If you’ve noticed the skin under your armpits has become darker over the years, you may be looking for armpit lightening tips. It’s a common occurrence that generally isn’t a cause for concern, but can be irritating for those who experience it. Dark armpits can arise for a number of reasons, from your genetics to your shaving routine, and fortunately there are helpful things you can do to prevent and get rid of dark armpits. Just in time for the summer season, here are our best armpit lightening tips and products!
What Causes Dark Armpits?
Dark armpits are common and can happen for a number of reasons. Underarm skin is delicate and therefore easy to irritate, and irritation can produce additional pigmentation. Since armpit skin folds onto itself, it also increases the absorption of any product applied to the area, which can darken it. Deodorants and antiperspirants have ingredients that can irritate, darken and thicken the skin. Darker pigmentation under the arms can be genetic and those with darker skin are more likely to get darkened armpits as they are more prone to hyper-pigmentation.
Dark armpits can also be a symptom of acanthosis nigricans that occurs in people with an underlying health condition. There’s a correlation between darkened armpits and diabetes, as insulin can interfere with pigmentation in the skin. Pigmentation imbalance has also been found in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a disorder that affects hormones and leads to an overgrowth of the skin. Obesity is another factor that puts you at higher risk for darkened armpits. In the case of acanthosis nigricans, you should see a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
3 Ways to Prevent Getting Dark Armpits
1. Shave Smart
If you’re not careful, your shaving routine can irritate your skin, resulting in pigmentation. Shaving without shaving cream is particularly irritating to the skin, so always use a moisturizing shaving cream and let it sit on your skin for 15 to 30 seconds before shaving. Replace razor blades frequently to prevent using dull blades on your skin and if you’re allergic to nickel (razor blade material), waxing or laser hair removal would be better options for you.
2. Up Your Exfoliation Routine
If you haven’t been exfoliating your armpits, now is the time to start. Resist scrubbing your underarms and instead apply a combination chemical and physical exfoliator a few times a week. The Necessaire Body Exfoliator is formulated with a combination of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids to remove dead skin cells, and pumice and bamboo charcoal to soften and renew the skin.
3. Switch Your Deodorant
Your deodorant or antiperspirant could be causing your armpits to darken. Many of these products contain chemicals, such as aluminum that can irritate your skin. Switching to an all-natural deodorant without fragrances, aluminium and alcohols will do amazing things for your skin.
3 Natural Armpit Lightening Tips That Work
1. Lemon Juice and Aloe Vera
Lemon juice works as a whitening agent and aloe vera is rich in moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties and also contains aloin which is a depigmenting element. Since lemon is acidic, it’s important to mix it with a gentle, moisturizing ingredient like aloe vera. Combine one tablespoon lemon juice with one tablespoon aloe vera, apply it to your armpits, letting it sit for 10 minutes, then wash it off.
2. Cucumber and Aloe Vera
Cucumber contains silica which stimulates the growth and preservation of the connective tissue in the skin. Cucumber and aloe vera are both made mostly of water so boast refreshing properties and hydrate the skin. A mask made with these two things will add relief and lightening agents to your underarm area.
3. Turmeric, Honey and Yogurt
Turmeric is high in the antioxidant curcumin which can help lighten the skin in your underarms. It’s considered one of the most effective natural remedies for skin lightening. Mix one teaspoon turmeric root powder with two tablespoons ground oats, three tablespoons organic plain yogurt and three drops of raw honey. Spread the mixture evenly over the armpits, let it sit for 15 minutes and wash off.
7 Armpit Lightening Products Worth Buying
1. La Bauge Skin Brightening Cream
This product will help with armpit lightening, providing visible results from the first use. Formulated with hydrolyzed collagen, it nourishes and moisturizes your skin for healthy skin results. It’s a safe and gentle bleaching cream made with plant-based ingredients like bamboo charcoal and white mineral oil.
2. Crewhi Intimate Area Whitening Cream
This brightening gel was made specifically for sensitive, intimate areas such as the armpits. It contains natural ingredients such as sunflower oil, aloe vera, mulberry extract, cucumber oil and orange essential oil to keep the skin smooth and moisturized. Created specifically for discoloured areas, you’ll notice lighter armpits in no time.
3. Asa Vea Dark Spot Cream with Collagen
Formulated with highly effective, plant-based ingredients, this cream will help lighten your armpits fast. It’s extra gentle on the skin and contains collagen to repair and hydrate your skin as it whitens.
4. Active Bamboo Skin Brightening Cream
This brightening cream targets hyper-pigmentation to create an even skin tone. It contains bamboo extract for skin conditioning and smoothing, and is formulated with other nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, organic shea, ginseng, jojoba, green tea and more. Use it and watch your underarms transform.
5. PurePeaks Inc. Natural Skincare Lightening Cream
This skin perfecting cream was formulated for the most delicate areas of your body, using natural, plant-based compounds full of essential nutrients that your skin will love. Arbutin and lemon essential oil promote even skin tone and healthy radiance, while hyaluronic acid, mulberry extract and aloe vera moisturize and regenerate the skin.
6. Eva Naturals Skin Lightening Cream
Infused with bearberry, liquorice and kojic acid, this lightening cream noticeably fades hyper-pigmentation. It reduces discolouration and promotes and maintains smooth skin. With coQ10 to boost healthy collagen production and a blend of coconut oil and vitamins, it locks in moisture and softens skin for beautiful results.
7. EssyNaturals Ultra Potent Dark Spots Cream
Not only will this cream lighten dark armpits, it will also nourish and moisturize your skin with gentle, safe ingredients including glycerol, hydrolyzed collagen and bamboo charcoal. Use twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening for best results.
Ready to get rid of your dark armpits? Use our tips and try these products to feel more confident than ever!
