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Home Remedies for Dark Underarms: Natural Ways to Lighten Dark Armpits
Are dark underarms making you feel conscious and stopping you from wearing your favourite sleeveless outfits? This is a common concern complained of by many women. The good news is you have natural ingredients at hand that can help lighten the underarm area. Here we are with this ultimate guide to make your job easier. In this blog, we’ll explore the effective home remedies for dark underarms you can try to reduce the appearance of pigmentation [1] and prevent darkness. Continue reading to learn about the causes of dark underarms.
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What Causes Dark Underarms?
Your underarm skin may become darker for several reasons. There is no single factor contributing to this condition. Here is a rundown of the causes for dark underarms:
- Genetics
- Acanthosis Nigricans
- Deodorants
- Friction from Clothing
- Certain Medical Conditions
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Excessive Sweating
- Shaving or Waxing
- Fungal Infection
18 Natural Home Remedies for Dark Underarms
If you are looking for an effective solution for dark underarms, the internet is full of home remedies. However, please be careful that these home remedies may not suit you. Moreover, they are not scientifically proven and may not be safe. Hence, be cautious when trying these remedies. They may cause irritation, redness, rashes, skin sensitivity, or allergic reactions in some individuals. Always test it on a small area of your skin before trying it out. Additionally, consider the ingredients to select the one that suits you. Here are the most popular home remedies for dark underarms that have anecdotal evidence
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Potato Juice For Dark Underarms
Why it works: Potato juice has natural bleaching agents that help lighten the underarm skin.
How to use: Apply potato juice to your dark armpits using a cotton ball. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes and rinse off with cool water.
Frequency: Daily
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Baking Soda For Dark Underarms
Why it works: Baking soda contains exfoliating and bleaching agents that help lighten the dark underarms.
How to use: Form a thick paste by combining baking soda with rose water. Apply it gently to your underarms and scrub for 1-2 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Frequency: 2-3 times a week
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Aloe Vera For Dark Underarms
Why it works: Aloe vera [2] is a natural source of antioxidants that help reduce the pigmentation in the underarm area.
How to use: Apply fresh aloe vera gel to your dark armpits and let it dry for 15 minutes. Rinse it with lukewarm water.
Frequency: Daily
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Turmeric For Dark Underarms
Why it works: Turmeric [3] contains antioxidant properties that help lighten pigmentation and brighten the skin in the armpits.
How to use: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of turmeric with other ingredients like lemon juice, milk, or yoghurt. Apply this paste to your dark underarms and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Rinse it with warm or cold water.
Frequency: 2-3 times a week
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Lemon Juice For Dark Underarms
Why it works: Lemons have natural bleaching properties, which help lighten the dark underarm skin.
How to use: Dilute lemon juice by adding water to it. Now, apply this juice to your underarm area, and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Now, rinse it off with lukewarm or cold water.
Frequency: 4-5 times a week
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Coconut Oil For Dark Underarms
Why it works: The anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties of coconut oil can brighten, soften and nourish your underarm skin.
How to use: Take a few drops of coconut oil and apply to your armpits. Gently massage it, and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Frequency: 2-3 times a week
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Cucumber For Dark Underarms
Why it works: The high moisture content and bleaching properties of cucumber soothe, calm and brighten your underarm skin.
How to use: Rub freshly cut cucumber slices directly on the underarm area. As an alternate option, you can also apply fresh cucumber juice to your underarms using a cotton ball. Leave it for 10 minutes and rinse off with cool water.
Frequency: Daily
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Tea Tree Oil For Dark Underarms
Why it works: Tea tree oil contains antioxidant properties that help in brightening the underarm skin.
How to use: Combine 5 to 6 drops of tea tree oil with a cup of water and transfer the mixture to a spray bottle. Spray this mixture on your underarms daily before your shower and let it dry naturally.
Frequency: Daily
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Apple Cider Vinegar For Dark Underarms
Why it works: Apple cider vinegar has acetic, lactic and amino acids that help brighten the underarm skin.
How to use: Take a spray bottle and dilute 1 part apple cider vinegar by adding 2 parts water to it. Spray this diluted solution onto your clean underarms and leave it for 10 minutes. Then, rinse off with cold water.
Frequency: 2-3 times a week
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Olive Oil For Dark Underarms
Why it works: The antioxidant properties and exfoliating agents in olive oil help brighten, hydrate and nourish your underarm skin.
How to use: Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and apply this paste to your dampened underarm area. Scrub gently for 1-2 minutes, leave it on for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.
Frequency: 2-3 times a week
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Orange Peel For Dark Underarms
Why it works: The vitamin C in oranges helps lighten the dark underarms.
How to use: Mix powdered orange peel with rose water or milk. Apply this paste to your underarm area and gently scrub for 1-2 minutes. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse with cool water.
Frequency: 2-3 times a week
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Alum For Dark Underarms
Why it works: As a natural exfoliant, alum helps lighten the pigmentation in your underarm area.
