In general, underarm darkening is not a disease or a medical condition. It is simply a darkening of the skin, similar to sun tans that people get when exposed to ultraviolet rays for a considerable period of time. However, in certain cases, dark underarms can point to conditions such as Addison’s disease, hormonal changes during pregnancy, diabetes, high insulin content in the body, hyper-pigmentation, and allergies or irritations caused by deodorants or antiperspirants. Here are natural remedy to underarm whitening.
Heavy underarm rubbing can also cause hyperkeratosis. Hyperkeratosis is the scientific name for the condition where the skin around the underarm becomes hard to counter irritation, inflammation due to rubbing, or because of pressure application.
Dark underarms are often found in people with type II diabetes because of the insulin reacting with the skin to produce more melanin, thus darkening the skin.
Causes of Dark Underarms
- Accumulation of Dead Cells: Dead cells form or accumulate all over our body. As the cells inside our body and our skin cells die, they accumulate on the outer layers of skin, giving it a darker color.
- Shaving: Shaving your underarms is considered to be one of the major reasons for underarm darkening. Shaving leads to skin hardening and darkening over time because of the irritation and abrasion that naturally occurs.
- Perspiration: Excessive sweating and poor ventilation of underarms, is also one of the major reasons for underarm darkening. Underarms are the least ventilated areas in the upper body.
- Use of Alcohol-Based Deodorants and Antiperspirants: Not all antiperspirants and deodorants available in the market are suitable for everyone. Some people can develop inflammatory reactions on the exposed areas of their skins causing discoloration due to natural reactions to the alcohol and chemicals in the deodorant.
Home remedies for Dark Underarms to Underarm Whitening (whitening armpit)
#Sandalwood Paste
Application of sandalwood paste on the darkened underarms can ease any burning sensations that are associated with the area and gradually reduce the darkening . The fragrance of sandalwood also eliminates bad odors and help Underarm whitening.
#Milk to Underarm Whitening
The vitamins and fatty acids present in milk can help minimize underarm darkening. It will soften the skin and make the skin tone much lighter. For this mix two tbsp of full fat milk, one to two tbsp of flour and one tsp of plain yogurt to make a thick paste. Apply it on your underarms and leave it on for about 15 minutes before wash it off with cold water. Repeat a few times a week on a regular basis.
#Honey and Lemon
Make a mixture of lemon juice and honey in small quantities, a tbsp each. Apply this mixture on the underarms and let it remain for about 20 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water.
#Orange peel
Dry some orange peels under the sun for about three to four days or until the peels are completely dried. Grind them until they turn into powder form and store it in a tight container. Take about two tbsp of it and mix with some rose water to apply on your underarms. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes before washing off with cool water for Underarm Whitening.
#Potatoes
Potatoes are considered a natural bleaching agent and hence can offer help against underarm darkening for underarm whitening. Apply potato juice on the underarms for gradual and progressive results. Leave the juice on for about 20 minutes to more than a half an hour for effects to occur. This process can be repeated every day for better results.
#Vinegar
Rub some vinegar onto your underarms and leave it on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing off. It will help kill the bacteria and germs caused by excessive sweating.
#Yogurt
Yogurt is a good remedy for underarm darkening. The vitamins and fatty acids found in yogurt are good for the skin, as they minimize the dark patterns and the skin damage. Apply 2 tbsp of yogurt on each armpit and wait for 15 to 20 minutes before cleaning it off.
#Lemon
Lemon works as a natural bleach and a powerful antibacterial and antiseptic agent. This is why lemon is used in the treatment of various skin-related problems including dark underarms. Rub a lemon wedge on the skin for a few minutes for Underarm Whitening. Leave the juice on your skin for about 10 minutes and then wash the area thoroughly. For better exfoliation, you can sprinkle a little sugar on the lemon wedge and then use it. Do this a few times a week.
Thanks for the remedies. Very helpful for me
Thank you Vidya for being a frequent reader of my blog..Glad to hear your views