Dark underarms are a common concern that many people experience, whether due to shaving, friction, sweating, or the use of harsh deodorants. While it’s perfectly normal for the skin in this area to be darker, it can sometimes cause self-consciousness, especially when wearing sleeveless tops or bathing suits. The good news is that you don’t have to resort to expensive treatments to lighten dark underarms. With a few simple home remedies, you can safely brighten your underarm skin naturally.
In this article, we will explore the best home remedies to lighten dark underarms, the causes behind darkening, and tips to keep this area smooth and glowing.
What Causes Dark Underarms?
Before diving into remedies, it’s important to understand what causes dark underarms. Several factors can contribute to the discoloration of this delicate skin:
- Shaving and Hair Removal: Shaving or using hair removal creams frequently can cause skin irritation and lead to the build-up of dead skin cells, making the underarms appear darker.
- Use of Harsh Deodorants: Some deodorants contain chemicals like alcohol and artificial fragrances that can irritate the skin, leading to pigmentation over time.
- Excessive Sweating: Sweating can contribute to clogged pores, darkening the skin, especially if there is friction from clothing or shaving.
- Friction: Continuous rubbing from tight clothes, the underarm area’s movement, or even excess body weight can cause skin darkening.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy or due to conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), can increase melanin production and lead to darkening.
- Dead Skin Cells: The underarm area tends to accumulate dead skin cells, leading to dull and darkened skin.
Now that we know the causes, let’s explore some effective and natural remedies to lighten dark underarms at home.
Best Home Remedies to Lighten Dark Underarms
1. Lemon Juice Scrub
Lemon juice is a natural exfoliant and has skin-lightening properties. It contains citric acid, which gently exfoliates the skin and brightens dark areas. Additionally, its antibacterial properties help cleanse the skin, preventing infections or odors.
How to Use:
- Cut a lemon into two halves.
- Rub the lemon half on your underarms in circular motions for 2-3 minutes.
- Leave the juice on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week for the best results.
Why it Works: Lemon helps lighten the skin and removes dead skin cells, leaving your underarms brighter and smoother.
2. Baking Soda and Coconut Oil Paste
Baking soda acts as a natural exfoliator that removes dead skin cells and can help lighten dark underarms. Coconut oil moisturizes the skin and has antibacterial properties, which can help prevent odor and skin irritation.
How to Use:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with enough coconut oil to form a paste.
- Apply the mixture to your underarms and gently scrub for a few minutes.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Use this remedy 2-3 times a week.
Why it Works: The exfoliating effect of baking soda combined with the moisturizing properties of coconut oil helps lighten dark spots while keeping the skin soft and hydrated.
3. Turmeric and Yogurt Mask
Turmeric is a well-known ingredient in Ayurvedic skincare for its anti-inflammatory and skin-lightening properties. When combined with yogurt, which has mild exfoliating and moisturizing benefits, it creates an effective mask to brighten dark underarms.
How to Use:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder with 2 tablespoons of yogurt to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to your underarms and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week.
Why it Works: Turmeric lightens pigmentation and helps prevent further darkening, while yogurt soothes and hydrates the skin.
4. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is a soothing, hydrating ingredient that can reduce skin irritation and lighten pigmentation. It also helps in the regeneration of new skin cells, promoting a smoother and more even skin tone.
How to Use:
- Extract fresh aloe vera gel from a plant.
- Apply the gel directly to your underarms.
- Leave it on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Use this remedy daily for the best results.
Why it Works: Aloe vera’s soothing properties reduce skin inflammation and help fade dark spots by promoting healthy skin renewal.
5. Cucumber Slices
Cucumber has cooling and refreshing properties that help lighten skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. It also moisturizes and revitalizes the skin, giving your underarms a fresh glow.
How to Use:
- Slice a cucumber into thin pieces.
- Rub the slices over your underarms for 10 minutes.
- Let the juice absorb into the skin for another 10 minutes before washing off with water.
- Use daily for the best effect.
Why it Works: The mild bleaching effect of cucumber helps lighten the skin naturally, while also providing hydration and soothing the area.
6. Gram Flour (Besan) Scrub
Gram flour is a natural exfoliant that removes dead skin cells and brightens the skin. It can also help lighten dark underarms over time by promoting skin regeneration.
How to Use:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of gram flour with a few drops of lemon juice and rosewater to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to your underarms and scrub gently for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and repeat 2-3 times a week.
Why it Works: Gram flour exfoliates the skin, while lemon juice provides brightening effects, leaving your underarms smooth and lighter.
Prevention Tips for Dark Underarms
- Use Gentle Products: Avoid using deodorants that contain alcohol, artificial fragrances, and other harsh chemicals. Opt for natural or gentle products that don’t irritate the skin.
- Moisturize Regularly: Keep your underarms moisturized to prevent dryness and irritation. Use natural oils like coconut oil or almond oil.
- Exfoliate Frequently: Regular exfoliation prevents the buildup of dead skin cells and promotes healthy skin turnover.
- Wear Loose-Fitting Clothes: Tight clothes can cause friction, which may lead to darkened underarms. Choose clothing that allows your skin to breathe.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Clean the underarm area regularly to avoid sweat and bacteria buildup, which can contribute to darkening.
Conclusion
Dark underarms are a common issue, but with the right home remedies and skincare routine, you can effectively lighten the skin and restore its natural brightness. Whether you use lemon, turmeric, aloe vera, or coconut oil, these natural treatments will help lighten dark underarms while nourishing and soothing the skin.
By being consistent with these remedies and incorporating preventive measures into your routine, you can achieve smooth, even-toned underarms and feel more confident in your skin.