How to get rid of dark underarms overnight? Dark underarms treatment? Darkness underarms? Treat dark underarms? Dark underarm? In this article, you will learn what causes dark underarms and 8 ways for getting rid of dark underarms.
What causes dark underarms
Well, the darkening of your underarms can be caused due to a variety of reasons such as shaving, sweating or due to the accumulation of dead skin cells therein. The phenomenon is more common than you think.
Due to this, you become extremely cautious in gatherings, you might also find it difficult to wear outfits that might be exposing your underarm because of how dark it has become.
Underarms should naturally be about the same shade as the rest of your skin. Dark underarms usually aren’t a sign of anything serious, but some people may find them embarrassing — especially during tank top and swimsuit season.
1. Deodorant and antiperspirants
Using deodorant and antiperspirants is essential to stay fresh all day, but the presence of alcohol and other harmful ingredients can cause the underarm skin to get darker. It is recommended to use an alcohol-free deodorant.
2. Shaving
Shaving may seem like the quickest technique to get rid of underarm hair. But razor blades can be abrasive as they remove the top protective layer of the skin causing irritation and dark underarms.
3. Friction
Wearing very tight clothes can cause friction against the skin and frequent rubbing can cause dark underarms. Wear cotton and other skin-friendly fabrics and avoid body-hugging clothes.
4. Dead skin cells accumulation
Dead skin cells get accumulated in every part of your body and underarms are no different. When you don’t clean the area well or fail to scrub it every few days, it can lead to darkening.
8 Natural remedies for getting rid of dark underarms
1. Sliced cucumber
Cucumbers are good bleaching products, and they are also filled with vitamins. Just take a slice or two and place them underneath your arm and leave for about 5 to 8 minutes after which you can rinse it off with water. For effective results, make this a weekly habit.
How to use: Cut slices of fresh cool cucumber and rub them directly on the underarms area. Wash after 10 minutes and pat dry.
How often: Repeat twice every day.
2. Aloe vera Gel
Aloe vera seems to be the solution to almost everything. The anti-bacterial in it makes it possible for it to be able to solve almost any skin condition. Applying aloe vera to your underarm regularly will help make your underarm smooth and also get rid of the dark patches.
How to use: Cut a fresh leaf of aloe vera and extract the gel. Gently massage the aloe vera gel onto your underarms. Let it dry for about 20 minutes. Then, rinse it off with lukewarm water. You can also substitute aloe vera for the aloe vera gel available in the market.
How often: Repeat this process every day to lighten your underarms.
3. Apple Vinegar Cider
If you are suffering from dark underarms, you can always rely on apple vinegar cider to help you with the problem. This kitchen ingredient can be easily sourced from your local store.
Apple vinegar cider is loaded with amino and lactic acids, which help get rid of dead skin cells. Besides, its astringent properties help unclog the pores, thereby lessening the darkness. It also smoothes the armpit area considerably.
How to use: Dilute apple vinegar cider with water. Soak a cotton ball in this solution and gently dab it over your armpit area. Let this solution sit for about 10 minutes. Then, rinse it off with lukewarm water.
How often: Repeat this process as frequently as possible throughout the week, for more effective results.
4. Rosewater and baking soda
Rose water has soothing and brightening powers, its fragrance also combats body odour and keeps the underarm area smooth.
How to use: Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to rosewater, and stir this mixture evenly. Then, apply this solution to your armpit area and wait for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
How often: You can practice this trick twice a week for lighter underarms.
5. Tea Tree Oil and water
Tea tree oil is an excellent remedy for getting rid of very dark underarm. Using tea tree oil mixed with water regularly will help you get rid of the dark pats of your underarm and also eliminates any odor that might exist there.
How to use: Add some water to tea tree oil to dilute it. Pour this mixture in an empty spray bottle and spray it on your underarms. Voila, you are good to go!
How often: Repeat this process daily for more effective results.
6. Lemon juice
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, especially on account of its high concentration of citric acid. It will help you remove dead skin cells and lighten your skin over a period of time.
How to use: Cut a lemon in two slices, and gently scrub your underarms with them for a couple of minutes. Let the lemon juice sit for approximately 5-10 minutes. Then, rinse it off with cold water.
How often: Repeat this process about three times a week.
8. Potatoes
Potato is one of the most affordable and effective ways to get rid of dark underarms. It brightens the skin and reduces patchiness and itching associated with dark underarms. The citric acid in potatoes is mild, which makes it the perfect remedy for those with sensitive skin type.
How to use: Grate one potato and extract its juice. Using a cotton ball, apply this juice directly on your underarms. Rinse after 10 minutes with cool water.
How often: Repeat this remedy twice a day.
FAQ
1) Does shaving cause dark underarms?
A. Yes, one of the reasons why your underarm area might be dark is because you shave the area. Shaving removes the top protective layer of the skin exposing it to chemicals, sweat and friction leading to dark underarms.
2) How can I clean my underarms?
A. Sometimes soap and water are not enough to clean the underarm area, use a loofah to remove dirt and impurities. Once a week, use a body scrub and gently exfoliate the underarm area.
3) How to get rid of underarms odour?
A. Underarm odor is a common problem; however, if it’s strong and getting in your way of socializing, thoroughly clean the underarm area. Scrub it once a week, use a loofah to get rid of odour causing bacteria and use alcohol-free deodorants.