Have you ever been in public and you decide to raise your hand to call a cab or even do something else and you noticed that your armpit is dark? Or you take a picture or video and notice that your underarm is so darker than the rest of your skin?
These scenarios can be embarrassing. And what makes it annoying is that you wash well, so you get to wonder how this is happening when your hygiene is top notch.
Acanthosis nigricans, infections, allergies, or triggers for hyperpigmentation are a few of the possible causes of dark armpits, which are rather prevalent. Personally, I do not have a dark armpit. But there was time about 7 years ago, I noticed that my under arm was becoming darker, even if I am dark skin, I still notice a major difference.
First thing I had to check is if I had changed my soap, deodorant or cream. And yes I had changed my cream earlier, so I stopped using immediately and started using some home remedies to clear off the dark areas.
Therefore, chemical irritants in deodorants and antiperspirants are the main culprits behind dark armpits. Shaving can irritate and abrade skin. Also, the buildup of dead skin cells as a result of irregular exfoliation, and tight clothing causes friction which brings dark armpit.
HOW TO TREAT DARK ARMPITS
1. CHANGE YOUR DEODORANT AND ANTIPERSPIRANTS: Some deodorants are the major elements that causes dark armpits. It is important to pay due attention to the type of deodorants you use. The chemicals used in some deodorants and antiperspirants can easily irritate the skin. So if you are using a product and you notice darken area in your armpit, change it. Meet your dermatologist for advice on what chemical you should avoid.
2. EXFOLIATION IS A MUST: Note that dark armpits harbors dead skin cells and the best way to remove dead skin cells from the skin is by exfoliating. There are many exfoliating ingredients and methods, use that which suits you best and remove any dead cells on the skin. Exfoliation should be done twice a week to get quick results and this gives you a brighter and smoother underarm.
3. START WAXING YOUR ARMPIT: While shaving has no negative effect on some people, it causes a lot of damage to others. So, if you have been shaving and you have a dark armpit, stop shaving and start waxing. Armpit waxing should be done every two weeks to remove ingrown hair in the armpits. Here, it is important to exfoliate before waxing.
4. STOP WEARING TIGHT CLOTHES: Wearing tight clothes under the arm causing friction. And when there's friction, it bruises the skin with minimal sensation so most times you do not even notice. These causes dead skin cells that brings dark underarm. Try at all cost to avoid tight clothes especially within the period of remedy. Because the skin beneath the armpits is so delicate, it will become harmed if you wear clothes that are too tight and are made of rough material that wicks away moisture.
HOME REMEDIES
1. USE BAKING SODA: Take a full teaspoon of baking soda, put it in a small bowl, then add a teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix well together and apply on the armpit. Leave it for about 20 to 30 minutes and wash off. Repeat these for 3 days and you should to notice difference.
2. USE POTATO: Potato is natural and it is effective for bleaching and the good thing is that it does not irritate the skin. This method is very simple, slice your potato and put it under your arm for about 15 minutes. Allow the potato juice dry on skin properly and wash off with a warm water.
3. USE TUMERIC: Mix a teaspoon of lemon juice and a tea spoon of Tumeric. Make sure to mix very well and apply under your arm. Leave for about 10 to 20 minutes and wash with lukewarm. This method is very effective and easy.
4. USE ALOE VERA: Scoop your aloe vera gel into a bowl. Rub into your under arm, leave for about 25 to 30 minutes and wash with a warm water.
Dark underarm is annoying but with all these necessary methods, it will be gone before you know it