For instance, hormonal imbalances, inappropriate shaving, and acanthosis nigricans (a skin ailment characterized by dark underarms and common amongst those with an underlying health condition like diabetes or obesity ) can cause darkening in the armpits. Armpit darkening can also be caused by deodorant or some drugs. The dark color isn’t usually a reason for worry in itself. 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. In this article, we focus on and find the most effective home remedies that you can use to brighten your underarm areas.
What Causes Dark Armpits?
Dark underarms are mainly caused due to extended use of harsh chemicals (bleach, hair-removing creams, deodorants, antiperspirants, etc.). Excessive and long-term shaving can also lead to skin pigmentation and darkening of this area. Pregnancy also leads to pigmentation, although it clears up in a couple of months.
People with deeper skin tones are more susceptible to auxiliary darkening or underarm darkening because of the extra amounts of melanin in the body. Melanin is a protective pigment that shields the skin against UV rays. Pregnancy and the hormonal imbalances caused by it can lead to pigmentation in the underarms (1) . Another possible reason could be diabetes. Elevated insulin levels may cause a skin darkening condition called acanthosis nigricans (2). Erythrasma, a chronic bacterial infection, is another little-known cause of pigmentation of the underarms (3). Ingrown hair due to too much shaving can also make the underarms appear darker.
Dark underarms are often accompanied by other symptoms if it is caused by any of these underlying issues.
Symptoms Of Dark Underarms
The symptoms may change according to the underlying condition you have. The common symptoms that accompany dark underarms are:
Dryness Soreness Redness Itching Velvety texture
Though not a serious condition, dark underarms can make you feel self-conscious. Read on to find out how to treat them.
How To Get Rid Of Dark Underarms
Imagine there’s a wedding coming up that you must attend and that gorgeous sleeveless dress you wish to wear. But you don’t. Because of dark underarms. No more worries! Here are some home remedies for dark underarms. They are perfectly safe and have no side effects.
Home Remedies For Dark Armpits
1. Apple Cider Vinegar For Dark Underarms
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons baking soda
Repeat this thrice a week. ACV contains mild acids that will remove the accumulated dead skin cells and also lighten the darkened underarm area. Additionally, it will also act as a disinfectant and kill the microbes present (4). If you have sensitive skin, use one teaspoon ACV, one teaspoon water, and baking soda mix.
2. Aloe Vera For Dark Underarms
An aloe leaf If you do not have an aloe plant at home, you can also use organic aloe vera gel. Repeat this every alternate day. Aloesin found in aloe vera gel is a tyrosinase inhibitor, an enzyme that is responsible for skin pigmentation. By hindering the activity of this enzyme, aloe vera can lighten discolored armpits (5).
3. Olive Oil For Dark Underarms
2 tablespoons virgin olive oil 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar
Do this twice a week until you get the desired results. Olive oil is very hydrating and nourishing for the skin. It is also rich in antioxidants (6). The brown sugar acts as an exfoliant and will remove the dead skin cells that have accumulated and make your underarm skin darker.
4. Turmeric For Dark Underarms
1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 tablespoon milk 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Repeat this twice a week. Turmeric is commonly used in face masks to lighten and brighten up the skin tone and also fade away spots. Regular application on the underarms will definitely lighten the dark skin (7), (8). Milk contains lactic acid, which aids in lightening the underarm skin (9). Do not use this remedy if you are allergic to milk and milk products.
5. Castor Oil For Dark Underarms
1-2 teaspoons castor oil Use castor oil every day to lighten underarms. Castor oil absorbs all the impurities present on your skin and even cleans out your pores. All the dirt, excess oil, and dead cells are removed to reveal lighter skin in your underarms (10). It is also an excellent skin conditioner (11).
6. Tea Tree Oil For Dark Underarms
4-5 drops of tea tree oil A cup of water A small spray bottle
Use this daily. Tea tree oil not only lightens the underarm skin but also keeps the area odor-free. The antioxidants present in this essential oil will keep your skin healthy. Its antimicrobial properties will kill the microbes present and deodorize the area (12). Since tea tree oil is an essential oil, it is highly concentrated and can cause reactions in a few people. Do a patch test before you use it.
7. Almond Oil For Dark Underarms
A few drops of almond oil Massage the underarm area with almond oil for 5-10 minutes. Repeat this every day. Almonds contain potent phytochemicals that may lighten the dark underarm skin. Eating almonds daily has also been found to lighten your skin naturally (13).
