Skin discoloration can literally occur on any of your body parts but is especially prevalent on the armpits. In fact, a lot of people tend to experience darkened underarms, and most consider it to be quite an embarrassing thing to deal with. Women often have the worst of it, as the discoloration becomes even more visible after shaving the armpits.
The good news is that there’s a wide variety of available products that are designed to whiten discolored underarms, and when applied, they leave behind an even skin tone. However, it’s important to start by finding out what exactly is the cause of the discoloration, and the specific treatment or remedy required to correct the condition.
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Why Underarms Become Discolored?
It can come as quite a shock when you first notice discoloration on your armpits, and usually, the first thing that comes to mind is; what can I do to make this go away? Used on their own, topical lotions are quite ineffective because they don’t address the underlying cause.
For example, if the cause of the discoloration is skin irritation, then you need to heal that first. Some of the leading causes of irritation include the application of harsh chemicals on the area through your deodorant, waxing product or lotion. Perhaps you’re even plucking hairs, which can be a major cause of irritation. So, you need to figure out what part of your armpit grooming routine is causing the irritation and discoloration.
Another possible cause of armpit discoloration is underarm hyperpigmentation, which basically refers to a melanin build up on the armpits which gives a darker color.
Other causes include:
- The development of new cells, which tend to push off the old cells that are trapped inside the armpit pockets
- Accumulation of dead skin cells
When Do You Need Underarm Whitening Lotion?
If you feel embarrassed about having uncharacteristically dark underarm skin then you should use a whitening lotion. You can also use it during the summer months where you’ll be wearing more revealing tops and dresses. Some prefer to put the lotion all year round, as having dark armpit skin affects their confidence levels.
How to Get Rid of Underarm Discoloration?
The easiest way to do away with dark skin under your armpits is to purchase and apply a whitening lotion according to the instructions provided. However, if skin irritation is the cause of the discoloration, then it’s best to avoid applying more products to the area as that may worsen the issue.
If you must, then invest in an underarm lightening product that’s made from high-quality ingredients that will not only reduce the discoloration but will help to reduce the irritation as well.
What is Underarm Whitening Lotion?
When you’ve figured out why your skin is discolored in the first place, then you can use an underarm whitening lotion to correct the problem, as it’s often the most effective treatment for darkened skin.
It’s important to use a skin whitening lotion that’s specifically formulated for use on the underarms, as products that are meant for other body parts contain different ingredients that may be too strong for this sensitive area. On the other hand, a dedicated underarm whitening lotion is specifically formulated to deal with the accumulated melanin while making sure to not irritate your skin even more.
That’s why it’s important to explicitly use a lotion that’s formulated for use on the underarms in order to reduce the chances of getting further irritation.
How Does it Work?
For the most part, all whitening lotions operate in the same way. They specifically target certain activators in the body and block them from producing more melanin, which is what determines how dark your skin and hair become.
When melanin production comes to a halt, the skin cells stop darkening, and your underarm skin becomes lighter, as lighter skin cells are produced instead of the old dark ones.
How to Use Underarm Whitening Lotion
If you want to find out the best way to apply your underarm whitening lotion, consult the package for instructions because the process is different for each manufacturer. That said, most recommend applying it at least once or twice per day. If it says once a day then that probably means that you’ll apply it in the evening before bedtime, and if it’s twice per day then it obviously includes a morning application.
Just make sure to check the label for instructions on how often to apply the lotion you’re using, as overdoing it can lead to serious irritation.
You’ll also find information on the quantity of lotion to apply on the label and it differs from one product to the other. While some recommend rubbing it right onto the skin, others may advise you to apply it in thick layers and then leave it on without rubbing it.
However, you’ll have to consult with the product label to find out what type of application method is recommended.
Of course, the uniting principle with all these lotions is that they’re all applied on the same region. Once there, they lighten the skin on that area by reducing melanin production. That’s why it’s important to isolate application in that particular area so that it doesn’t end up affecting other body parts surrounding it.
Where to Buy Underarm Whitening Lotion
As previously mentioned, there are plenty of underarm whitening products available from different brands, as well as skin lightening products that are aimed at other parts of the body. Oftentimes, you’ll find that the same brand that manufactures your underarm whitening lotion has a whole range of products that are dedicated to other aspects of skin care, whereas some brands just stick to manufacturing underarm whitening lotion only. The latter category of companies typically manufactures the product using natural ingredients only, which means that their product doesn’t irritate the skin.
