KESEHATAN
A dark underarm can be embarrassing, it can also cause itching, body odor and irritation. Some of the main causes of dark underarms are shaving, regular use of hair removing creams, excessive sweating, poor ventilation of underarms, accumulation of dead skin cells, and use of alcohol-based deodorants and antiperspirants.
However, at times dark underarms may also be as a result of a medical condition that is known as acanthosis nigricans which is often associated with insulin resistance, obesity, hormonal disorders, certain medications, and cancer.
You can easily get rid of dark underarms using simple home remedies that are safe, effective, natural and affordable. However, if your dark underarms are caused by acanthosis nigricans then you must consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Home Remedies for Dark Underarms
1. Lemon
Lemon works as a natural bleach and a powerful antibacterial and antiseptic agent. This is why lemon is used in the treatment of various skin-related problems including dark underarms. Lemon can dry out your skin, so apply a moisturizer after using these remedies if needed.
To remove dead skin cells and lighten your underarms, rub a lemon wedge on the skin for a few minutes. Leave the juice on your skin for about 10 minutes and then wash the area thoroughly. For better exfoliation, you can sprinkle a little sugar on the lemon wedge and then use it. Do this a few times a week.
Another option is to mix a little turmeric powder, honey or plain yogurt in some lemon juice and apply it to your underarms. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and then wash it off. Repeat three or four times a week.
2. Potato
Potatoes are one of the best natural bleaching agents, therefore very effective in treating dark underarms. It has mild acids that won’t irritate your skin. Simply rub a thin slice of potato on your underarms. You can also grate the potato and apply the juice to the affected area, allow it to dry for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
Use either of these remedies twice daily for better and faster results.
3. Cucumber
Cucumber is another natural ingredient that has skin lightening properties, just like potatoes. Simply rub a thin cucumber slice on your underarms or grate a cucumber and apply the juice under your arms. Do this once or twice daily until you are satisfied with the results.
Another option is to extract the juice from a cucumber and mix it with a little turmeric powder and lemon juice. Apply this paste on the affected area. Leave it on for 30 minutes, and then wash it off with water. Repeat this home remedy once daily or every other day for best results.
4. Orange Peel
Oranges contain bleaching / exfoliating properties that help to lighten the dark underarms, and also can be
used as a natural deodorant. It acts as a natural scrub for your armpits and prevents the darkness by removing the dead skin cells. Put some orange peels in the sun for a few days until they dry out completely. Grind the dried peels into powder form. Mix two teaspoons of powdered orange peels with enough rose water and milk to make a thick paste. Gently scrub your underarms with the paste and then leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Finally, wash the area with cold water. Repeat the process two or three times a week.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent scrub that makes your underarms look white and bright! It also prevents your body odour so you can avoid using deodorants and anti-perspirants. It is an excellent exfoliate that helps to get rid of the dead and damaged cells, and also kills germs. Mix baking soda and water to make a thick paste. Use this paste to scrub your underarms. Wash it off and pat dry the area thoroughly. Repeat a few times a week.
6. Sandalwood
Sandalwood is a great remedy to whiten dark underarms. It is also very fragrant and helps in eliminating body odors that are caused by excessive sweating. Mix two tablespoons of sandalwood powder and sufficient rose water to make a thick paste. Apply the paste on your underarms. Leave it on for about 15 minutes or until it dries, and then wash it off with cold water. When repeated daily, this remedy will lighten the skin tone of your underarms within a few days.
7. Vinegar
Vinegar can also come to your rescue when you wish to get rid of your dark underarms. This remedy will not only lighten the skin color, but will also kill germs and bacteria that feed on dead skin cells causing underarm odor. Mix rice flour with vinegar to form a thick paste. Take a hot shower and then apply this paste on your underarms. Allow the paste to dry for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water.
Repeat a few times a week.
8. Milk
The vitamins and fatty acids present in milk can help minimize underarm darkening. It will soften the skin and make the skin tone much lighter. Mix two tablespoons of full fat milk, one tablespoon flour and one teaspoon of pain yogurt to make a thick paste. Apply it on your underarms and leave it on for about 15 minutes before wash it off with cold water. Repeat a few times a week on a regular basis.
Another option is to soak a couple of strands of saffron in two teaspoons of milk for 15 to 20 minutes. You can also add a little honey. Apply the mixture on your underarms and leave it on for at least 20 to 30 minutes before washing it off. Follow this remedy daily until you are satisfied with the results.
9. Gram Flour
Another great ingredient to get rid of dark underarms is gram flour, also known as besan. You can use gram flour to make a homemade whitening pack. Mix together two tablespoons of gram flour, one teaspoon each of plain yogurt and lemon juice, and a little turmeric powder to make a thick paste. Apply this paste on your underarms. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water. Follow this remedy daily for two weeks. Then repeat three times a week until you get the desired results.
