It is not always possible to prevent AN, but some ways to reduce the risk of developing dark underarms include: AN is not generally a cause for concern. How often: Repeat this natural underarm lightening remedy thrice a week. If your deodorant is causing irritation or leaving too much residue on your skin and clothing, choose another. If you want to take things to the next level, consider opting for one that is clean and simple, i.e. Since dark underarms can also be a symptom for underlying medical conditions, you may have to consult a doctor for other treatment options. FASHION Let the lemon juice stay on there for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off. HAIR STYLING TOOLS, HAIR Youre probably not going to be doing a weekly underarm pampering mask anytime soon, so short of starting a skincare regime for your armpits, heres a few easy tweaks to get your pits into soft, smooth shape, whether you remove hair under there or not. Take thin slices of potatoes and massage under arms for 5-7 minutes. Ingrown hair due to too much shaving can also make the underarms appear darker. If you are unsure about any of the ingredients, do a patch test or consult your physician before using them. It also hydrates the skin and improves the skin barrier (16). Then, rinse it off with lukewarm water. All the dirt, excess oil, and dead cells are removed to reveal lighter skin in your underarms (10). Phiske, M. M. (2014, JulySeptember). How often: Use this pack twice a week for the best results. Dark underarms are not a cause for concern. But what many dont realize about sweat is that at its source, it has no smell. That's why charcoal has become a popular addition to soaps and exfoliants. It is also rich in antioxidants (6). It is also an excellent skin conditioner (11). Armpits are particularly vulnerable to inflammation and irritation. Reducing the thickness of the skin may make it appear lighter in color. Of course, to know exactly how to get rid of dark armpits, you would have to pinpoint the underlying cause and then accordingly take focused steps. Underarms are a rather unique beast. People with cosmetic concerns can attempt to lighten the skin using several methods, including: Shaving or plucking underarm hair too often may cause dark underarms, so moisturizing can be helpful to reduce underarm irritation. She specializes in the management of all medical and surgical dermatology issues and has a special interest in laser therapy and phototherapy. The dark color itself is not usually a cause for concern. The scent is a subtle lavender, but it doesnt interfere with any additional lotions or perfumes and didnt seem to rub off on clothing. If you know youve got sensitive skin on your face, dont treat your pits any differently. Do this twice a week until you get the desired results. Most of us have encountered at least one of the above, and adding sweat to the mix (you wont be surprised to learn that most of our sweat glands are highly concentrated in our armpits) can compromise underarm skin condition further. This oil has a high vitamin E content which helps in keeping the skin fresh and radiant. The antioxidants present in this essential oil will keep your skin healthy. Do a patch test before you use it. Dampen the underarm skin and apply the mixture. If youre prone to irritation or want to safeguard against ingrown hairs as much as possible, prep the night before. Home remedies like aloe vera, castor oil, tea tree oil, potato, and Fullers earth can help lighten dark underarms. Because armpits are a natural breeding ground for bacteria and fungusafter all, where do you think that smell comes from?its no wonder your pits might require some detoxing. Furthermore, cucumbers have bleaching agents that lighten the skin. Voila, you are good to go!How often: Repeat this process daily for more effective results. This amazing ingredient can be used in the underarm area too to get rid of dark armpits. Are foot peels and exfoliating socks the key to baby soft feet? This will create a friction-free experience the next day. Razor-wise, be sure to change your razor at least once every one to two weeks. Those who regularly use this natural ingredient have smooth, clear and problem-free skin. In order to get rid of dark underarms, you can use cucumber to soothe and calm the area. Then, rinse it off with lukewarm water.How often: Repeat this process as frequently as possible throughout the week, for more effective results. