Dark underarms can be a source of embarrassment and insecurity for many people. They can make you feel uncomfortable in certain clothing and prevent you from wanting to raise your arms in public. But dark underarms don’t have to be a permanent issue. With a few simple changes to your skincare routine, you can help to lighten and brighten your underarms and restore your self-confidence. This article will explore 16 home remedies that can help you naturally get rid of dark underarms.
Common Causes of Dark Underarms
Various factors can cause dark underarms. Let’s explore the most common causes in detail:
- Shaving or hair removal methods: Regular shaving or using hair removal creams can lead to darkening of the underarm area. These methods might cause irritation, inflammation, and the accumulation of dead skin cells, which can contribute to the dark appearance.
- Friction: Friction between the skin of the underarms and clothing can cause darkening over time. This is more likely to occur in individuals who wear tight or rough fabrics regularly.
- Hyperpigmentation: Excessive production of melanin (the pigment responsible for skin color) can lead to hyperpigmentation in the underarm area, resulting in darker skin.
- Deodorants and antiperspirants: Some deodorants and antiperspirants contain chemicals that can react with the skin and cause discoloration.
- Poor hygiene: Inadequate cleaning of the underarm area may lead to the accumulation of sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells, which can contribute to darkening.
- Obesity or excessive weight: Overweight individuals may experience friction in the underarm area due to skin folds, leading to darkening.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as acanthosis nigricans, hormonal imbalances, and diabetes, can also cause dark underarms.
16 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Dark Underarms
If you want to get rid of your dark underarms with natural home remedies, here are some of the items that you should get from your kitchen:
1. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains citric acid, a natural bleaching agent that helps lighten dark underarms. It also acts as an exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover.
- Cut a lemon in half and squeeze out the juice.
- Apply the lemon juice directly to your underarms.
- Gently massage the juice into the skin for a few minutes.
- Leave it on for about 10 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water and pat dry.
2. Potato
Potato contains an enzyme called catecholase, which has natural bleaching properties. It helps lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark underarms.
- Cut a potato into thick slices.
- Rub a potato slice directly on your underarms for a few minutes.
- Alternatively, extract the potato juice by grating the potato and squeezing out the juice.
- Dip a cotton ball into the potato juice and apply it to your underarms.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water and pat dry.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda can be a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. It helps lighten dark underarms by gently scrubbing the accumulated dead skin cells and impurities.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to your underarms and gently scrub in circular motions for a few minutes.
- Rinse it off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this remedy two to three times a week for best results.
4. Cucumber
Cucumber has natural skin-lightening properties and acts as a mild astringent. It helps soothe the skin and reduce the appearance of dark underarms.
- Cut thick slices of cucumber.
- Rub a cucumber slice directly on your underarms for a few minutes.
- Alternatively, extract the cucumber juice by blending or grating the cucumber and squeezing out the juice.
- Dip a cotton ball into the cucumber juice and apply it to your underarms.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water and pat dry.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, which help nourish and moisturize the skin. Regular coconut oil can help lighten dark underarms and keep the skin hydrated.
- Take a small amount of coconut oil in your palms.
- Massage the coconut oil onto your underarms in circular motions for a few minutes.
- Leave it on overnight.
- In the morning, rinse it off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this remedy daily for the best results.
6. Orange Peel
Orange peel contains natural bleaching agents and vitamin C, which help lighten dark underarms and promote skin rejuvenation.
- Collect some orange peels and dry them in the sun until they become crisp.
- Grind the dried orange peels into a fine powder.
- Mix the orange peel powder with enough rose water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to your underarms.
- Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water and pat dry.
7. Milk
Milk contains lactic acid, which can act as a natural exfoliant to help lighten the skin. In addition, it also moisturizes and softens the skin, leaving it smooth and supple.
- Soak a cotton ball in milk.
- Apply the milk-soaked cotton ball to your underarms.
