It’s true that dark underarms can be very embarrassing. Dark underarms are something that you would not want to expose to everyone. We usually pay great deal of attention in taking care of our face, hands and feet, however, underarm area may be one of the most neglected parts of our body as it mostly remains covered majority of the times. Darker underarm skin can keep people from dressing up in their favorite sleeveless tops, wearing bathing suits in public, or even participating in sports. Like pigmentation or discoloration on other parts of the body, dark underarms can result in lack of confidence and self-esteem.

If your underarms have darkened over the years, does that mean you should bid farewell to beautiful sleeveless clothes? Well, not anymore! In this post we will discuss some effective home remedies for dark underarms that may help you in flaunting your lovely sleeveless dresses. These simple and safe remedies make sure you don’t have to deal with them again.

 

What causes dark underarms?

There can be various reasons for dark armpits including:

• Dead skin cell accumulation (lack of exfoliation)
• Shaving (irritation and abrasion to the skin over time)
• Excessive friction (tight clothes)
• Smoking (hyperpigmentation caused by smoking)
• Hyperpigmentation (increased melanin)
• Disease related causes

 

How to Get Rid of Dark Underarms Naturally?

The underarm skin is very delicate and sensitive and thus is easily prone to various kinds of skin damage such as pigmentation, ingrown hair, harsh-effects of deodorants, chemicals, skin infections etc. This small area of skin can undergo a lot and thus may lead to darkened skin. However, if you are interested in knowing how to get rid of dark underarms and brighten them up, we suggest that you follow some of these easy home remedies.

 

1. Aloe Vera

If you are looking for some natural ways of brightening your underarm skin, aloe vera is the answer. Aloe vera gel consists of aloesin, a compound that inhibits the growth of the enzyme that is responsible for skin pigmentation. Aloe vera is also antibacterial and is hence excellent for soothing and removing any skin of inflammation.

How to Apply :
Take the fresh aloe leaf and scoop out the aloe gel and place it in a bowl. You can also use organic aloe gel.
Take good amounts of this gel and rub on your underarms and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
Wash with lukewarm water and pat dry.
You can apply aloe gel everyday till you see the skin getting lighter in color.

 

2. Exfoliate your Skin

Exfoliate underarms with a gentle cleanser and wash cloth. Just be sure not to apply too much pressure or rubbing as it may worsen the situation. Hydrating oils and moisturizing lotions will help to maintain smooth, soft and healthy underarms. Use a body scrub or a facial exfoliator two to three times a week for best results.

 

3. Potato Remedy

Potatoes are great for dark underarms as they not only help in brightening them, but they are also great for reducing patchiness and itching or irritation.

How to Apply :
Grate a potato and then squeeze the juice from the potato. Apply the juice to your underarms. After 10-15 minutes, rinse your underarms with cool water.

 

4. Turmeric Powder Remedy

Turmeric is a natural bleaching agent and an active ingredient in many herbal skin care products for its amazing skin lightening properties. It can help a lot to lighten your dark underarm issues.

How to Apply :
Take one teaspoon each of organic turmeric powder, milk and honey and then mix all the ingredients.
Apply this on the underarms and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Next wash with lukewarm water.

 

5. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is loaded with antioxidant properties that help in brightening the skin and antimicrobial properties help in fighting the sweaty smell, keeping your underarms dewy fresh too. This magical remedy not only helps in getting rid of dark underarms but they smell great too.

How to Apply :
Mix tea tree oil in water and pour it into a spray bottle. Shake well and apply on your underarms and let it dry. You can use it every day for better results.

 

6. Rose Water

Rose water is loaded with multiple skin benefits. It helps soothe your skin, improves blood circulation, brightens the skin, helps in maintaining the pH balance of the skin amongst various other benefits. The added advantage of skin exfoliation is achieved by adding baking soda. Apart from toning your skin, the fragrant rose water is also ideal for brightening the underarms.

How to Apply :
Make a fine paste using a few tablespoons of rose water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Apply the paste on your underarms and leave it for 6 to 7 minutes. Rinse well with water. You can use the rosewater remedy once or twice a week.

 

7. Cucumber

The skin lightening properties of cucumber help in improving the color of your armpits. Just the way cucumber helps in reducing dark circles or under-eye bags; it proves effective in brightening your armpits too.Cucumbers contain skin whitening and brightening properties.

How to Apply :
Grate a cucumber or make a fine paste it in a mixer grinder and then strain the juice. Use a cotton ball to apply this juice on the underarms area. Application of this juice daily on dark underarms will not only lighten them but also keep them fresh and odor free.

 

8. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a universal ingredient for beauty and skincare. Known for its natural skin lightening agents, it is another great and gentle option to lighten dark underarms. It is also a natural deodorant.

How to Apply :
Simply massage the dark underarms with coconut oil and leave it for 20-30 minutes. Then wash off with lukewarm water thereafter. Massaging the effected area with coconut oil daily will naturally help to lighten the dark armpits.

 

9.  Brown Sugar and Olive Oil Remedy

Olive oil is very nourishing and hydrating for the skin. It is also rich in antioxidants and helps to lock in the moisture. Sugar acts as an excellent natural exfoliating agent and when mixed with nourishing olive oil, it can work miracles for the skin.

How to Apply :
Add about 2 tablespoons each of olive oil and brown sugar (or granular cane sugar) in a bowl and mix them together. Dampen and clean the underarm area and scrub the mixture for a few minutes. Leave it on for about 5 -10 mins and then rinse with normal water.

 

10.  Honey

Honey is a rich moisturizing ingredient which has lots of great benefits for the skin.  It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that helps in removing dead cells and impurities from the skin and brightens it up.

How to Apply :
Mix equal amounts of lemon juice and honey and make a fine consistency. Apply to your underarms area and leave for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water. Repeat daily for best results.

 

Now that you know how to get rid of dark underarms naturally fast, go ahead and try out these natural and safe remedies and start wearing your favorite sleeveless tops and dresses, that you’ve been hiding all this while in the closet!