How to Get Rid of Dark Armpits Naturally?

Hyperpigmentation, no matter where on the skin, is a source of discomfort for almost everyone. While the hyperpigmented areas on the face can be masked with makeup, the stubborn dark armpits make one stressed. The self-confidence goes down and the desire to wear sleeveless shirts goes up.

In-office treatments for dark armpits can be expensive and unnecessary. Because at times, you can get an even tone of skin on the armpits with homemade remedies. So, did you find your way here while wondering how to get rid of dark armpits naturally?

If yes, we got you. Let us find out the causes and treatments of dark armpits here.

Table of Contents:

• Part 1: Why are My Armpits Dark?
• Part 2: Natural Remedies For Lightening Dark Armpits
• Part 3: Lifestyle and Hygiene Practices for Lightening Dark Armpits
• Part 4: Healthy Habits for Preventing Dark Armpits
• Part 5: When to Seek Professional Help

Part 1: Why are My Armpits Dark?

Understanding the cause of dark armpits helps with reversing it and getting rid of dark armpits for good. Therefore, here are the top causes of dark armpits.

Skin irritation:

Physical irritation of the skin of the armpit by repetitive shaving, chemical irritation of the underarms by constant application of deodorants containing harsh ingredients, and friction with tight clothes can cause hyperpigmentation in the armpits.

It happens because of the stimulation of melanocytes in the skin by trauma.

Smoking and Alcohol:

Smoking triggers the production of melanin in the body by blocking the nutrition and blood supply to the skin. As a result, skin becomes dark and dull.

and alcohol makes the skin dry. The dry skin gets irritated easily and is prone to friction as well. Both these factors cause underarm darkness.

Lack of Exfoliation:

While taking care of the other parts of the body when it comes to skincare, we often forget the underarms as they are difficult to access. Also, exfoliation of underarms is the most-forgotten part of pampering your body.

The lack of exfoliation results in the accumulation of dead skin cells in the underarms and thus darkness.

Hormonal Changes:

Melanin is a pigment that gives color to the skin. Its production is stimulated by melanin-stimulating hormones which are influenced by several hormonal changes in the body. It might be PCOS, puberty, pregnancy, or adrenal hyperplasia causing the underarm darkness.

Tight non-breathable Clothes:

Tight clothes constantly rub the skin resulting in friction. They also prevent ventilation and increase sweating. So, this friction damages the barrier of the skin and can result in hyperpigmented underarms.

Acanthosis Nigricans:

Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder associated with lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension. In this condition, the skin becomes rough, thick, and dark. Additionally, acanthosis nigricans is common on the armpits and neck.

Part 2: Natural Remedies For Lightening Dark Armpits

If you are wondering how to lighten your armpits, here are the simplest tips containing natural ingredients for you.

1. Lemon Juice

As a rich source of vitamin C, citric acid, and skin-lightening properties, lemon has the first position in this list. Not to mention its easy availability. It exfoliates the outermost layer of the skin and brings fresh newly formed skin cells on top.

All you need to do is take a lemon slice or a cotton ball with lemon juice on it. Rub it in the darkened armpits and leave it on for 10 minutes.

2. Potato Slice

Potato slices are similar to lemon juice but they are enriched with skin bleaching ingredients. These bleaching properties lighten the dark skin of the armpits.

For this, take a fresh potato and cut it into slices. Take one slice and rub it in the underarms. You can also keep it there. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes and wash the area with water.

3. Cucumber

Cucumbers hydrate the skin in addition to brightening it. Therefore, if you have dark and dull underarms, cucumber can help you. They close the skin pores, offer a cooling effect on the skin, reduce sweating, and brighten the skin.

You can apply a cucumber slice or homemade cucumber toner on the underarms to lighten them. Also, check the benefits of cucumber on the face here.

4. Baking Soda

If your underarms have accumulated dead skin cells and pollutants, baking soda is there to rescue you. Baking soda and water paste can be used as a scrub on the underarms to remove dead skin cells and brighten the skin tone.

