When trying to tend to a skincare problem, you need to know the reason for its occurrence, possible threats it carries, available treatments, and so on. Men, women, and most teenagers experience dark underarms that make them feel low. But luckily, we live in an age where there are a dozen ways for underarm darkness removal.
How to remove underarm darkness?
One can opt for-
1. Medical procedures,
2. Topical treatments,
3. Natural remedies,
4. Organic underarm treatment products, etc
To execute any of the above underarm darkness removal treatments, you must note that it all depends on the level of pigmentation, its cause, and its severity
So, before you dive in with our underarm darkness removal tips, understand this skin condition better by knowing why underarms become dark. Once you decode this, you can start with different measures to combat your underarm darkness removal process
Reasons why underarms become dark?
1. Shaving
The more frequently you shave can be a possible reason for pigmentation in the area. As the skin, there is sensitivity and shaving can also cause friction.
2. Genetics
If any of your parents have darker skin under their arms, you can possibly have them too passed down through their genes.
3. Excessive Sweating
Excessive sweating can lead to dark underarms due to a combination of factors. When you sweat excessively, the sweat can mix with the natural bacteria on your skin, which can cause odor and discoloration. Additionally, the constant moisture in the underarm area can lead to irritation, which can cause the skin to darken over time.
4. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, including red, scaly patches on the skin. Although psoriasis is most commonly associated with the scalp, knees, and elbows, it can also affect the underarm area, leading to darkening of the skin.
The exact mechanism by which psoriasis causes dark underarms is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to the inflammation and irritation that the condition can cause. When affected with Psoriasis, the skin becomes thick and scaly, which can lead to increased friction and rubbing in the underarm area, leading to skin darkening.
5. Using alcohol-based underarm products like deodorants, perfumes, etc
Using alcohol-based underarm products like deodorants and perfumes can cause dark underarms due to their harsh and drying effects on the skin. Such products can strip away the natural oils and moisture in your skin, causing it to become dry and flaky. Since alcohol is a common ingredient in many underarm products because it is effective at killing bacteria and reducing odours. However, the high concentration of alcohol in these products can be irritating and damaging to the delicate skin of the underarm area.
6. Allergic reaction to certain ingredients/products
If you notice any unusual reaction on your skin after using new products, you might be allergic to certain ingredients. Therefore, one must be mindful when using/trying out new products.
7. Over-scrubbing during shower time
Exfoliation is a great way to scrub away dead skin, but if you scrub too harshly, it can do exactly the opposite.
8. Friction caused by skin or clothes
Wearing tight clothing or synthetic fabrics can trap sweat and bacteria against the skin, leading to increased discoloration.
9. Diabetes
Dark patches on your body and pits are a sign of pre-diabetes and increased insulin levels in your body.
10. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) (a hormonal disorder) have higher levels of androgens, or male hormones, which can cause a range of physical and skin issues. The symptoms include irregular periods, weight gain, excess hair growth, and darkening of the skin.
11. Fungal Infection
Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, such as the underarm area, and can cause a range of skin issues, including redness, itching, and discoloration.
Moreover, some types of fungal infections, such as tinea versicolor, can cause pigmentation changes in the skin. Tinea versicolor is induced by a type of yeast that lives on the skin and can cause small, discoloured patches, including the underarms. These patches can range in colour from white to brown and can be more noticeable in people with darker skin tones.
Can underarm darkness be removed?
We know you all must be wondering - how to remove underarm darkness permanently. Well, with proper precautionary care, you can keep your underarms happy and bright. Let’s see how.
1. Lemon + Turmeric + Honey Scrub
Applying a paste of lemon juice, ground turmeric powder, and honey on cleansed underarms for 20 mins can help in underarm darkness removal naturally.
2. Baking Soda
Simply mix baking soda with clean water to form a semi-thick slurry. Apply this to your underarms and leave for 5 mins. Wipe away with a wet towel leaving nothing behind. If your skin starts itching or irritating, take away the application immediately.
