BODY SUGARING, which is an ancient hair removal technique that works very good.
2. Too much deodorant
Some theories suggest that strong deodorants make your armpits look darker. Use natural methods to deodorize yourself.
3. Skin friction
Clothes that are tight and harsh on your skin may also cause darkening of your underarms.
4. Dead cells
One cause of dark armpits can be dead cells. Exfoliate gently or scrub with lactic acid to avoid them.
5. Bacteria
As many as 18 different types of bacteria live on different parts of our skin. The most common bacterium that lives in armpits is called Corynebacterium minutissimum. When we sweat, the underarm environment changes and becomes more friendly for the growth of bacteria, which may eventually cause the bad smell and darkening of this area. To avoid this, you should shower more often.
Natural ways to get rid of dark armpits:
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains vitamin E which plays an important role in lightening dark underarms. Apply some coconut oil to your armpits before bathing and massage for 10-15 minutes, then wash off with mild soap and lukewarm water. Follow the process daily and you will gain fair underarms over time. Additionally coconut oil works as a natural deodorant.
2. Lemon Juice
Rubbing your underarms with lemon juice is one of the most effective ways to lighten your underarms as lemon has natural bleaching properties. Apply some before your bathing then wash it off. Apply moisturizer to soften your skin and don’t use deodorant for a few days.
3. Baking Soda
To treat dark underarms you can make a paste by using baking soda, add some water so that it becomes a paste and scrub your underarms with it. This will remove the dead cells responsible for dark underarms and open your pores. In an emergency you can wash your underarms with water and apply baking powder to reduce the dark appearance. Try this on regular basis and feel the difference.
4. Papaya
Papayas contain enzymes that are great at cleaning skin. You can apply some shredded papaya to your underarms and let it dry, then wash off with water. Use papaya that is not too ripe.
5. Potato
Potatoes also have bleaching properties and can be used to lighten dark armpits. Slice a potato and rub your underarms with them. Alternatively you can rub potato juice on your underarms and leave it for 15 minutes to dry, then wash off and you will see results in just a few days.
6. Gram flour and Yogurt
You can mix gram flour, lemon juice, yogurt, and a pinch of turmeric powder to make a paste. Yogurt has properties that can help lighten your skin and is great for your face too!. Apply the paste to your underarms and leave for 20 minutes and wash with lukewarm water. Follow the process at least 3 times a week for best results.
7. Saffron
This dark armpits treatment sounds a bit expensive, but saffron works well to lighten the underarms. Mix a pinch or two of saffron in milk or cream and apply the mixture to your underarms before going to sleep at night. Leave it overnight then wash off the next morning. This will lighten your armpits and kill harmful bacteria that cause bad odor.
By Divya Shree
Edited By Stephanie Dawson
[Last Updated on May 20th 2014]