For best results, try out one of the underarm whitening products below, all of which are specifically formulated to work in the underarm area and are some of the best on the market:
Clear n Smooth Underarm Whitening Deodorant Lotion
The Clear-n-Smooth Underarm Whitening lotion is made from ingredients that are widely known for their skin whitening and lightening properties. On top of that, this product is free from artificial fragrances and yet is capable of keeping your underarms fresh and clean.
The best part is that you can use this lotion to reduce the appearance of dark spots, melasma, freckles, and hyperpigmentation on your underarms, face, neck, elbows, hands, knees and intimate areas. It’ll even out your skin tone while keeping it hydrated. Many users have reported significant improvements in skin tone in as little as one month. However, you have to apply the lotion to your armpits regularly and as recommended by the manufacturer in order to experience similar results.
If you’re looking for something that’s easy to use and delivers quick results, then this lotion is for you. It’s made using a few carefully selected and high-quality ingredients, and because it’s safe to use on sensitive skin, you can apply it to other parts of your body as well.
Pros
- Contains quality ingredients
- Lightens skin within one month
- Keeps skin hydrated
- Suitable for use on sensitive skin
- Produces amazing results
Cons
- Some reviewers complained about the product’s odor
- The bottle is a bit small considering the price
Anti-Aging Complexion Whitening Lotion
This lotion is not only suitable for use on the face and body, but it contains anti-aging properties and leads to a lighter complexion while keeping the skin moisturized at all times. The ingredients list includes a high sun protection factor, skin brightening components, hyaluronic acid and retinol, plus it’s free from harmful hydroquinone chemicals so you can rest assured that it won’t bring any harm to your skin.
The few ingredients included in this product are very effective and are safe for sensitive skin. They include potent anti-oxidants and other elements that infiltrate the skin to halt pigmentation from the source. Also, it has been clinically tested to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety and has data to back up its many claims, which include reversing skin damage that’s caused by extreme sunlight, exposure to environmental pollution, dehydration etc. The best part is that you can safely apply this lotion to your face, knees and your nether regions.
Lastly, this lotion has gone through extensive clinical testing to ensure that it really is effective at reversing skin damage, and it only contains high-quality ingredients and antioxidants, with none of the harsh chemicals that are often included in other skin lightening products.
Pros
- Contains powerful and quality ingredients
- Free from harsh chemicals
- Suitable for use in sensitive areas
- Clinically proven to be safe and effective
Cons
- It’s a lot smaller than advertised
Ultra- Skin Whitening
The Ultra-Britener promotes an even-toned complexion that’s blemish-free, youthful, nourished and well moisturized. You can see results within 3 weeks of regular use, and you can use it on any part of the skin that you want to lighten. It’s suitable for all skin types.
However, do keep in mind that this lotion is specifically formulated to use on underarms, inner thighs, knees, and elbows. For the best results, apply twice a day and make sure that your armpits are clean and dry beforehand. This lotion is an ideal option for those looking for a natural treatment for dark underarms.
Pros
- Made from a powerful mix of natural ingredients
- Promotes a clearer and lighter skin
- Safe and perfect for use in other parts of the body
Cons
- The packaging is a bit bland
Dalfour Beauty Ultrawhite Set
This set comes with a powerful skin whitening soap and lotion combo that’s not only suitable for all skin types but also provides UVA and UVB protection. It has gone through clinical tests to ensure that it really is as effective as advertised when it comes to lightening the skin on your underarms, elbows and nether regions.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that results differ from one user to the other and some see results faster. To get the most out of this set, use it twice a day and make sure that it’s thoroughly absorbed into the skin.
Aside from other powerful ingredients, this set includes 2% hydroquinone which is known for stopping the production of melanin and it’s suitable for use on sensitive parts of the body.
Pros
- Comes with 2% hydroquinone
- You can successfully apply it to sensitive areas such as the underarms, elbows and intimate areas
- Acts fast
- Keeps skin moisturized and smooth
- Good value for money
Cons
- It takes a while to see results on aging spots and dark spots
- Some users have experienced mild allergic reactions after using this product
PHB’s Brightening Serum Gel
PHB’s Brightening Serum Gel boasts effective botanical ingredients that are known for evening skin tone, softening skin and boosting circulation. It works to invigorate, balance and brighten skin, especially when it comes to normal and combination types.
