The way we take care of our armpits is not the same for everyone. Some people choose to do their hair proud , while others never miss a laser date . Some people prefer to spray an antiperspirant rather than using a natural stick deodorant . There is also a difference in the way people approach hyperpigmentation, or dark skin, under the armpits. This natural (and very common) phenomenon can leave some people indifferent, while others are looking for a way to unify the skin in this area. As they say, everyone has their own thing.
If you're looking to lighten the skin under your armpits, you've probably come across a few time-lapse videos on Instagram of quick do-it-yourself tricks like lemon face masks and sugar scrubs. But are these natural ingredients really effective? We therefore turned to dermatologists to answer all of our questions about underarm hyperpigmentation.
Why do armpits darken?
Darkening of the skin in the armpits is very common and can occur for a number of reasons. Many people develop dark pigmentation under the armpits, similar to the darker skin of the knees, elbows, groin, neck or lower abdomen.” Dark pigmentation under the arms can be genetic, as can many other skin changes. People with darker skin are more likely to have dark armpits because they are more prone to hyperpigmentation.
Your health can also play a role in skin changes. Science has established a correlation between pigmentation and diabetes, and darker underarm can sometimes be seen as a warning sign for this condition. “Studies have shown that people with diabetes have a greater propensity to be affected because insulin can interfere with skin pigmentation.” A similar insulin imbalance can cause darkening of the skin in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) , a disorder that affects hormones and can ultimately cause skin overgrowth.. Either way, the darkening of your armpits could be due to a phenomenon called acanthosis nigricans , and you should see a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
In addition to genetics and underlying health issues, there are a few external factors that can cause the area to darken. Deodorants and antiperspirants contain ingredients that can irritate the skin, and any inflammation can cause the skin to thicken - and darken - over time. “Many antiperspirants use aluminum as an active ingredient.” It clogs the sweat glands and in doing so irritates the skin. Other ingredients to watch out for are fragrance and alcohol, both of which can be harsh on sensitive skin types . Another source of irritation is your razor. The shaving , especially on a dry skin or with a dull blade, can cause the skin to darken and thicken over time.
How to lighten your armpits?
While the dermatologists we consulted recommend natural home remedies to even out the skin under the arms, they urge patients to be careful with the ingredients used. “As a dermatologist, I usually see disasters.” It's like a YouTube video gone wrong.
The biggest DIY mistake that both professionals often see is over-exfoliating. While raw sugar scrub might seem like a good idea, it will only irritate the area further, causing further thickening if you overdo it. We advise avoiding aggressive scrubs sold in stores and containing sharp particles, which could cause micro-abrasions.
Instead, we recommend a chemical exfoliation at home, twice a week. “Take a tablespoon of lemon juice (which works as a lightening agent), a tablespoon of aloe vera, and mix them together. Apply this mixture to your armpits and leave on for 10 minutes, then wash normally." While this recipe includes lemon juice, you should still be careful about using acidic ingredients in DIY skin recipes . You want to mix citrus fruits with mild ingredients to balance their potency; when used alone, they can irritate sensitive skin and make the area more vulnerable to the sun.
We also recommend a cucumber and aloe vera mask to nourish the layers of thickened skin. “The silica [contained in cucumber] stimulates the growth and preservation of connective tissue in our skin. Aloe vera is rich in moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, and it contains a depigmenting element, aloin". The cooling properties of cucumber and aloe vera - both of which are mostly water - also work to hydrate the skin.
If you don't notice any changes after a few days, we suggest seeing a dermatologist to determine if you need a more potent treatment that isn't in your fridge, such as a topical retinol cream or a professional peel.
How to prevent darkening of the armpits?
In terms of preventive measures, it is a question of avoiding irritation. It is important to treat the skin of the armpits as you would the skin of the face. So, if you have sensitive armpit skin, look for natural deodorants that are free from perfumes, aluminum and alcohols. If you're looking for an immediate fix, there are even tinted deodorants like the Joban Beauty brand that temporarily cover up dark underarms while wicking away sweat (so you don't have to worry about the tinted formula dripping onto your favorite tank top).
Another suggestion: If you want the area to be free of hair, consider laser hair removal , which removes irritation from excessive shaving. If a series of laser appointments is over budget and you still want to get rid of underarm hair, you can re-evaluate the way you shave. It is important to moisturize the hair and skin with a conditioned shaving cream to reduce tightness and friction. You should also avoid dull razor blades that require repeated passes and be sure to shave in the direction of hair growth, which is most often upwards, so as not to pull on the follicle.
Dark armpits are nothing fancy, as as the dermatologists pointed out. If you want to lighten this area, which is your personal choice, it is important to remember that all of your skin should be treated with care, including your armpits.
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