How to use: Mix alum powder with water to form a thick paste. Apply this paste to your underarm area and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Then, rinse with water.
Frequency: 2-3 times a week
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Rosewater For Dark Underarms
Why it works: Rose water contains soothing and brightening properties that help brighten your underarm skin.
How to use: Combine rose water with baking soda or orange peel powder, and apply this paste to your underarms. Leave it on for 10 minutes, and then rinse with lukewarm water.
Frequency: 2 times a week
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Papaya For Dark Underarms
Why it works: Papain, the enzyme in papaya, [4] helps lighten your dark armpits.
How to use: Mash a ripe papaya into a paste and apply it to your underarms. Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
Frequency: 1–2 times a week
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Mint Leaves For Dark Underarms
Why it works: The antioxidants in mint leaves help reduce the appearance of pigmentation in your underarms.
How to use: Blend fresh mint leaves to form a paste. Now, apply this to your underarms, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with water.
Frequency: 2 times a week
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Sandalwood For Dark Underarms
Why it works: The skin-brightening properties of sandalwood [5] help reduce the pigmentation in your underarms.
How to use: Mix sandalwood powder with rose water or normal water, and apply this paste to your underarms. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse with water.
Frequency: 2-3 times a week
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Gram Flour For Dark Underarms
Why it works: Gram flour is a natural skin lightening agent that helps lighten your underarm skin.
How to use: Combine gram flour powder with milk and turmeric. Apply this paste to your underarms and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Then, rinse with lukewarm water.
Frequency: 2-3 times a week
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Multani Mitti For Dark Underarms
Why it works: The skin-lightening properties of multani mitti help reduce the pigmentation in your underarms.
How to use: Take 2 tablespoons of multani mitti and add a few drops of lemon juice and rose water to it. Apply this paste to your dark underarms and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Then, rinse with lukewarm water.
Frequency: 1-2 times a week
How Long Do Home Remedies Take to Show Results?
The time it takes to observe noticeable results is not the same for everyone. It varies from person to person depending on the severity of pigmentation, the individual’s skin type, the home remedy used and how your skin responds to it. Typically, it takes several weeks to months of consistent application to notice visible results.
How to Prevent Dark Underarms?
It is always wiser to prevent the condition beforehand than to treat it at its peak stage. Here are some preventive tips to follow:
- Wear fabrics or clothes that cause minimal friction and irritation to your skin.
- Use a mild chemical exfoliator and avoid harsh scrubbing or exfoliation.
- When shaving your underarms, always use shaving cream and change the razors frequently.
- Opt for a mild deodorant that moisturises your underarms and is alcohol-free and fragrance-free.
- Avoid excess waxing or shaving. Instead, opt for advanced options like laser hair removal.
When to See a Dermatologist?
You may be using the home remedies consistently for a course of time. However, you should see a dermatologist when:
- The darkness persists despite consistent application of home remedies.
- When you notice itching, rashes, or pain, in addition to darkened underarms.
- When the darkness or discolouration spreads to other areas of your body.
- If you are unsure about the cause of a sudden or severe darkening in your armpits.
Consult a dermatologist immediately who can identify the underlying reason and recommend a safe and effective treatment to address the darkness.
Takeaway
Dark underarms are a common concern. It doesn’t have to be a grave issue and shouldn’t stop you from wearing what you want. There are different ways to prevent and treat dark underarms. Advanced treatments are available to address the darkening or discolouration. For a tailored solution that works just for you, visit your nearest Oliva Clinics today. Our expert dermatologists diagnose the root cause and suggest a personalised treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions On Home Remedies for Dark Underarms
Having dark underarms is a natural phenomenon and is often observed in many individuals. Factors like friction from clothing, excessive shaving, deodorants, or hormonal changes can cause darkening in the underarms.
Reducing the appearance of darkness is not a quick fix. You need dermatologist-led treatments to achieve visible and safe results, which may take a few months.
Home remedies do not offer significant results. It takes a few weeks to months to notice mild improvement from the home remedies. Moreover, their safety, efficacy and long-lasting results have not been clinically proven.
Based on the severity of the discolouration, dermatologists at Oliva may recommend advanced treatments like chemical peels, laser toning, and biorepeel.
Home remedies using ingredients like lemon, turmeric, and aloe vera are popular in Indian homes. However, they lack scientific backing and offer only temporary or minimal results.
It is not possible to permanently get rid of pigmentation using home remedies. You need in-clinic treatments recommended by dermatologists for long-lasting results.
It is not possible to conceal dark underarms without makeup. One of the best things you can do is wear clothing that does not reveal your underarms.
Yes, shaving frequently can irritate your skin and eventually lead to pigmentation or darkening in the underarm area.
Avoid harsh chemicals, bleaching agents and deodorants or antiperspirants with chemical irritants. They may worsen your pigmentation or cause skin irritation.
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