Some of the major causes of dark underarms are excessive sweating, accumulation of dead cells, shaving, poor ventilation of underarms, regular use of hair removal creams, and use of alcohol-based deodorants and antiperspirants.
There are simple, safe, as well as effective home remedies you can try to get clear of those dark underarms.
But sometimes, this can also be a result of a medical condition known as acanthosis nigricans which is usually associated with obesity, insulin resistance, certain medication, cancer, and hormonal disorders. Consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis if you suffer from this condition.
Ways To Getting Rid Of Dark Underarms
Cucumber
Extract the juice from a cucumber and mix it with lemon juice and a little turmeric powder. Apply the paste and leave for 30 minutes. Wash it off with water. Repeat this once or every other day for best results.
You can also rub a thin slice of cucumbers on your underarms or grate it and apply the juice to your underarms.
Potato
This is a great natural bleaching agent as it has a mild acidic property that will not cause skin irritation. You can simply rub a thin slice of potato on your underarms or grate it and apply the juice on the affected area. Allow it to dry for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water. Do these twice a day for better and quicker results.
Orange Peel
Orange peel can lighten the skin under your arms as it has lightening and exfoliating properties.
Dry out some orange peels under the sun for a few days. Grind it into powder form. Make a paste by mixing two teaspoons of the powder peels with enough water and milk. Scrub it under your arms and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash the area with cold water. Repeat the process two to three times a week.
Lemon
This works as a natural bleach and a powerful antiseptic and antibacterial agent. As it can dry out the skin, it is recommended to apply a moisturizer after using this remedy.
For a few minutes, rub a lemon wedge on the skin. Leave the juice on your underarms for about 10 minutes then wash it thoroughly. You can also add a little sugar on the lemon for better exfoliation. Do this a few times a week.
You can also opt to add a little honey or plain yogurt and turmeric powder in some lemon juice. Apply the mixture to your underarms. Leave it for 10 minutes and then wash it off.
Vinegar
Vinegar is not only good for lightening the skin. It can also kill germs and bacteria that cause odor. Mix vinegar and rice flour to form a paste and apply on your underarms. Let it dry for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Repeat the steps a few times a week.
Baking Soda
Aside from unclogging skin pores, you can also use baking soda as an exfoliating scrub as it can help remove a dead skin cell that causes dark underarms. First, make a paste using baking soda and water. Scrub it on the underarms. Wash it off and pat dry the area. Repeat these steps a few times a week. A mixture of equal parts of cornstarch and baking soda can also neutralize body odor.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has vitamin E content that helps lighten underarms. Also, it can work as an effective natural deodorant. Gently massage your underarms with coconut oil. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash it off using lukewarm water and mild soap. Repeat these steps two to three times daily.
Milk
The milk’s vitamins and fatty acids content can help in minimizing underarm darkening. Moreover, it will also soften the skin and make the skin tone much lighter.
Mix 2 tablespoons of full-fat milk, 1 teaspoon plain yogurt and 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour. Apply the mixture on your underarms and leave for 15 minutes before washing off with cold water. Repeat these steps a few times a week.
You can also soak a couple of saffron strands into 2 teaspoons of milk for 15 to 20 minutes and add a little amount of honey. Apply it on your underarms for 20 to 30 minutes. Regularly follow this remedy.
Gram Flour
This is also known as besan. You can use it to make a homemade whitening pack. Mix 2 tablespoons of gram flour, a little turmeric and 1 teaspoon each of lemon juice and plain yogurt. Apply the paste on your underarms, and then leave it for 30 minutes. Rinse it with warm water. Repeat these steps three times a week.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood has lightening properties and adding rose water into it to form a paste will add a cooling and softening effect on the skin. Body odor due to excessive sweating can also be removed with the help of sandalwood’s fragrance. Apply the paste on your underarms for 15 minutes and wash off with cold water. It must be repeated daily to achieve the desired results.
By following these remedies you’ll get rid of dark underarms as well as enjoy smooth, lighter and soft skin.
