Dark Underarms

If you have dark underarms, what is the first thing you do? Do you rub lemon on them or use a scrub? If so, you might actually be worsening the problem instead of fixing it.

In this article, we will explore why underarms darken, safe home remedies you can try, things you should completely avoid, and when clinical treatment might be necessary. So, let’s get started.

Friends, it is completely normal for the skin in the underarm area to be slightly darker than the rest of the body, as the skin there folds and rubs against itself. Take elbows, for instance; they, too, are slightly darker than the rest of the arm because the skin in that area bends repeatedly. Therefore, if your underarms are just a shade or two darker, there is generally no need to do anything about it.

Causes

Let’s understand why underarms darken. A common cause is friction. Excess weight causes layers of skin to rub against each other repeatedly. Wearing tight clothing can also increase friction. Additionally, if the skin is loose, constant rubbing in that area can lead to pigmentation over time.

Another cause can be ‘post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.’ Simply put, when the skin experiences irritation or injury, a dark mark may remain even after healing. In the case of underarms, hair removal is a common culprit. With waxing, the use of hot wax and the pulling of strips can irritate or injure the skin. Some people may also experience irritation from hair removal creams. Sometimes redness is clearly visible, while at other times, pigmentation develops gradually without any obvious redness.

A third cause could be irritation from deodorants. Some deodorants contain alcohol or strong fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin. Since the underarm area tends to retain sweat and moisture, such irritation can eventually lead to pigmentation.

A fourth reason is a lack of proper skin care. Many people use glycolic toners, scrubs, or home remedies to lighten their underarms. While the skin might look better initially, if a product causes irritation, the resulting inflammation can actually worsen the darkening.

And the fifth reason is ‘Acanthosis Nigricans.’ This condition can be linked to insulin resistance, which is also associated with a future risk of Type 2 diabetes. Therefore, if the skin becomes thick and velvety alongside the darkening, it is crucial to identify and treat the underlying cause rather than simply addressing the pigmentation.

What Not To Do

Now that we understand the potential causes of underarm darkening, it is also important to know what can aggravate the issue , in other words, what you should avoid.

First, if you experience irritation or pigmentation (discoloration) after waxing, stop waxing altogether. Whether it is hot wax, cold wax, strip wax, or chocolate wax, they all carry a risk of friction and irritation.

Second, do not use hair removal creams if they cause irritation, redness, or chafing.

Third, if you shave, always shave in the direction of hair growth; shaving against the grain increases the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs, and repeated irritation can further worsen darkening.

Additionally, avoid applying just anything to your underarms in the name of home remedies.

What To Do

So, we’ve covered what *not* to do; now let’s discuss practical ways to keep your underarm skin in good condition.

First, minimize friction. Wear loose, breathable clothing ,especially if tight garments are causing rubbing or irritation. Synthetic fabrics trap sweat and moisture against the skin, so if you experience irritation or itching, it is better to opt for breathable fabrics.

Second, moisturize your underarm skin. Many people skip this step entirely, but a lightweight, non-comedogenic (pore friendly) moisturizer can help maintain the skin’s protective barrier and reduce dryness and irritation.

Third, use a mild soap or cleanser for washing; there is no need to scrub repeatedly with a loofah or scrub brush. While scrubbing might temporarily remove dead skin and make the area appear slightly lighter, excessive scrubbing can cause irritation and worsen pigmentation.

Fourth, if deodorant causes irritation, you can switch to an alcohol-free and fragrance-free roll-on. Products containing ingredients like niacinamide, kojic acid, or licorice extract can help reduce pigmentation over time.

 However, it is important to understand that a roll-on is not an instant fix; consistent use and controlling irritation are essential to see improvement.

Creams And Ingredients

Now, let’s discuss ingredients that help gradually improve pigmentation.

The first is glycolic acid. Low-concentration glycolic acid products can be used on the underarms; however, applying too much or using them too frequently will not yield better results. In fact, doing so can cause irritation and potentially worsen the pigmentation. 

Therefore, perform a patch test before starting use, and discontinue if you experience irritation, redness, or itching. Glycolic acid exfoliates the skin’s surface, which can lead to an improvement in pigmentation over time. Patience is key here, as it may take a few months to see results.

Another option is lactic acid. It is also an exfoliating ingredient and is generally considered milder than glycolic acid. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation, a low-strength lactic acid product could be a good choice. However, if the underarm area is already irritated or affected by ingrown hairs, treating that irritation takes precedence.

One more important point,  if the underarm skin has not only darkened but also become significantly thick and velvety in texture, relying solely on brightening creams is not the right approach. In such cases, it is crucial to identify the underlying cause, such as Acanthosis Nigricans. Managing your weight and following a proper skincare routine can play a vital role, and in some instances, a dermatologist might recommend clinical treatments.

Clinic Treatments

If home care isn’t yielding sufficient improvement, let’s look at the treatment options available at the clinic.

The first option is light chemical peels. These gently remove the skin’s upper layer and can help gradually reduce pigmentation. The number of sessions required depends on the pigmentation and skin type, though multiple sessions are often needed.

The second option is the Q-switched laser. In some cases, it can be used to treat underarm pigmentation, particularly when the skin is not thick or velvety in texture and pigmentation is the primary issue. Here too, the number of sessions required can vary from person to person.

A third option is laser hair reduction. While it does not directly treat underarm darkening, it can be indirectly quite beneficial. Reduced hair growth minimizes the need for waxing, frequent shaving, or hair removal products. This reduces recurrent irritation, which is one of the factors that can aggravate pigmentation.

Underarm hair tends to be coarse, making laser hair reduction a useful option for this area. However, keep in mind that the goal is not permanent, total hair removal, but rather a long-term reduction in hair growth. Multiple sessions may be required, and some hair may grow back over time, though it is usually finer or thinner than before.

Additionally, always undergo treatments like laser therapy or chemical peels under the supervision of a qualified dermatologist; incorrect treatment or settings can increase irritation and worsen pigmentation issues.

When To See A Doctor

However, there are certain signs that should not be ignored.

First, if the skin in the underarm area has clearly darkened and this darkening is increasing over time, it is best to consult a doctor.

Second, if the darkened skin feels thick and velvety, it could be *Acanthosis Nigricans*, a condition linked to insulin resistance. You should get examined by a doctor, especially if similar darkening appears in the folds of the neck or other parts of the body; a blood test may also be recommended if necessary.

Third, if a distinct border or line is visible between the normal skin and the darkened area, it could be due to a bacterial or fungal infection. Sometimes, such infections do not present with itching or other obvious symptoms.

 Therefore, instead of attempting self-treatment based solely on the skin darkening, it is important to first understand the underlying cause.