Do you suffer from dark underarms?

Do you long to wear those sleeveless outfits you set your heart on this summer?

Ready to raise those hands and praise the Lord?

Well, hopefully, this post will solve some of your problems.

If you suffer from armpit discoloration and darkening do NOT be alarmed. Many people have this same “condition” and it’s pretty standard. I will say, though it may be embarrassing you are not alone. Hyperpigmentation under the arms is not a medical problem and therefore does not require treatment. When I say treatment I mean things along the lines of surgery and or medication. While that may be required for “some” individuals in most cases changing a few things in your daily routine can help you with the lightening process.

Discoloration of the skin pigment may actually be caused by the accumulation of dead skin cells under the armpit. Hormonal imbalance and or hygiene products may be the culprit.

During the normal desquamation process, new skin cells are produced deep in the epidermis layer of the skin and then travel up to the surface. These new cells push the dead cells off, causing them to flake off and be replaced with new skin. When this process is slowed down or interrupted, dead skin cells build up on the skin’s surface.

Have you ever cleaned under your arms and noticed it was harder to glide the washcloth? Like it was stuck in “mud”? Or maybe it felt like you probably used too much deodorant. This along with your clothing choice could cause the skin to darken. Kinda like a really good face beat that will last ALL day. Hence the package label informs you of a 48-hour freshness.

While we all love a good roll-on deodorant, the first step to combatting darkened pits may be the easiest. Swap out your roll-on for an anti-presperiant spray instead and see if that helps. This will allow you to get a more in-depth cleanse of your underarm and release the sticky dye from your clothing.

What Causes Dark Underarms?

1. Antiperspirants/Deodorants contain significant amounts of alcohol. Often times alcohol reacts with the skin and causes irritation. This can cause burning of the skin in the process. As a result, the skin appears discolored and darkened.
2. Shaving should be a safe hygiene practice, although it might cause underarm darkening. The shaving process consists of the removal of the topmost protective layer of the skin. This leads to exposure of the skin to harsh substances, perspiration, dust, and other foreign particles. These particles may irritation of the skin.
3. Friction Due to tight clothes often results in irritation to the skin. Supposedly we are required to wash new clothes before wearing them. (Who does that?) This is because these items contain dyes that may cause allergic reactions and “STAINING”. Cotton cloth me, please.
4. Obesity or being overweight would cause you to be prone to acanthosis nigricans, which is a skin condition characterized by dark, velvety patches in body folds and creases. It typically affects the armpits, groin, and neck.

If the darkening causes a cosmetic concern, there are different medical and at-home remedies you can try to achieve an even skin tone. These changes and self-care measures can help lighten dark underarms and pause hyperpigmentation:

1. Wax instead of shaving.
2. Shave properly.
3. Use an anti-perspiring spray.
4. Exfoliate your skin.
5. Wear loose-fitting clothing.
6. Lose weight.
7. Maintain underarm hygiene.

Dark underarms are not a health risk, but they are often a source of aesthetic concern for many people. It is important to take care of your underarm skin, similar to all other body parts. Making changes in your skin hygiene routine, dietary habits, and lifestyle can help improve those minor issues.