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Your Underarms (axilla) will usually be of the same shade as the other parts of your skin. But, for some people, the underarms may turn darker. Though this is not a serious issue, some people find the problem quite embarrassing. When it’s the summer season, we all love to sport swimsuits and tank tops. In that case, those with dark underarms may simply shy away. Darkened axillary/underarm skin is an issue of hyperpigmentation triggered by melanocyte stimulation and increased production of the melanin pigment. [1]

What causes dark underarms?

The key causes of dark underarms are:

• Skin trauma caused by hair plucking [1] methods like shaving and waxing
• A skin condition called acanthosis nigricans [2]
• Using too much of deodorants and antiperspirants
• Infrequent exfoliation
• Wearing tight-fitting garments
• Hormonal disorder
• Friction damage
• Medicinal side-effects
• Ingrown hair
• Obesity
• Diabetes 

Wish to know how to remove dark underarms? Well, in this article, we’ll tell you about the various methods to remove dark underarms naturally at home. With simple ingredients you can treat this issue in a cost-effective manner. Read on to learn more:

Home remedies for dark underarms

1. Use of Turmeric

Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound in Turmeric, a common Indian spice, and Ayurvedic ingredient, triggers the death of melanoma cells in the affected area and lightens the skin tone. [3] Applying turmeric paste on your armpits can gradually make those areas fairer. To make the paste, you can use milk or rose water along with the turmeric powder.

2. Use of Green Tea

Epigallo-catechin-3-gallate (ECGC), the main active component in Green Tea is effective in treating hyperpigmentation disorders affecting your underarms. [3] You can refrigerate green tea decoction and rub the frozen green tea cubes on your underarms several times during the day.

3. Use of Soy

Soybean extracts may be used in the dark underarms treatment at home. The antioxidants like serine protease and isoflavones in soybean can inhibit melanosome transfer, [3] and brighten your underarms.

4. Use of Aloe

How to remove dark underarms with Aloe Vera? Aloe contains Aloesin, a compound that can reduce melanin production in the underarms by having an inhibitory impact on melanogenesis. [3] The gel of Aloe Vera may be applied directly to the darkened underarms for best results.

5. Use of Licorice

Glabridin in Licorice roots can treat dark underarms by reducing the amount of pigment formation. [3] Grind the root into a smooth paste using milk, and apply on your underarms.

6. Use of Mulberry extracts

Use dried mulberry leaf extracts on the darkened area of your armpits. Mulberroside F, an active component in mulberry extracts, can inhibit the action of the tyrosinase enzyme in your cells, thus lowering the production of melanin and decreasing the rate of melanin transfer. [3] You can apply a paste of mulberry leaves on your armpit daily for best results. 

7. Use of potato juice

Dab your darkened armpits with the juice extracted from grated potato. This excellent natural bleach can give you a fairer skin tone at the underarms. [4]

8. Use of saffron (kesar)

Kesar is one of the best home remedies for dark underarms. Kesar can lighten your underarms skin tone by curbing the production of melanin. [5]

9. Use of lightening scrubs

At times, too many dead cells accumulate on your armpits making them look darker. Exfoliating the area with lightening homemade scrubs like lemon juice (natural bleaching agent) + salt, or baking soda + rose water can eliminate the dead skin and expose the fairer layer from underneath.

10. Find replacement of deodorants

Deodorant sprays can act as a prominent culprit when it comes to darkunderarms. The chemicals in these fragrant sprays can irritate the skin and trigger hyperpigmentation in the underarms. So, try replacing deodorants with alum or antifungal dusting powders. [4]

FAQs

Conclusion

This article has aptly answered the question ‘How to get rid of dark underarms’. There are numerous simple home remedies for dark underarms which you can try. Though dark underarms are not a major problem it can definitely crush your confidence. In that case, try out the above mentioned tips and strategies to lighten your underarms and see what works for you the best!

Disclaimer

This article is written from a health and wellness perspective and is not medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a certified medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.

References

1. Histological evaluation of hyperpigmentation on female Filipino axillary skin
2. An approach to acanthosis nigricans
3. Are Natural Ingredients Effective in the Management of Hyperpigmentation? A Systematic Review
4. Dark Underarms Research Paper
5. Traditional and Modern Uses of Saffron (Crocus Sativus)

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