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. It contains anti-bacterial properties which help soothe and lighten your skin.How to use:Cut into a fresh leaf of aloe vera and extract the gel. Some people claim that natural treatments can lighten dark skin. Its probably not something youve given heed to previously, but if you workout, shave (75 per cent of us shave at least twice a week), or both, adding moisture back into the skin, even in sweaty areas, could help to alleviate flare-ups. Last updated on - January 17, 2018, 4:43 PM IST. By signing up you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. She has more than 25 publication more, Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication more. What exactly is LED therapy and which LED mask is best? "It is important to never let razors sit in theshowerand to be certain they are clean and sharp. She also suggests regular exfoliating to reduce the potential of ingrown hairs. Last medically reviewed on August 23, 2018, As a person ages, their skin naturally becomes thinner, less elastic, or papery. All rights reserved. Yes, I'm talking about armpits. To avoid irritation, Dr. Zalka is partial to the latter, and recommends using a glycolic toner (no more than 5% glycolic acid) to slough away dead skin and improve overall tone and texture, and/or using exfoliating deodorant pads such as Surface Deeps innovative Anti-Odorant Pads, which team fruit-based glycolic acids with probiotics and antioxidant-rich ingredients to inhibit the bacteria that cause bad odor and reset the natural balance of the skins microbiome. These products include: Many dermatologists recommend topical creams and antibiotics as they can reduce skin discoloration and improve the appearance of the underarms. Aluminum-containing antiperspirants are lifesavers for some, but we dont all need aluminum in our day-to-dayunderarmcare, she explains. But, watch out: Straight-up powders in the purest form can get very messy, leaving a trail of black dust on clothing and carpets, which I discovered the hard way. But you dont. As important as sweating is to helping the body stay balanced, its outcomes arent always desirableespecially when theres an excess of body odor. This is the witch hazel one of our editors is obsessed with, try one of these dermatologist-recommended picks you can buy at a drugstore, 8 Moisturizing Face Masks That Will Hydrate Your Dry Winter Skin, decontaminate the skins surface, and help sterilize minor wounds caused from shaving, First Botany Cosmeceuticals Activated Charcoal Mud Mask. To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. They just dont need it quite as frequently. As you might imagine for an item that hangs about in a humid bathroom environment all day long, your razor can be a heavenly pit-stop for bacteria (pardon the pun), and not changing the blade often enough, or, horror of horrors, sharing it with someone else, can put you at risk of developing nasty skin infections. Its antimicrobial properties will kill the microbes present and deodorize the area (12). (Or is that just me?) Here, we look at the research behind its many healing, Oily skin can be frustrating, but it can be managed. Natural Appetite Stimulant: Home Remedies Natural Appetite Stimulant: Home Remedies, Exercises, And How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Nail Fun How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Nail Fungus A Step By Step People with deeper skin tones are more susceptible to auxiliary darkening or underarm darkening because of the extra amounts of melanin in the body. Retinoid drugs can cause several side effects and are not suitable for pregnant women. (Halt chronic inflammation and heal your body from the inside out with the natural solution inThe Whole Body Cure!). Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, especially on account of its high concentration of citric acid. Popular natural remedies for dark underarms include: Some of these home remedies may cause side effects. However, people with dark underarms should see their doctor as skin darkening may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires attention. If that does not work, or if an underlying condition is not causing AN, a doctor or dermatologist can recommend home remedies, medications, and therapies. Vogue may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. How to use: Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to rosewater, and stir this mixture evenly. Another incentive to change your blades is that a blunt razor makes ingrown hairs and lumps and bumps all the more likely. Apply this to the underarms and rinse after 10 minutes. Smooth Under Arms and Hair Removal Techniques, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3183040/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431057/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513352/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2769151/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17569219/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8197926/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19995365/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18080873/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33673587/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2801997/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23098877/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22995032/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6261181/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4331937/, 