Dark armpits can be a hit to your self-image. It can play a role in staining the armpits of your shirts, or in preventing you from wearing that really cute dress when you go out. Dark armpits are generally nothing to be afraid of though and usually aren’t a symptom of any sort of medical condition. It’s simply that the skin in your armpit can become discolored due to hair removal creams, regular shaving, excessive dead skin cells, lack of breathing room, deodorants and antiperspirants containing alcohol. The good news is the condition can be treated. With natural, effective, and affordable home remedies, you can learn how to get rid of dark armpits fast.
Acanthosis Nigricans
This disorder affects skin pigmentation and is characterized by patches of skin that are thick and velvety texture-wise, with a dark coloration. These patches are common to the neck, elbows, knuckles, knees, within the folds of the skin, and the armpits. Acanthosis Nigricans is known to accompany obesity, hormonal disorders, insulin resistance, cancer and certain types of medication.
People with type 2 diabetes may suffer from acanthosis nigricans as well. They have gradual symptoms of skin darkening of the neck, armpit, and groin area. If Acanthosis Nigricans is causing your dark underarms, speak with your primary care doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
How to get rid of dark armpits fast and naturally
Exfoliation
Excess dead skin cells will give your armpits a dark coloration. By removing those skin cells, you can expose the brighter skin underneath. This is a necessity for people who deal with excessive sweat. They may need to exfoliate more often simply because the armpits are where the sweat and heat builds up the most. One thing to always be aware of is that you don’t over-exfoliate. This can lead to scarring and even infected follicles, sweat glands and pores. Harsh scrubs and pumice stones are not the way to go. Instead, stick to a steady routine of exfoliating your underarms biweekly.
Lemon Juice and Sugar Scrub
Simply add together lemon juice and sugar (brown or granulated) to create a thick mixture. Slather the mixture on the affected areas of your underarms and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Next, wet your hand and gently massage the granules in circular motions. The lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent and the sugar is gentle enough to exfoliation the skin. After exfoliating, wash off the mixture thoroughly. Lemon juice has been shown to interact negatively with exposure to sunlight and will also cause your skin to dry out if not thoroughly rinsed off.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a safe natural way to get rid of dark underarms fast. It is effective in preventing odors to include body odor. It works to brightening the skin and can also double as an exfoliation agent. In addition to its germ fighting power, it gives you smoother, brighter, cleaner, odor-free armpits. Simply create your own paste by placing an amount of baking soda in a bowl and adding water until you reach the desired consistency. Apply the paste to your armpits and scrub in a gentle, circular fashion. You can even let the baking soda stand for a few minutes before rinsing off the paste.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains vitamin E to enough of a degree which will give the skin its brightening properties. It’s really simply to use. Apply a little coconut oil to the affected area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off.
Cucumber
Cucumbers have many roles in the world of nutrition, health, and beauty. They boost the immune system and can help in rehydrating your lips. They aid in drawing out redness and inflammation, and have a natural bleaching property that can restore skin to its natural coloration. To use the cucumber, rub a slice of cucumber on your armpits, or grate a cucumber and only apply the juice. Let the cucumber stay in contact with your skin for 15-20 minutes before rinsing your skin with lukewarm water.
Cucumber, Turmeric, and Lemon
This home remedy combines the bleaching power of cucumber, turmeric and lemon. The cucumber helps to rehydrate the skin. You’ll need:
2 Tbsp. of Turmeric
Equal parts of cucumber and lemon juice.
Mix the equal parts of cucumber and lemon juice together and then add to the turmeric to create a paste to your desired thickness. Spread the paste over the discolored area of your armpits and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water. You can use the remedy daily or add a day of rest between uses for the maximum results.
Herbs
There are many herbs that can be combined to meet your needs. Many herbs are gently enough that they can be used for exfoliation, deodorants, and skin brightening. Try this remedy for dark armpits. Make a mixture of these herbs:
Aspen Extract
Licorice Root Extract
Raspberry Extract
Mix the extracts together in equal parts and apply to your armpits. Let the solution stand for 30 minutes before rinsing off. These herbs are all used individually for medicinal purposes. But when combined, they cause pheomelanin compound production to increase which results in lighter skin. You can use this remedy daily to restore your armpits and then reduce that use to once weekly or biweekly for maintenance.
Potato
Potatoes are a wonder in this modern world. They’re nutritious and can power light bulbs. Also, potatoes possess an acidic property that is rather mild in nature that also acts as a bleaching agent. This makes it a great choice when treating your dark underarms. It’s effective and gentle enough to use on skin. To use potatoes, you can cut a thin slice of a raw potato and rub it over your armpits. Another way to use the potato is to grate it, raw. Spread the juice over the discolored area and let it stand for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with room temperature water. Use twice daily until you see the desired results.
Other tips on how to get rid of dark underarms
Provide Moisture
Underarms will get dry, dark and rough is they don’t get enough moisture. Moisturize your underarms daily with a mild lotion. Moisture helps to keep the skin lighter and softer. A good choice would be a moisturizer that contains Vitamin E.
You can also place wet cotton balls underarms for extra moisture. Leave it there for 10 minutes. Don’t forget to moisturize afterwards.
Wash the Armpits Daily
Washing will remove the dirt and odor from underarms. However, it can leave the skin dry so remember to moisturize it after a wash.
Steaming is another great option to get rid of the dark skin. Take a hot shower or place a steamer close to your armpits for 10 minutes. Steam will remove the dirt, sweat, dead skin cells and makes the underarms lighter. Moisturize your skin after this remedy.
Honey
Honey is great for moisturizing the skin, it helps the skin to retain water. It also makes your skin soft and smooth.
You can also add a little bit of lemon juice in the honey and rub it onto your armpits. Leave the mixture there until it dries out before washing it off. Do this daily for better results.
Olive Oil
Olive oil contains antioxidants and provides moisture at the same time. It will reduce the darkness of the armpits. Rub a little bit of olive oil onto your armpits daily.
Papaya
Papaya contains papain which is great for underarms, it removes the dead skin cells, dirt and makes the skin fairer.
Make a paste out of papaya and apply it onto the underarms. Leave the paste on the skin for 20 minutes before rinsing it off.
Orange
Orange juice has skin lightening properties that will slowly make your dark armpits disappear. It contains natural bleaching properties but it may dry out the skin. Make sure to moisturize the underarms after using orange juice. It’s recommended not to leave the juice on the skin for more than 5 minutes.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains antioxidants and will also provide moisture to your skin. It is used for exfoliating the skin and removing the impurities of the skin. Aloe vera gel can be used daily.
Simply apply the gel on the underarms for 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
Milk Cream
Milk cream provides numerous nutrients and moisture for skin. It will leave the skin lighter and softer. Apply the cream on the armpits daily until you notice the improvement.
Conclusion
When it comes to armpits, you want to see results without damaging your skin further. But, your dark armpits will return if you continue to do the same old things. Try to avoid antiperspirants and deodorants and instead use baking soda. Refrain from using hair removal creams because the harsh chemicals that don’t just attack the hair, but the skin as well. Wear breathable clothing and maintain a healthy reasonable weight. Most importantly, never compromise your hygiene.
References:
http://www.top10homeremedies.com/how-to/how%20-to-get-rid-of-dark-underarms.html
http://www.rapidhomeremedies.com/remedies-for-whitening-dark-underarms.html/
http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acanthosis-nigricans
http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/diabetes-warning-signs
http://www.caretricks.com/skincare/how-to-get-rid-of-dark-underarms/
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