There are many reasons why underarms darken. Shaving, for example can give the underarms the appearance of being darker than the rest of your body. This is due to the remaining hair follicles that were not shaved off which makes the armpits look dark. If this is the case, you can stop shaving and resort to waxing instead. You may have to wait for the hair to grow a little so you can effectively wax them off. But if you are in a hurry and don't have time to wait, you can pluck them out. Just don't do it too often since frequent plucking can also cause your underarms to darken.

Skin darkening in the underarms can also be caused by the accumulation of dead skin cells. When bathing, we often miss to scrub this spot so make sure to give it a gentle scrubbing each time. You can use bath salts or mild exfoliants a few times a week to get rid of the dead skin cells and reveal a lighter skin tone. But exfoliating everyday will not whiten your underarms as you may expect it to. There are other reasons why underarms darken and scrubbing may not be enough to solve to the problem.

Some chemical ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants can lead to the discoloration of the skin. If this is the case, you should try using deodorants with no fragrances or that which are hypoallergenic and had been proven not to darken the skin. If you have sensitive skin, it's important to ask your dermatologist which product to use to help lighten your underarms and prevent further discoloration.

Dark underarms can also be caused by being overweight. Acanthosis nigricans is a health condition that results to the dark markings on the groin, neck and underarm area. This can be caused by glandular disorder and insulin imbalance, and is common in overweight individuals. Before using any of the natural methods to whiten dark underarms, make sure that you are also taking measures to prevent it from re-darkening.

1. Licorice extracts mixed with aspen and raspberry extracts

   Licorice has been found to stimulate the skin to produce a lightening pigment called pheomelanin. You can mix licorice extract with other natural plant extracts like raspberry and aspen to get lighter underarms in just a few weeks. The results may vary depending on your skin condition. But this method is a lot safer than using bleaching chemicals that can damage your skin. You can easily buy the ingredients from a grocery store and make the mixture by yourself. Apply the mixture on the affected area and leave it there for 30-minutes to an hour before rinsing, or you can also leave it overnight.

2. Bleach with Lime Juice

   Lime juice has a natural bleaching property. Apply the juice on dark areas and let it dry for a few minutes. The mild acidity of the lime juice helps in getting rid of dark pigmentation and in cleansing the skin to make your underarms look lighter. The tingling sensation is a sign that the lime juice is working its way through your skin to lighten the dark spots.

3. Applying Vitamin E and Coconut Oil

   Mixing vitamin E with coconut oil and applying it on the affected area is another way of whitening dark underarms. You can buy vitamin E in capsule form at a drugstore. Break the capsule open with a pin or scissors and squeeze the oil out. Coconut oil is available at grocery stores so it really wouldn't be hard to find the ingredients. Coconut oil and vitamin E can help whiten dark spots caused by abrasion and chemical damage by stimulating the skin's natural healing process.

4. Potato Juice

   Potatoes have the ability to bleach the skin. Use potato juice to lighten dark underarms. Apply the juice on dark spots and leave it for a few hours or overnight. The mild pH level of potato juice prevents skin damage caused by other bleaching agents. You can also try mixing potato juice with baking soda to make a paste and to give it a stronger bleaching power.

5. Turmeric paste with lemon juice

   Turmeric does not only bring flavor to food but it can also help lighten dark underarms. Mix turmeric paste with lemon juice and apply it on your underarms. Leave on for a few minutes and rinse it with cold water and mild soap to completely remove the mixture. You can do this a few times a week until your underarms start to even out.

6. Grape seed oil mixed with a little salt

   Maybe your underarms just need a little scrubbing to remove the dead skin cells. Grape seed oil helps in whitening dark underarms. The addition of a pinch or so of salt will help in scrubbing off dead skin cells which may be the cause of the darkening. Apply the mixture on your underarms and scrub on a circular motion with the tips of your fingers for a minute or so. You can also use bath salt in place of regular salt.

7. Baking soda mixed with vinegar

   Baking soda and vinegar are two powerful natural bleaching agents. Mix the two ingredients to create a paste and apply it on your underarms. Leave it there for a few minutes and wash it off with cold water to help close the pores.

   It's hard to wear dresses, bathing suits and other sleeveless clothes with dark underarms. If you have this problem, it’s important to first examine the cause of the darkening before trying any treatment. Dark underarms can be caused by wearing very tight clothes, excessive perspiration, deodorants containing strong fragrances, strong soaps and other skin products that may not be suited for your skin type. If you have been using different products and natural remedies for dark underarms and not much has changed, consult the advice of a dermatologist or physician to determine whether it’s a skin condition that needs other forms of treatment.

Sources
wrongdiagnosis.com
healthmad.com
home-remedies-for-you.com
thebeautybrains.com
home-remedies-for-you.com