3. Potato Starch
Another way to underarm darkness removal at home is to use potato starch. Simply grate a potato and squeeze all the starch out of it. Allow this liquid to sit for a while and you’ll notice the white starch will settle down completely after a few minutes. Now, remove most of the water, leaving the starch behind. Dip clean cotton pads into the starch and apply to your underarms. Wash away after 20 mins
4. Orange peel+milk scrub
Mix orange peel powder with milk to form a soft scrub and use this during your bath time for gentle exfoliation. First, apply it as a mask and leave it for 15 mins and then scrub it off later.
Continue this 3 times a week until you notice lighter pits.
5. Rose water
Rose water not only freshens up your pits but also helps control bad odour. It also has lightening and soothing properties. So, you can spray rose water on the affected area daily instead of deodorants.
6. Shave the right way
It is not only about how often you should remove underarm hair, but also about shaving the right way. Post-shave care is very important to avoid friction and underarm dryness.
7. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil lightens skin tone and also has anti-microbial properties that help in underarm darkness removal naturally. Since it is a potent oil, you must always mix it with a carrier oil and use it on your skin.
8. Introducing gentle physical and chemical exfoliation
As stated earlier, gentle exfoliation is one of the best underarm darkness removal tips. Just make sure you don’t go overboard with harsh scrubs that might cause more irritation. Opt for natural scrubs that are both hydrating and exfoliating.
9. Wear loose-fitted clothes
Tight clothes cause friction and worsen pigmentation. So opt for loose-fitted clothes that give your underarms some space to breathe.
10. Shift to hypoallergenic deodorant
We all use perfume, deodorant, or antiperspirant daily that causes pigmentation and most of them contain alcohol that irritates sensitive skin. This irritation can also lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Therefore, you can switch to natural alternatives like rose water to stay fresh.
11. Watch out for pH balance while buying underarm products
When pH is imbalanced due to chemical-based products, pigmentation, irritation, and itchiness can arise. So, make sure you use organic underarm brightening serum and products daily. They have active ingredients that are gentle for your skin.
12. Introduce chemical peels
Chemical peels like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are good options for exfoliating the skin. But kindly consult a dermatologist before using them as they might be too harsh for some skin types or conditions.
13. Undergoing Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a minimally invasive medical procedure that removes the upper layer of the skin to reveal pigmentation, wrinkles, acne, etc. It brightens up dull looking complexion, sun-damaged skin, stretch marks, and hyperpigmentation.
14. Laser therapy
Laser treatment is a popular procedure nowadays that grants amazing results for a longer period of time (even permanently).
But, is underarm laser treatment safe?
Yes, it is a fairly safe treatment, for which you must take proper post-laser hair removal care to avoid any irritations later.
15. Talking things thoroughly with your dermatologist
Expert opinion is always advisable, especially for skincare-related problems. So, if you notice something worse or different with your underarms, make haste and visit your doctor soon.
Do not keep experimenting if there’s no progress with any of the above underarm darkness removal treatments. Get topical solutions prescribed by your skin doctor to tackle the issue. Some of the most-suggested topical treatments include hydroquinone (formulated in a soothing gel), azelaic acid, and tranexamic acid.
Please Note: For every natural remedy suggested above, make sure you do a test patch first on your elbow or inner arms. Wait for at least 48 hours to notice any possible side effects or irritation.
Natural ingredients (especially lemon and baking soda) can sometimes be too acidic for your skin and can irritate your underarm skin. Apply aloe vera gel to your underarms post any natural scrubs, masks, and treatments to help soothe that area.
If you are interested in lightening and brightening your underarms, iORA has just the right product for you!
Our organic and vegan PREBIOTIC UNDERARM SERUM is packed with superfood extracts, licorice, brown sugar extracts, natural retinol, sea buckthorn extract, etc. help treat pigmentation caused by excessive melanin and various other reasons. The formulation introduces healthy bacteria to your skin that eradicate related problems like bad odour, excessive sweating, infections, etc. Moreover, it nourishes and hydrates dull skin, leaving it rejuvenated after every application.
Regular use of this product forms a protective environment for good bacteria to reside and safeguards the delicate skin from getting abused in the future.
With all things said and done, what’s important is you embrace your beautiful, unique body the way it evolves. Learn to love your body through every phase, with all its imperfections.
