9 Effective Ways To Get Rid Of Dark Underarms

By Bhumika Chitkara

‘How to get rid of dark underarms?’ is one of the most searched questions on the internet. The darkening of underarms is a common issue most people face. While it may be irritating to have dark underarms, there is nothing to be embarrassed about.  As every problem comes with a solution, we have prepared a list of a few things that may help you to get rid of dark underarms.

Source: vedix.com

Stay away from certain ingredients:

All the beauty hacks you see on the internet may seem very promising and appealing to you. With just one application of certain things like baking soda and lemon juice, you can have light underarms in no time. These hacks for sure sound assuring; the truth is these ingredients may harm your underarms more than any good. Ingredients like baking soda, lemon juice, and toothpaste can irritate your underarms and may cause burns. Furthermore, it can cause dryness, skin irritation, redness and other skin issues. 

Exfoliate using gentle exfoliators: 

One mistake that most people make is they exfoliate their underarms with harsh scrubs to get rid of hyperpigmentation. While scrubbing underarms is necessary to get rid of dead skin cells, using these scrubs can cause tears in the skin leading to skin irritation and increased darkening in the armpits due to their abrasive nature. Scrubbing with loofas, too, should be avoided. Using chemical exfoliators can be an ideal choice if you want something that can work wonders for your underarms. 

Avoid deodorants with irritants:

We all use deodorants to smell fresh and get rid of the underarm odour. But some deodorants have irritants that can harm and irritate the skin leading to darkening and various infections. Avoid using deodorants directly on the skin to prevent pigmentation. Consider switching to natural and moisturising deodorants. 

Moisturise well:

One of the most important steps towards achieving your underarm goals is to keep them well moisturised. Moisturising your underarms is as important as moisturising your face and body. It not only helps with lightening dark armpits but can also help with reducing irritation and dryness caused by various irritants. Do you think that's it? There is certainly another reason why you should moisturise your armpits daily. The reason is that it can work wonders for people with issues like ingrown hair. 

Avoid tight-fitting clothes:

You should avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes because they cause friction, which can lead to underarm pigmentation. Wearing tight-fitting clothes may cause sweat and dead cells to accumulate in the armpit leading to several skin issues. Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics to fight against underarm pigmentation. 

Use Glycolic acid on the armpits:

Using glycolic acid on the armpits is one of the best and most effective ways to get rid of dark underarms. Glycolic acid is an AHA chemical exfoliator and works beautifully well on removing dead skin cells. This ingredient not only helps to rid of dead cells but can also promote the growth of new skin cells. A lightening and brightening agent, this acid is also known to reduce darkening. A blessing for people with ingrown hair, glycolic acid is a must-have skincare product! You should use this acid in small quantities; a patch test is always advisable.

Look for anti-pigmentation ingredients:

Pigmentation is common, and you can manage it with several anti-hyperpigmentation products. Skincare products infused with actives like kojic acid, retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA and salicylic acid work like magic on underarm hyperpigmentation. If you are a beginner, try and test various products and combinations to know which one would work best for your skin type. Start by applying a thin layer of these  products a few times a week. Always remember to do a patch test before. 

Choose your hair removal method wisely:

Waxing and  shaving are two of the most common hair removal techniques most people use to get rid of unwanted hair on their armpits. But did you know that these hair removal methods can also lead to the darkening of underarms if not chosen wisely? In some cases, hot waxing may lead to hyperpigmentation, whereas in some, shaving could be the reason behind dark underarms. Choose a method that would suit your skin type. Always remember to exfoliate your underarms gently before getting your hair removed. Using a moisturiser after the process is also equally important. 

Source: healthline.com

Exercise regularly and eat nutritious food:

Studies have shown that being overweight can cause hyperpigmentation. So regularly exercising might help you to counter hyperpigmentation. Issues like PCOS, hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance can also lead to dark underarms. Following a healthy, nutritious diet can help in that case.