The brightening serum contains plant extracts that go straight to the source of pigmentation to eliminate dark spots. The best part is that it’s handmade with natural ingredients that are as pure as they are potent, and it works to even skin tone, brighten the complexion and leaves it with a natural-looking glow.
The main ingredients contained in this lotion include vitamin C and E, glutathione, kojic acid and hyaluronic acid, all of which have been hand-picked for their ability to brighten and even out the complexion. The ingredients target the source of pigmentation while improving general skin health and it works so fast that you can expect to see results within a month of regular use. Plus, it moisturizes and lightens the skin at the same time, thanks to its hydrating ingredients. While there have been a few reports of initial allergic reactions, this serum has more positive reviews than negative ones.
Pros
- Goes on smoothly and easily
- The packaging is nicely designed
- Brightens skin while evening out skin tone
Cons
- Some users have complained that it works too slowly for them
- Others have reported experiencing an initial allergic reaction, which usually goes away after the first few applications
Authentic Mosbeau Placenta White Body Lotion
This skin whitening lotion boasts some really powerful ingredients such as the legendary Japanese Bellis Perennis Flower Extract and Horse Placental Protein, as well as Peppermint Leaf Extract, Balm Mint and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, which are highly hydrating and moisturizing.
This lotion specifically targets the formation of melanin to eliminate it from the source, while gradually reducing dark marks. Not only does it look great aesthetically, but this lotion actually really works and helps to reduce pigmentation, correct discoloration and even out skin tone.
The best part is that this product only contains natural ingredients, and it leaves the skin nicely hydrated and moisturized while protecting you from free-radical damage and blending light and dark skin. The Mosbeau Placenta Body Lotion works very fast to eliminate dark marks and reduce melanin production to lighten the skin on your underarms.
Pros
- Fast-acting to diminish dark marks
- Leads to some impressive results
- Results can appear within days of initial application
- Packaging looks great
Cons
- A bit pricey for the amount of product you get
- Some reviewers reported experiencing mild skin irritation after initial application but it usually goes away after a while
Gluta Blend Lotion
The Gluta Blend Lotion whitens the skin naturally using the powerful skin lightening effects of lemon extract, which is also good for evening out skin tone. It also contains Milk of Magnesia and Earth’s clay, both of which work to detoxify the affected area while effectively deodorizing it.
For the best results, apply the lotion onto clean skin, and use it after you’ve washed and cleansed your skin with a good quality skin whitening soap, followed by an application of a whitening lotion on areas like the underarms, bikini line and elbows.
Also, this lotion is vegan and certified organic, as it contains the finest ingredients that are known for their ability to soften the skin while reducing discoloration. It doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, it’s a unisex product, kills odors, is suitable for sensitive skin and it has a non-sticky texture that makes it lightweight and easy to apply.
The marvelous Gluta Blend lotion is a triple threat that brightens and lightens skin while providing odor protection. The product is made from natural, organic and vegan ingredients.
Pros
- Natural product
- Vegan and certified organic
- Provides 24-hour odor protection
- Fast-acting formula
- Smells great
Cons
- None
Shouvy Whitening Body Lotion
Generally, Shouvy puts all its products through thorough testing to ensure that they’re gentle enough to use on sensitive skin, plus they’re suitable for all skin types. This lotion is made from natural ingredients that lighten the skin effectively and timeously.
Not only can you use it to lighten your underarms, but you can also apply it on your knees, elbows and intimate area, as it’s very effective at fading out dark spots, scarring and burn marks.
To get the most out of this lotion, apply it twice daily onto your underarms on a consistent basis and be patient enough to wait for it to work because it might take a while to see the results.
Pros
- Suitable for use in sensitive areas
- Softens skin
- Made from natural ingredients
Cons
- You won’t see results immediately
- Some reviewers claim that the tube is too small for the price
Scentio Milk Plus Body Lotion
The Scentio Whitening Body Lotion contains a naturally occurring skin revitalizer known as Co-Enzyme Q10 as well as bio-active milk protein which is easily absorbed into the skin. It’s gentle enough to apply as often as necessary without leading to any adverse effects, and it helps to keep the skin moisturized as well.
Among its primary ingredients are the powerful Aloe Vera, glutathione and beneficial natural extracts, which makes it effective to use on your underarms, nipples, areola, intimate areas, elbows, and knees.
Apart from brightening the skin on your underarms, this lotion will also slow down the growth of hair in the area, effectively reducing the need to shave regularly, and it also has odor-eliminating and sweat reducing properties as well. In addition, this lotion will tighten your pores for youthful and plump looking skin, and it really produces quick results. While the product is seriously lacking in the packaging design department, the actual lotion inside makes up for this thanks to the powerful and impressive results it offers.
