Dark underarms are the most common beauty problem that many women face. Up to 7 out of 10 women are severely suffering from black underarms. Many fair skinned women too have dark underarms that make them self conscious of their appearance when raising their arms and wearing sleeveless tops. Dressing, of course, has immense influence on our confidence levels. So, modern women must not let anything restrict themselves to pick and wear the attire of their choice.
There are several causes for underarm discolouration, and the treatment of the problem fully relies on the cause. Here we have jotted down a few common causes.
• Hair removal by hair removing creams or shaving may give the armpits a discoloured and dark appearance. Neither hair removing creams nor shaving removes hair from its roots.
• Tight dresses, especially made of synthetic material can cause friction between cloth and skin and thus lead to dark underarms.
• Discoloration of underarm can be caused due to a medical condition known as acanthosis nigricans, which is related to some glandular disorder or insulin production.
• A bacterial infection called erythrasma can be a culprit in producing black underarms.
• Regular use of antiperspirants or deodorants can cause discoloured underarms.
Dark armpits are not a disease or medical condition. They can be caused due to the skin’s response to exposure to various elements, similar to a suntan that formulates from exposure to the sun’s U.V rays. One can easily get rid of dark armpits using simple home remedies that are effective, safe, affordable and natural.
The best home remedies for dark underarms must include potato. Potato is rich in Vitamin C, potassium, thiamine, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, phosphorous, iron and zinc. The malic acid property present in potatoes is an outstanding natural bleaching agent. Potato contains starch, a product with emollient properties that smooth the skin. It can help get rid of puffiness around the eyes.
The presence of antioxidants in potatoes helps to remove stretch marks. At first thinly slice a potato and then gently rub a thin slice of potato on the underarms. Or, you can grate five potatoes to extract the juice. Then gently apply the potato juice on the affected area. Leave it for 20-25 minutes and thereafter wash it off with warm water. Use either of these two remedies once daily for better and faster results.
The best home remedies for dark skin should include lemon. Lemon acts as natural bleach and a powerful antiseptic and antibacterial agent. It is a great source of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and Vitamin C. The presence of Vitamin C in lemon helps remove the dark circles. Another name of Vitamin C is ascorbic acid that enhances the production of collagen. Lemon can dry out the skin, so apply a good moisturizer after using these remedies if needed.
Gently rub a lemon wedge on the skin for 20 minutes to lighten the underarms and remove dead skin cells. After 20 minutes, wash the area thoroughly. For better exfoliation, one can sprinkle a little sugar on the fresh lemon wedge and then use it. Do this once daily until you reach the desired results.
Alternatively one can mix a little turmeric powder, honey and plain yogurt in one cup of lemon juice and gently apply the paste on the underarms. Then leave the paste on the skin for about 15 minutes and thereafter rinse it off with cold water. Repeat the remedy three or four times a day until you reach the desired results.
The best home remedies for underarm whitening must include orange peel. Orange peels can be effectively used to lighten the skin under the arms, thanks to their exfoliating and skin lightening properties. Orange peel also helps remove the yellow mark from the teeth. Orange peel is rich in Vitamin C, fiber, folate, Vitamin B1, copper, pantothenic acid and calcium.
It prevents cancer, diabetes, heart diseases and also boosts the immune system. Various other health benefits of orange peel include reduction of weight, better digestion, fight infection, cure hangovers, relieve bronchitis and treat bad breath. At first cut the orange into a minimum of five pieces and then gradually peel the skin from each piece of orange and put them separately. Put some fresh orange peels in the sun for eight days until they dry out fully.
Then grind the dried orange peels into powder form. Mix three tea spoons of powdered orange peels with sufficient milk and rose water to make a thick paste. Gently scrub the underarms with the thick orange peel paste and leave it on the skin for about 15-20 minutes. Thereafter wash the area with cool water. Repeat this same process three or four times a week until you reach the expected results.
The best home remedies for skin whitening must include cucumber. Cucumbers have natural bleaching properties that immensely help lighten discoloured skin. Cucumber is an outstanding source of Vitamin C, molybdenum, Vitamin K, pantothenic acid, potassium, copper, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, Vitamin B1 and biotin.
Regular eating of cucumbers help prevent cancer, fight inflammation, manage stress, support the digestive health, reduce the risk of stroke and also aid in maintaining a healthy weight. At first gently rub a thin cucumber slice on the underarms. Or, you can grate a cucumber to extract the juice and then gently apply the cucumber juice under the arms. Do this twice daily until you are completely satisfied with the results.
Alternatively you can mix the cucumber juice with a little lemon juice and turmeric powder and apply the paste to the underarms. Leave it on the skin for 25 minutes and thereafter rinse it off with lukewarm water. Use the remedy three or four times a week until you are fully satisfied with the results.
The best home remedies for natural skin whitening should include baking soda. Baking soda can be effectively used to produce an exfoliating scrub to get rid of excessive dark armpits. This will help remove damaged skin cells, which is one of the major causes of dark armpits. It will also help unclog the skin pores. Baking soda is an important beauty ingredient that acts as a deodorant by reducing body odor.
It can lower the problems of acne and can effectively make the hands softer. At first mix water and baking soda to make a thick paste. Gently apply the paste to scrub the underarms. Leave it on the skin for 25 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat the remedy three or four times a week until you are fully satisfied with the results.
The best natural home remedies for dark armpits must include coconut oil. It is a great source of saturated fats, proteins, caprylic acid and Vitamin E. The presence of Vitamin E in coconut oil helps lighten the underarms. It also acts as an effective natural deodorant. It is an exfoliant that removes excess damaged skin cells and clean out whatever substances have blocked the pores.
Coconut oil is very good for several skin disorders like psoriasis, acne and eczema. Gently massage the dark armpits with little coconut oil. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes. Thereafter rinse it off with mild soap and lukewarm water. Repeat this remedy three or four times regularly until you reach the desired results.
The best home remedies for whitening skin should include milk. The presence of fatty acids, minerals and vitamins in milk can help minimize the underarm darkening. The presence of lactic acid in milk immensely helps to improve the skin health. Lactic acid exfoliates dry, dead surface of the skin and also enhances the production of collagen. Milk is a great source of Caprylic Acid, which helps maintain the proper pH balance for our skin.
Mix three teaspoons of flour, two table spoons of full-fat milk and two tea spoons of fresh yogurt to make a thick paste. Gently apply the paste on the underarms and leave it on the skin for 20 minutes and thereafter rinse it off with cool water. Repeat this remedy three times a week on a daily basis.
Alternatively you can soak a couple of strands of saffron in three teaspoons of milk for about 15-20 minutes. You can also add two teaspoons of honey to the mixture. Gently apply the mixture on the dark armpits. Then leave it on the skin for at least 25 to 30 minute before wash it off with lukewarm water. Use this remedy daily until you are completely satisfied with the results.
Follow these remedies as needed to get rid of dark armpits and flaunt your beauty in front of the world without any inhibition.
Manoja Kalakanti