8. Lemon Juice For Dark Underarms
A lemon Use this remedy regularly 3-4 times a week. Lemon juice has a high concentration of citric acid, which is a natural exfoliant and bleaching agent (14). It works as an excellent underarm bleaching agent. [ Read: Smooth Under Arms and Hair Removal Techniques ]
9. Cucumber For Dark Underarms
2 cucumber slices Repeat this daily for best results. Cucumber slices are often used to soothe eye bags and also to lighten under-eye dark circles. Though cucumber extract is said to have skin-lightening properties, there is not enough scientific evidence to prove the same. However, it does have a soothing and detoxifying effect on the skin (15).
10. Pumice Stone For Dark Underarms
Pumice stone Wet the pumice stone and gently scrub the underarms for a few minutes before taking a shower. Do this twice or thrice a week. This naturally occurring stone has been used as an exfoliant for centuries. It will help in removing the darkened layer of the skin. Don’t be too zealous while scrubbing as it might cause further abrasions, and you certainly don’t want to walk around like a scarecrow for the next few days.
11. Sunflower Oil For Dark Underarms
A few drops of sunflower oil Repeat this twice a day for best results. This oil has a high vitamin E content which helps in keeping the skin fresh and radiant. It also hydrates the skin and improves the skin barrier (16).
12. Multani Mitti For Dark Underarms
2 tablespoons multani mitti (Fuller’s Earth) 1 teaspoon lemon juice Water
Apply a multani mitti pack twice a week. Multani mitti is a natural clay that absorbs impurities from the skin and decongests all clogged pores. It also helps in exfoliating the dead skin cells, leading to the lightening of the underarms. Fuller’s earth mask may not suit sensitive skin.
13. Rosewater For Dark Underarms
Rosewater 1 tablespoon baking soda
Repeat this twice a week. Rosewater possesses multiple skin benefits such as skin brightening, soothing, moisturizing, balancing the skin’s pH, and fighting inflammation (17). Baking soda acts as an exfoliant in this remedy.
14. Potato Remedy For Dark Underarms
A small potato You can repeat this twice a day as well until desired results are obtained. Potato is your savior for dark armpits as it is a natural bleach and anti-irritant. It will also provide instant relief from patchiness and itchiness that may develop due to pigmentation. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to prove the same.
15. Alum For Dark Underarms
1-2 teaspoons alum powder Water
Use this remedy once or twice a week. Alum disinfects the skin and also balances the skin’s pH. All the harmful microbes that are responsible for itchiness and sweating (which cause dark armpits) are eliminated. Additionally, alum can detoxify the skin and relieve itching (18). Alum may not suit everybody. Do a patch test before using it on the underarms. These home remedies can be used by themselves or in combinations to get optimum results in a short period. If you are unsure about any of the ingredients, do a patch test or consult your physician before using them. Since dark underarms can also be a symptom for underlying medical conditions, you may have to consult a doctor for other treatment options.
Other Medication Treatments For Dark Underarms
The medical treatments available to lighten dark underarms include:
Retinoid creams Retinoid pills Chemical peels Vitamin D-based creams Topical antibiotics and creams
Laser therapy and microdermabrasion can also help reduce the darkness of the underarms. Also, if the dark underarms are due to any underlying issues, you must get diagnosed and start the treatment accordingly.
When Should You Consult A Doctor?
Dark underarms are not a cause for concern. But since they can be caused due to conditions like diabetes, it is best to consult a doctor if the issue persists. Also, if you notice a sudden change in your skin color or fresh dark patches on your skin, consult a doctor immediately as it may be a sign of other medical issues.
The Bottom Line
Are dark armpits normal? No. Dark armpits are not normal, as the underarm area should be the same tone as the rest of the skin. However, dark armpits are common and may be caused due to various factors such as lack of exfoliation, hyperpigmentation or underlying medical issues. Does toothpaste remove dark underarms? Anecdotal evidence suggests that certain white toothpaste may be able to bleach and hence, remove dark underarms. However, there is a lack of scientific research on the efficacy of toothpaste in reducing dark underarms. How long does it take to lighten underarms with baking soda? It may take upto a few months to lighten underarms with baking soda, if the dark underarms aren’t caused due to underlying health issues.