- Gently massage it into the skin for a few minutes.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this remedy daily for effective results.
8. Gram Flour
Gram flour has skin-lightening properties and helps remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and impurities from the underarm area.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of gram flour with enough yogurt to form a paste.
- Add a pinch of turmeric powder to the paste and mix well.
- Apply the paste to your underarms.
- Let it dry for about 20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this remedy two to three times a week.
9. Sandalwood
Sandalwood has skin-lightening and soothing properties. It helps reduce skin pigmentation and calms any irritation or inflammation.
- Mix sandalwood powder with enough rose water to form a paste.
- Apply the sandalwood paste to your underarms.
- Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water and pat dry.
- Regular use of sandalwood paste will help lighten your underarms.
10. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel has moisturizing, healing, and skin-lightening properties. It helps soothe the skin and reduce the appearance of dark underarms.
- Extract fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe vera leaf.
- Apply the gel to your underarms.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this remedy daily for visible results.
11. Yogurt
Yogurt contains lactic acid, which helps exfoliate the skin and lighten dark underarms. It also has soothing properties that can help reduce irritation and inflammation.
- Take plain yogurt and apply it directly to your underarms.
- Gently massage it into the skin for a few minutes.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this remedy two to three times a week for best results.
12. Almond Oil
Almond oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, which help nourish the skin and lighten dark underarms. It also has moisturizing properties that keep the skin hydrated.
- Take a small amount of almond oil in your palms.
- Massage the oil onto your underarms for a few minutes.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this remedy daily for effective results.
13. Tomato Juice
Tomato juice contains natural bleaching agents and antioxidants that can help lighten dark underarms. It also helps tighten the skin and reduce pore size.
- Extract fresh tomato juice.
- Apply the tomato juice to your underarms using a cotton ball.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this remedy daily or a few times a week for visible results.
14. Saffron
Saffron has skin-lightening properties and helps improve skin complexion. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce irritation and redness.
- Soak a few strands of saffron in milk for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Apply the saffron-infused milk to your underarms.
- Gently massage it into the skin for a few minutes.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this remedy two to three times a week for best results.
15. Green Tea
Green tea contains antioxidants that help lighten dark underarms and reduce skin pigmentation. It also has a soothing effect on the skin.
- Brew a cup of green tea and let it cool down.
- Apply a cotton ball to the green tea to your underarms.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this remedy daily or a few times a week for effective results.
16. Oatmeal Scrub
Oatmeal acts as a gentle exfoliant and helps remove dead skin cells, dirt, and impurities from the underarm area. It also helps soothe and moisturize the skin.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with enough yogurt to form a paste.
- Apply the oatmeal paste to your underarms.
- Gently scrub in circular motions for a few minutes.
- Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this remedy two to three times a week for best results.
How to Prevent Dark Underarms?
1. Avoid Irritants
Deodorants, antiperspirants, and other skin care products can irritate and darken your underarms. To prevent this, avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals and opt for natural or hypoallergenic alternatives.
2. Exfoliate Regularly
Dead skin cells can accumulate in your underarm area and cause darkness. You should regularly use a gentle scrub or exfoliating cloth to prevent this. This will help remove the buildup of dead skin cells and reduce the darkness in your underarms.
3. Wear Loose Clothing
Tight clothes can cause rubbing and irritation in your underarm area. This can lead to the darkening of the skin. To prevent this, wear loose–fitting clothing to allow your skin to breathe.
4. Use Sunscreen
Sun exposure can cause darkening of the skin. To prevent this, you should use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 outdoors. Make sure to cover your underarms as well.
5. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential for overall skin health. Drinking plenty of water helps moisturize your skin and prevents it from darkening.
6. Apply Natural Masks
Natural ingredients like yogurt, lemon juice, and honey can help lighten and brighten your underarms. To use them, mix the ingredients together, apply the mixture to your underarms, and leave it on for 15–20 minutes before washing it off.
