How to whiten dark under arms?

Dark underarms are not caused by any specific disorders and are not a sign of any harmful condition either. However, they are extremely unpleasant to look at and therefore a source of embarrassment, particularly if you have worn sleeveless clothes. Excessive perspiration, itchiness and an unpleasant body odor caused by sweat are the symptoms normally associated with dark underarms. Friction caused by the use of clothes, which are especially tight in the areas around the sleeves is considered to be the primary cause of dark underarms. This condition can also be caused due to excessive perspiration in the armpits or as a result of some skin infection or even due to an allergy brought on by a deodorant. In many cases women who prefer to shave their underarms, rather than get them waxed, are more likely to develop dark underarms. This occurs because the hair is not removed from the roots, and thereby leaves a dark shadow just under surface of the skin. There is also a possibility of in-growing hair. Dark underarms can also be caused due to the buildup of dead skin in the armpits.

If you are experiencing dark underarms, ensure that you wash them at least a couple of times daily and keep them dry and clean at all times. It is a good idea to refrain from using deodorants. Dusting some anti - fungal powder or even alum powder on your underarms would be very effective in keeping them dry. You can also opt to rub some baking powder on your underarms right after you have showered as this will help in reducing the perspiration which is one of the main causes of dark underarms. Studies have shown that vitamin E oil as well as coconut oil when applied to the underarms can be beneficial in lightening them considerably.

Wearing synthetic clothes, particularly during the summer, should be preferably avoided. It would be highly advisable for you to choose loose, cotton clothing, which does not create any friction against your underarms, thus enabling your skin the freedom to breathe. You can rub your underarms with some slices of lemon especially if they are excessively dark. Lemon has very powerful naturally occurring bleaching properties which can be used in lightening the skin of your underarms. An effective option is to prepare a paste using a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice mixed with a teaspoon of cucumber juice and a pinch of turmeric powder. Applying this paste over the affected area will help in reducing the darkening of the skin.

answered by G M

Dark Underarm Natural Treatment

Dark skin in the underarms is a minor problem and is not at all unusual. For most people, the skin in this area as well as on the elbows, knees, buttocks, groin, and sometimes the neck tends to be darker than the rest of the body. This is partly natural, and is sometimes exacerbated by factors such as friction. Wearing tight clothes that constantly chafe at the underarm skin may be one reason why your underarms are darker than the rest of your skin. Start wearing clothes that are slightly looser, at least under the arms, and see if there is any improvement. It will of course take a month for results to show, so you need to be patient.

One of the most common reasons for dark underarms in women is shaving. Shaving removes only the portion of the hair that is above the surface of the skin, and the remaining hair below the surface causes the skin to look dark. Waxing is more painful of course, but you should consider trying it at least once. If you find that it leaves your underarms substantially lighter than before, you may want to wax instead of shave. Other chemicals can also cause the skin to darken slightly, so you should limit your use of deodorants and antiperspirants too.

answered by M W