5. Coconut Oil

Cotton oil nourishes the skin as it is enriched with vitamin E. Not only a skin-brightening ingredient, vitamin E also acts as an antioxidant to improve the health of the underarms.

So, massage cotton oil into your underarms for a few minutes. Leave it as it is for 15 minutes and then take a shower.

6. Aleo VeraAloeo vera cleanses the skin from within, moisturizes it, and reduces the production of melanin. Therefore, it can be used as a magic ingredient to treat underarm darkness.

For this, both store-bought and homemade aloe vera gel can be used. Just remember to apply a liberal amount. The benefits of aloe vera are mentioned here.

Part 3: Lifestyle and Hygiene Practices for Lightening Dark Armpits

While natural remedies help you get rid of the dark underarms, lifestyle, and hygiene practices help you maintain bright and healthy underarms. So, here are a few tips for you.

1. Proper Hygiene

The first tip is to prevent the accumulation of dust, pollutants, sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells in the underarms as they make them dark.

Therefore, wash the underarms well and let them dry completely before putting the clothes on to prevent bacterial growth.

2. Avoiding Harsh Products

Do not use any product that can irritate the delicate skin of the underarms. Such products include alcohol-containing deodorants, harsh body washes, shaving creams, and even razors.

3. Gentle Exfoliation

In addition to regular cleansing, gentle exfoliation of the underarms is important to unclog the blocked skin pores and let the skin breathe. Exfoliation also promotes the rejuvenation of the skin by removing the dead skin cells and stimulating body flow to the new skin cells.

4. Clothing Choices

Give up on tight clothes made of synthetic material if you want bright underarms. Say bye to nylon and similar fabrics. Rather choose loose clothes made of natural ingredients.

Embrace linen and cotton. In this way, the sweat and impurities won’t accumulate and the underarm skin will stay bright.

Part 4: Healthy Habits for Preventing Dark Armpits

Now, let us focus on the other factors that can help you prevent dark armpits.

1. Maintaining a Healthy Weight:

The first in the list is an optimal weight for your age and height. Obesity alone is the root cause of several disorders including hormonal imbalance that triggers hyperpigmentation in the skin.

So, do exercise and control your diet so that your body has a healthy weight.

2. Balanced Diet:

Processed foods, instant meals, alcohol, caffeine, and smoking are unhealthy for your skin including the skin of the underarms. So, it is time that you focus on adding fruits and vegetables to your diet.

Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and antioxidants that work to keep the skin bright, fresh, and radiant.

3. Drinking Sufficient Water:

As we discussed earlier, dry skin means increased friction and thus hyperpigmentation. So, drink sufficient water every day to protect your skin from dehydration. Consequently, you will never have dark armpits.

4. Sun Protection:

UV rays can penetrate through the clothes as well. Now imagine wearing sleeveless clothes without applying sunscreen. It will add to the tanning of the underarms greatly.

So, start applying sunscreen on the underarms and also reapplying this. Furthermore, wear UV-protective clothes.

Part 5: When to Seek Professional Help

If you have tried all the remedies given above and it did not affect your underarm darkness, you probably need expert guidance. So, here is when to seek professional help.

Severe Darkness of Armpits

If your underarms are not only dark but also red, tender, and itchy, or you have any other skin or systemic disorders, it is better to talk to a doctor than apply random things in this sensitive area.

When Remedies Do Not Work

If your underarms are still dark after trying several homemade remedies and lifestyle changes, you probably have some underlying disorder. In these cases, the best step could be a consultation with a doctor.

Conclusion

Underarms darkness signifies how well you treat such a hidden area. But trust me, it is not so hidden when you wear sleeveless dresses which makes having bright underarms important.

In such cases, topical application of natural skin-lightening ingredients along with lifestyle changes can help you achieve the results you desire. However, it is important to consult a doctor in refractory cases.

Also, check the Celebrities’ secret to bright underarms here.