38 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Dry Skin On The Face, 5 Natural Ways To Heal A Jammed Finger + Causes And Symptoms, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Causes, Signs, Treatments, & Exercises, 15 Effective Home Remedies For Oral Thrush, How To Get Rid Of Period Bloating: Home Remedies You Can Try, Effective Remedies For A Stiff Neck | Prevention And Treatment, Hiatal Hernia: Causes, Signs, Natural Remedies, & Diet Plan, Home Remedies For Strep Throat That Ease The Symptoms, 9 Best Natural Muscle Relaxers For Effective Pain Relief. Forhumans, the physiology of sweating is crucial to maintaining a safe and healthy body temperature, says Alicia Zalka, M.D., dermatologist and founder of Surface Deep, who goes on to explain that we offset excess heat from our bodies by way of our built-in cooling mechanism. To get rid of dark armpits, try the home remedies mentioned in this article. It also helps in exfoliating the dead skin cells, leading to the lightening of the underarms. Using strong chemicals over an extended period may also result in dark underarms. A. Underarm odor is a common problem however if it's strong and getting in your way of socializing, thoroughly clean the underarm area. Make alum paste and apply it to the underarms for 10-15 minutes before taking a shower. Use castor oil every day to lighten underarms. It will help in removing the darkened layer of the skin. Look for fragrance-free formulas with little or, ideally no, alcohol. Depending on the cause, treatment options may include: If there is no underlying cause for AN then treatment is not necessary. I took a test run on several products that cleanse and deodorize organically without synthetic compounds or harsh chemicals like the aluminum chloride found in many antiperspirants. Use this remedy regularly 3-4 times a week. Removing dead skin from the under arms area is very important, as any kind of build-up can cause the area to appear dark. That includes the delicate skin of your underarms. Retinoid pills also treat acne, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. Go to bed with a thin layer of moisturizer on the area you will be shaving, instructs Dr. Zalka. Read our editorial policy to learn more. Just rub a small scoop into your underarms. But since they can be caused due to conditions like diabetes, it is best to consult a doctor if the issue persists. 9 Best Natural Muscle Relaxers For Effective Pa What Are White Spots On Nails And How To Get Ri What Are White Spots On Nails And How To Get Rid Of Them? You may try these home treatments alone or with other remedies to achieve optimum results. HAIR LENGTH (Here are.css-7l5upj{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-7l5upj:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}5 things your body odor says about you.) Lemon juice has a high concentration of citric acid, which is a natural exfoliant and bleaching agent (14). Laser therapy can reduce the skin thickness that often occurs alongside skin darkening. Hailey Bieber just broke the internet with her glazed donut nails. Sometimes soap and water are not enough to clean the underarm area, use a loofah to remove dirt and impurities. As the moisture of sweat meets the air by evaporation, it releases [and] heat and cooling takes place.. How often: Repeat this remedy twice a day. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Propercareand cleansing is important to reduce unwanted moisture and keep the natural balance of themicrobiome, explains Dr. Zalka. 13 Natural Ways To Treat Dark Circles Und 13 Natural Ways To Treat Dark Circles Under The Eyes At Home. Pigmentation or discoloration is a common complaint among both men and women and requires home remedies for dark underarms or cosmetic procedures to treat them. However, some people are more likely than others to get this skin condition. Then, rinse it off with cold water.How often: Repeat this process about three times a week. Bonus: You can use it on your face or body. No more worries! (Its also used asa whitening agent for teeth!) In navigating the deodorant market, Dr. Zalkas foremost advice is: Listen to your body. Dont be too zealous while scrubbing as it might cause further abrasions, and you certainly dont want to walk around like a scarecrow for the next few days. Let stay for 15 minutes then wash off. Shaving can cause micro abrasions in the skins surface, creating ample opportunity for chemicals and toxins to enter into our bloodstream, which can lead to irritated skin. All rights reserved. Dry skin thoroughly, apply an aloe vera gel and allow to sink in as you sleep, and if youre an aloe advocate, new Dove new Go Fresh Pear and Aloe Vera range will finish the whole routine off nicely come morning. Make a thick paste with the ingredients and apply it to the underarms. In this