Different factors such as hormonal imbalances, infections, melanin overproduction, and certain medications can contribute to dark armpits. So how can you effectively lighten and maintain healthy underarm skin? Find out in this article.
Have you noticed darkened skin in your underarm area? Wondering why it's happening? Well, there are different reasons this might happen. One potential cause is shaving.
When you shave your underarms, the repeated friction from razors can lead to skin irritation and gradually darken the area. It's like a small battle your skin fights every time you remove hair from that delicate region.
Another common cause is hyperpigmentation, where an excess production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin coloration, occurs in the armpit area. Factors like genetic predisposition, sun exposure, and hormonal changes can influence this.
Speaking of hormones, fluctuations in hormone levels, especially during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can also trigger the darkening of the skin in the armpits.
Certain medical conditions may also contribute to dark armpits. For instance, acanthosis nigricans, a skin condition often associated with insulin resistance or obesity, can cause thickening and darkening of the skin, including the armpits.
If you're concerned about dark armpits, keep reading to find out how to get rid of dark armpits quickly as well as precautionary measures to take.
Here are some quick and actionable tips on how to lighten up your dark underarms:
With lots of patience and consistency, incorporating these tips into your skincare routine will help you achieve brighter and smoother underarms.
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Natural remedies can be a popular choice when it comes to getting rid of dark armpits.
The following are a few of the natural remedies you can try at home and a step-by-step guide on how to use each ingredient for underarm brightening:
Lemon contains natural bleaching properties due to its high vitamin C content. It can help lighten dark armpits by reducing the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color.
Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and has moisturizing properties that can nourish the skin and potentially reduce dark patches.
While scientific studies specifically focusing on tea tree oil's skin-lightening effects on underarms may be limited, some people claim that the regular application of tea tree oil can help lighten dark patches.
Turmeric possesses skin healing and lightening properties, making it a beneficial ingredient for underarm brightening. It helps brighten the skin and provides relief from itching due to its antibacterial qualities.
Egg yolks are rich in nutrients like vitamin A and proteins that can help nourish the skin.
To use egg yolk for underarm brightening, separate the yolk from the egg white and apply a thin layer of the yolk to your armpits.
Potatoes contain natural bleaching agents, such as enzymes and vitamin C, that can help lighten dark spots and pigmentation.
Perform a patch test before using any of these ingredients to check for any allergic reactions or skin sensitivities. Also, results may vary, so it may take time and regular usage to see noticeable improvements.
For lightening dark armpits, Dr. Uzo Iloabachie, a trained aesthetic dermatologist and the head aesthetician at Skintisfaction, recommends the use of an intimate chemical peel and a depigmenting product such as a specially-designed advanced formula roll-on deodorant enriched with niacinamide and vitamin E.
Some other professional treatment options for dark armpits may include:
Laser treatments can target pigmentation and stimulate collagen production, helping to improve the appearance of dark underarms.
During the procedure, specialized lasers like intense pulsed light (IPL) are used to break down excess melanin responsible for darkening the skin.
Depending on the situation of your armpit, the dermatologist may recommend multiple sessions. Some temporary redness, swelling, and discomfort may occur after treatment.
Following post-treatment care instructions is essential. Some sensations that may occur after treatment include temporary redness, swelling, and discomfort.
In some cases, your dermatologist may prescribe specific oral medications that contain antioxidants for skin-lightening agents. These medications, taken by mouth, work from within your body to help regulate melanin production.
It is important to follow your dermatologist's instructions and regularly communicate any concerns or changes during the treatment.
Your dermatologist will then monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.
If dark underarms are caused by inflammation or infection, dermatologists may prescribe topical antibiotics to treat the underlying condition and promote skin healing.
The antibiotics come in the form of creams or ointments that you apply directly to your underarm area; they work by eliminating bacteria that may contribute to the darkening of the skin.
To use topical antibiotics for treating dark armpits, you will need to clean your underarms thoroughly before applying the antibiotic cream or ointment. Then, gently massage a thin layer onto the affected area, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Dermabrasion involves removing the outer layer of skin using a rotating brush or diamond wheel to reveal fresh, new skin cells and promote a more even skin tone. The procedure can help diminish the appearance of dark patches and stimulate skin rejuvenation.
Your aesthetician will carefully use the dermabrasion tool to gently abrade the skin in your underarms during the treatment. This process may cause a temporary sensation of scratching or tingling, so a local anesthetic may be applied beforehand to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
After the treatment, your skin may appear red and feel sensitive, similar to a mild sunburn. Your dermatologist will then offer post-treatment care instructions, including the use of gentle cleansers and moisturizers to aid in the healing process.
It is essential to protect your skin from the sun and avoid excessive sun exposure during the recovery period.
When applied regularly, lotions containing ingredients like kojic acid, arbutin, niacinamide, or vitamin C can help exfoliate the skin, reduce pigmentation, and promote a brighter complexion.
So, your dermatologist may recommend lotions containing any of these ingredients to foster the inhibition of melanin production and gradually lighten your underarms over time.
To use the lotion effectively, you would need to follow the instructions provided by your dermatologist regarding the frequency and duration of application. It may take some time to notice visible improvements, so patience is key.
When following a treatment plan recommended by your dermatologist, you can expect noticeable improvements in dark armpits within three weeks or more,
says Dr. Iloabachie.
When it comes to dark armpits, it's important to remember that while some cases may be linked to medical conditions, many are simply cosmetic issues that are not harmful to your health.
However, it's always a good idea to consult with your aesthetician or dermatologist to find out the underlying cause of your dark armpits.
To ensure your safety and achieve the best possible results, it's important to be cautious. Here are a few important points to keep in mind:
Darkened skin in the underarm area can be caused by factors such as shaving, hyperpigmentation, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions.
To lighten dark armpits, you can try various remedies, including using lemon juice, coconut oil, tea tree oil, turmeric, egg yolk, or potatoes. You may need to perform a patch test and be patient, as results may vary.
Your dermatologist may also recommend professional treatments like laser therapy, oral medications, topical antibiotics, dermabrasion, chemical peels, or lotions containing specific ingredients. Finally, be cautious of fake products to prevent skin irritation.
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