Excess melanin in some areas of the body is very common and therefore, many women suffer from dark armpits but there is a way to lighten them.
Something that seems as simple and natural as raising your arm in public can be a source of embarrassment for many women. And we’re not talking about bad smells. Having dark armpits is a common problem that many have no idea how to solve. Despite there being countless recipes spread across the internet that promise to work miracles, not all of them actually work.
Technically called hyperchromia, this adversity has several causes. Generally, it is a type of inflammatory process in the skin caused by some trauma that ends up leading to what is called post-inflammatory hyperchromia. However, it is necessary to accurately detect the problem, as this makes it easier to combat it.
What causes dark armpits?
Practically all of our physical actions involve some movement with the arms and this ends up causing friction on the skin in the region. This ends up causing local irritation and, later, darkening. As is commonly the case in overweight people. To avoid this problem, apply some moisturizer to your armpits after showering, this will help prevent friction.
Wearing clothes with very tight sleeves can also cause friction with your armpits. Over time, the area will be left with dark spots. The type of fabric is another factor that greatly influences. Therefore, the best option is to wear blouses that are a little wider and made of light fabrics, such as cotton.
Products that contain alcohol in their composition run the risk of irritating our skin. Especially when it comes to deodorants. Therefore, prefer products without the substance and with moisturizing active ingredients.
- Shaving or waxing
Some hair removal methods can cause darkening of the armpits, such as shaving and waxing (especially hot). Both methods harm the skin at the site, either due to the friction of the blade or the heat of the wax. They can also cause folliculitis, leading to darkening of the region. Therefore, as a prevention, try to shave with a specialized professional or have laser hair removal.
- Not drying properly after showering
Something that few people know is that even the way we dry our body has an influence. Just like the toes, the armpits are folds that constantly suffer friction and, therefore, easily accumulate large amounts of fungi and bacteria. Therefore, they can cause irritation, bad odor throughout the day and stains in the region. To avoid this scenario, remember to dry the area well.
Treatment for dark underarms
1- Sodium bicarbonate
Bicarbonate has antioxidant properties. To use it on your armpits, just make a paste with 2 spoons of powder and 20ml of rose milk. Then apply to the area and leave for up to 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Repeat the action twice a week.
2- White clay
It is proven that white clay has several extremely beneficial properties for the skin, including whitening. Therefore, to lighten your armpits you just need to mix one tablespoon of clay with two tablespoons of water. If you want, you can add 3 drops of orange essential oil.
So, apply it to your armpits and let it act for 15 minutes. Then rinse and repeat at least twice a week.
3- Rice water
Kojic acid is a substance widely used to lighten darkened areas of the skin, and is present in rice. Thus, mix 1 cup of rice in 250ml of water. Leave to soak for 12 hours. After this time, drain the rice and, using a cotton pad, wipe the dark underarms with water and let it dry. Repeat this every morning and evening.
4- Oatmeal to lighten dark underarms
By exfoliating your skin, you will be stimulating the region to produce more collagen and rebuild the region. Therefore, using oats for this process can help a lot to lighten dark armpits. Just mix 1 spoon of cornmeal, 1 spoon of oatmeal, 1 spoon of powdered milk and 30 ml of milk.
Now just mix all the ingredients and exfoliate the area in circular movements. Then, rinse well and then apply a little Hipoglós or Dexpanthenol.
5- Aloe vera
Aloe vera has a gel known as aloe vera. This substance contains aloesin, a compound that inhibits the action of an enzyme that produces darkened skin pigmentation. Therefore, applying the gel to the armpits or groin can help lighten the skin in these areas.
To use it, simply cut the aloe leaves and extract the gel from the plant, then apply this gel to the darkened areas of the armpit and groin. So, let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Finally, rinse the body part with water. Finally, if you don’t have the aloe plant, you can use the organic gel found in pharmacies.
After all, did you like this article? Therefore, read also: Lighten your skin – professional and homemade techniques and tricks to maintain them.
Sources: dermaclub, MdeMulher,
Featured image: Depylation