article, we focus on and find the most effective home remedies that you can use to brighten your underarm areas. Regularly shaving the underarms can lead to excessive production of pigment cells. The phenomenon is more common than you think. Hormonal imbalances, improper shaving, and acanthosis nigricans (a skin condition) are some of the causes of dark underarms. Dark underarms are mainly caused due to extended use of harsh chemicals (bleach, hair-removing creams, deodorants, antiperspirants, etc.). Apple vinegar cider is loaded with amino and lactic acids, which help get rid of dead skin cells. Witch hazel, on the other hand, serves as a safe, low-cost primer. Potato is your savior for dark armpits as it is a natural bleach and anti-irritant. Let the juice that has oozed out from the slice onto your skin stay there for another 10 minutes. Thought not, The healthy hair kit that will keep you protected this summer, REN Clean Skincare is launching in Boots and we couldnt be happier. No. Rose water has soothing and brightening powers, its fragrance also combats body odour and keeps the underarm area smooth. If you choose to shave your underarms, think of doing so like skiing. SKIN Laser therapy may also decrease hair growth and subsequently reduce the need to shave. Dead skin cells get accumulated in every part of your body and underarms are no different. Our stringent editorial guidelines allow us to only cite from reputed research institutions, academic journals, and medically established studies. Even though its a liquid, this product spreads more like a dry foundation. While I didnt use this product every day, I found that using it two to three times a week left my underarm skin feeling soft. Here are some home remedies for dark underarms. There is little, if any, scientific research to support these claims. However you're spending your summer, Boots and Get the Gloss have got you covered, Urban Outfitters Kamaryn pink floral midi dress, was 52 now 31, Nobody's Child midi tea dress was 39 now 23, Miss Selfridge ruffle peplum maxi dress 35.99, New Look Green Floral Split Hem Halter Midi Dress, New Look puff sleeve wrap midi dress 29.99. If you discover any discrepancy in our content, you may contact us. After a few attempts, I finally found one suitable for the underarms. A. Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in Dr. Priya Gill is a consultant dermatologist in Klang, Malaysia. Baking soda acts as an exfoliant in this remedy. For AN that is severe or does not respond to topical treatments, a dermatologist may prescribe retinoid pills. By hindering the activity of this enzyme, aloe vera can lighten discolored armpits (5). I tested natural deodorants, lotions, and detox scrubs to find the best skincare products for underarms. The skin in the underarm area is quite sensitive, making it vulnerable to rashes, discoloration, infection, ingrown hair, and even acne. Massage the underarm area with almond oil for 5-10 minutes. PRODUCTS Ad Choices. LUSHsBche de Nol cleanser, made with clay, finely ground almonds, and a variety of essential oils, was a great alternative. An approach to acanthosis nigricans. Its made from aloe, witch hazel, essential oils, and baking soda. The citric acid in potatoes is mild which makes it the perfect remedy for those with sensitive skin type. HAIR TREATMENTS Pregnancy and the hormonal imbalances caused by it can lead to pigmentation in the underarms (, Another possible reason could be diabetes. Glossy Picks: this week's hottest new summer beauty, makeup and skincare launches, J-Los easy-to-follow secrets to looking amazing ahead of her 53rd birthday. In the same ways your face and body crave moisture, your underarms need hydration to look and feel their best. All Rights Reserved. Its not just sprays that have had a revamp either- the same goes for stick and roll-on varieties. Pour this mixture in an empty spray bottle and spray it on your underarms. Treatment typically involves managing the underlying cause of AN. Mix all the ingredients and apply the paste to the underarms. Get it for$20 in the Prevention Shop.). Its easy to apply the semi-solid mixture, and you dont need a lot. It may not be at the top of your pile of life things, but comfortable skin that doesnt chafe is your right we reckon, and even better if you're freed from sweat and unwanted odour for up to two days. However, it does have a soothing and detoxifying effect on the skin (15). Rinse with water and repeat 2-3 times a week. Using a cotton ball apply this juice directly on your underarms. Although this product might be too strong for very sensitive skin, it didnt bother mine at all. