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When skin darkens or becomes discolored, it usually is reacting to any number of elements that it has been exposed to. Just like how you can get a tan from staying out in the sun, dark underarms are usually caused by an external factor such as shaving, plucking or using hair removal creams, or it may be due to an alcohol-based deodorant or antiperspirant, which can cause a skin reaction.
It’s hardly an uncommon condition, though it can be a source of frustration for ladies everywhere. Regain your confidence and learn how to whiten this particular problem area by reading on below:
1. Get it professionally done.
This is the investment option for underarm whitening, one that can run you up quite a bit of cash, though the results are usually permanent. Getting this makeover treatment means you can banish the issue in one go and never have to worry about it again.
An IPL whitening session is specially designed for the underarm area. This procedure can take anywhere from 5 minutes to 45. You can also opt for an IPL hair removal, which removes hair and prevents it from coming back and also corrects and lightens the underarm area. This process uses intense pulsed light to target the hair roots and prevents them from growing again, which means less shaving, waxing, and plucking, which then means whiter underarms.
2. Use citrus fruits.
To combat dark underarms, most Filipinas reach for the humble calamondin or calamansi fruit. Cheap and readily available, the juice from this ubiquitous citrus contains a high concentration of citric acid, which is both a bleach and a natural exfoliant that does a great job of lightening the skin on the underarm area. However, use caution when employing this particular home remedy, as calamansi juice is very acidic and can burn the skin if you aren’t careful or happen to have sensitive skin.
Alternatively, you can also use the peels of other citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges, which wouldn’t be as harsh as pure calamansi juice. Save the peels next time you have an orange for breakfast or a light snack and leave them out to dry. Then you can grind them up and turn it into a paste with milk and rose water. Leave this concoction on your underarms for a good ten minutes before rinsing off. Meanwhile, the lemon peel can be used as is. Not only can these fruits help whiten the underarms, they smell fantastic, too.
3. Use a potato.
Yes, really. Potatoes have a mildly acidic property that makes them ideal for natural bleaching if using citruses feels too strong for you. Unlike other, stronger bleaches, potatoes pose little risk of causing any irritation to the skin. All you have to do is slice the potato thinly and rub the slices on your underarms. Alternatively, you can grate a potato and use its juice instead, applying it to the underarm area and letting it dry before rinsing off. Do this twice a day for faster results.
4. Use baking soda.
One of the causes of dark underarms is the accumulation of dead skin cells on the skin surface, causing the discoloration. Exfoliating should solve the issue quickly. Baking soda is a gentle exfoliating agent that can help remove those pesky dead skin cells, lessening the unsightly gray tinge and brightening the underarm area. It’s also a natural bleach which inhibits the production of melanin and helps whiten and even out the skin tone. Best of all, it helps control excessive sweating and oil production, which can also cause dark underarms. Use it in conjunction with coconut oil to create a thick paste that does the double duty of whitening and providing nourishment and moisture.
Lastly, it’s also important to remember to treat the underarm gently and to let the area rest and recover after every treatment, as damaging the skin can contribute to further discoloration.
About The Author:
Stacey Smith is the freelance health writer. She is passionate to write about women’s health, dental health, diabetes, endocrinology and nutrition and provide in-depth features on the latest in health news for medical clinics and health magazines.
