Many have tried various “dark armpits treatments” such as creams and gels, but haven’t seen the changes they’ve expected.Dark underarms are caused by hyperpigmentation in the underarm area and many times is caused by changes in hormonal levels and specially during pregnancy. Here is a list of things you should not be doing then a list of some remedies to help you get rid of them:
TOP CAUSES OF DARK UNDERARMS:
1. Shaving – Stop using razors to shave your underarms as when you do it cuts the hair just below the surface of the skin which looks like stubble. Hair removal creams do the same which makes the underarms look darker. Try waxing as it removes the hair from the root itself.
2. Too much deodorant – Some theories suggest that strong deodorants make your armpits look darker. Use natural methods to deodorize yourself.
3. Skin friction – Clothes that are tight and harsh on your skin may also cause darkening of your underarms.
4. Dead cells – One cause of dark armpits can be dead cells. Exfoliate gently or scrub with lactic acid to avoid them.
5. Bacteria – As many as 18 different types of bacteria live on different parts of our skin. The most common bacterium that lives in armpits is called Corynebacterium minutissimum. When we sweat, the underarm environment changes and becomes more friendly for the growth of bacteria, which may eventually cause the bad smell and darkening of this area. To avoid this, you should shower more often.
Natural ways to get rid of dark underarms:
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is used by many people to treat several skin problems. One of the most used remedy for skin lightening is coconut oil. Coconut oil contains skin lightening agents like vitamin E. Apply coconut oil 10 minutes before taking bath every day. Massage the area in circular motion and wash with lukewarm water and a mild soap.
2. Lemon Juice
Rubbing your underarms with lemon juice is one of the most effective ways to lighten your underarms as lemon has natural bleaching properties. Apply some before your bathing then wash it off. Apply moisturizer to soften your skin and don’t use deodorant for a few days.
3. Baking Soda
One of the main reasons for darkening of the armpit is the accumulation of dead cells in that area. We often skip exfoliating our underarms and as a result face this problem. Baking soda proves to be very effective in terms of exfoliation or scrubbing. Take two tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of water. Make a slightly thick paste and apply it on the armpits. Rub it in circular motion gently. Doing this regularly for at least 3-4 times a week will help unclog pores and scrub away all the dead skin, thus lightening your underarms.
4. Papaya
Papayas contain enzymes that are great at cleaning skin. You can apply some shredded papaya to your underarms and let it dry, then wash off with water. Use papaya that is not too ripe.
5. Potato
Potatoes also have bleaching properties and can be used to lighten dark armpits. Slice a potato and rub your underarms with them. Alternatively you can rub potato juice on your underarms and leave it for 15 minutes to dry, then wash off and you will see results in just a few days.
6. Gram flour and Yogurt
You can mix gram flour, lemon juice, yogurt, and a pinch of turmeric powder to make a paste. Yogurt has properties that can help lighten your skin and is great for your face too!. Apply the paste to your underarms and leave for 20 minutes and wash with lukewarm water. Follow the process at least 3 times a week for best results.
7. Saffron
This dark armpits treatment sounds a bit expensive, but saffron works well to lighten the underarms. Mix a pinch or two of saffron in milk or cream and apply the mixture to your underarms before going to sleep at night. Leave it overnight then wash off the next morning. This will lighten your armpits and kill harmful bacteria that cause bad odor.
source: positivemed