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to prove the same. The symptoms may change according to the underlying condition you have. Dark underarms are often a symptom of acanthosis nigricans. It works as an excellent underarm bleaching agent. Many conventional scrubs use harsh salt and sugars, which may be too rough if you're already dealing with micro abrasions. "You can get pimples and bumps from hair follicle infection caused by bacteria or yeast introduced during shaving," says Cynthia Bailey, MD, founder ofDr. Bailey Skin Care. All rights reserved. HAIRCUTS BY FACE SHAPE However, its useful and gets the job done if youre looking for a no-fuss, no-frills solution. The hardest part was waiting for the product to dry! This Was The Clear Winner. Limited exposure to fresh air, along with a high concentration of warmth and moisture, can make this area prone to allergies and infections caused by shaving, harsh solutions, and inadequate hygiene. The formula also includes zinc, which may helpreduce perspiration and odor. Let this solution sit on for about 10 minutes. However, first, let's take a look at all the habits that lead to underarm darkening so you can prevent dark underarms in the future. To this end, there are physical exfoliants, such as masks or scrubs that manually remove dead skin cells and debris, or chemical exfoliants such as toners that harness the power of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to gently melt away the buildup. A study of pathogenesis of, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/color-problems/acanthosis-nigricans#treatment, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4144206/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3276896/, HIV: Fourth, and oldest patient yet enters remission after cell transplant, Mystery child hepatitis: Clues point to once 'harmless' virus as potential cause, How does COVID-19 affect the heart? Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Its expensive, but prevents problems! Dr. Zalka emphasizes. The common symptoms that accompany dark underarms are: Though not a serious condition, dark underarms can make you feel self-conscious. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Since tea tree oil is an essential oil, it is highly concentrated and can cause reactions in a few people. Lemon juice, for example, may dry out or irritate the skin. Imagine theres a wedding coming up that you must attend and that gorgeous sleeveless dress you wish to wear. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Rub the underarm area gently with castor oil for about five minutes. Elevated insulin levels may cause a skin darkening condition called acanthosis nigricans (, Erythrasma, a chronic bacterial infection, is another little-known cause of pigmentation of the underarms (. Additionally, it will also act as a disinfectant and kill the microbes present (4). Some people, however, resent having dark underarms for cosmetic reasons and may want to pursue different ways to get rid of it, like moisturizing, using topical creams, employing natural therapies, or other interventions. Additionally, alum can detoxify the skin and relieve itching (18). SEASONAL Sweat is intentional; odor is preventable.. LIFESTYLE, if (typeof digitalData !== 'undefined' && typeof ctConstants !== 'undefined') {, https://static-bebeautiful-in.unileverservices.com/bb-logo.jpg. They are perfectly safe and have no side effects. Acanthosis nigricans: Diagnosis and treatment. Rinse after 10 minutes with cool water. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. It is recommended to use an alcohol-free deodorant. Cut the lemon into thick slices and scrub the underarms area with them for 2-3 minutes. Ask the doctor: Why do vitamins make my pee yellow? Mix a tea spoon of sugar with a small amount of coconut oil and apply under the arms. Apply a layer of this gel to your underarms and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. It brightens the skin and reduces patchiness and itching associated with dark underarms. I will say that it's highly time-consuming to use an underarm mask like this every day, or even once or twice a week. Its a good idea to look for powerful deodorizing ingredients with gentle organic cleansing agents. Copyright 2011 - 2022 IncNut Stylecraze Private Limited. To the baking soda, add the vinegar and let the mix bubble. Glossy Picks: this week's hottest new summer beauty and skincare launches. Read on to find out how to treat them. Rosewater possesses multiple skin benefits such as skin brightening, soothing, moisturizing, balancing the skins pH, and fighting inflammation (17). You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. HAIRCUTS AND STYLES 2004-2022 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. A quick going over with an AHA or BHA exfoliant will sweep away bacteria and grime, or try a body wash with lightly exfoliating ingredients to shift dead skin cells, and ensure that your skin really benefits from the likes of a moisturising antiperspirant afterwards. Because of dark underarms. Yes, one of the reasons why your underarm area might be dark is because you shave the area. Cucumber slices are often used to soothe eye bags and also to lighten under-eye dark circles.