Pros
- Can produce results within one week of constant application
- Reduces the need for regular shaving by slowing down hair growth
- Made from impressive ingredients such as Aloe Vera and natural extracts
Cons
- The packaging design is not good
Vaseline Skin Lightening Lotion
From the prestigious Vaseline brand comes this amazing skin lightening lotion which promises to produce a naturally radiant and brighter complexion within just two weeks of regular and proper application to the affected area.
It’s made from a combination of great ingredients such as Vitamins B3 and E, moisturizing yogurt serum, triple sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage, and an active whitening system for obvious reasons.
As you use it, you’ll start to notice your skin becoming lighter, and this is largely due to the combination of ingredients like AHA, mulberry extract as well as vitamins B3 and C. It also provides odor protection through the inclusion of soothing chamomile extract, Allantoin, vitamin E and beneficial microbial agents. It’s the perfect product to use if you’re looking to lighten your skin while keeping it smooth and nicely moisturized.
This incredible lotion from Vaseline works to lighten skin tone while protecting it from odor formation and keeps the area nice and smooth.
Pros
- Very effective at lightening skin while keeping it smooth
- Provides double odor protection thanks to beneficial microbial agents and chamomile extracts
- Great value for money
Cons
- No significant complaints from customers yet
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Dark Underarms – An Embarrassment?
A lot of women with dark underarms tend to feel extremely embarrassed about this problem. So much so that it prevents them from wearing what they want, especially during the summer. For fair-skinned people, it’s even more visible and can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and lack of confidence due to not being able to play sports that they prefer or even raise their armpits in public.
Most times it’s hard to pinpoint the cause of dark armpits because some people are more likely to develop it than others. However, some common causes include poor armpit hygiene, dead skin cell build-up, having tight clothes rubbing up against the area, reaction to harsh chemicals in deodorants and skincare products that you use, as well as reactions to certain androgen-based contraceptive pills and shaving products and techniques. If you’re also experiencing hyperpigmentation around your neck and collarbones as well as your underarms, then you might be suffering from type 2 diabetes, and need to consult with a doctor as soon as possible to get your blood sugar checked.
Exfoliating and Whitening Deodorants
One of the best ways to whiten dark armpits is to exfoliate them 2 to 3 times a week to remove dead skin cells. However, make sure to use a mild exfoliator or even a body scrub that’s made from organic ingredients and avoid anything that has parabens. This will help to eliminate dead skin cells effectively while ensuring that you don’t expose this sensitive area to harsh chemicals, and these days there are certain roll-on deodorants that actually help to reduce underarm skin darkening in addition to reducing odor.
That said, it’s highly advisable that you stay away from underarm deodorants and skincare products that contain the ingredient alum chloride, as it’s been known to react with sweat to darken skin and stain clothes. It’s best to use a mild whitening deodorant without alum chloride in it. Luckily there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to natural deodorants that are made from organic ingredients and contain no harmful chemicals.
Natural Armpit Whitening
If you prefer to whiten your armpits the natural way, then you have quite a few home remedies to choose from, with the most popular being lemon slices. Yep! You just cut up some lemon slices and rub them on your armpits a few times a week for effectively lighter armpit skin. If you prefer, then you can use lime slices instead because it is also acidic, but be sure to follow the application with a good moisturizer afterward because the acid will dry your skin out.
Another popular underarm whitening home remedy involves mixing together lemon juice with honey, smoothing the mixture across your armpits and then leaving it on for half an hour before you wipe it off with warm water. You’ll also have to moisturize your underarm skin after washing off this mixture as well, and we recommend using Vitamin E oil or coconut oil for this purpose.
Some prefer to use turmeric paste mixed with lemon juice, which is often applied to the armpits in the evenings right before bedtime and left to penetrate the skin overnight. You can then easily rinse it off in the shower and moisturize it with a natural moisturizer. As effective as this method is, we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone with an active love life, because it requires daily application in order to work.
You can also try out potato juice if you like, as it’s known for its skin bleaching properties, and it’s simple and easy to make. All you need to do is peel and chop the potatoes, juice them and apply on your underarm skin. Thereafter, rinse the potato juice from your underarms with cool water.
Another interesting and unusual skin whitening method involves mixing together rosewater with sandalwood powder, both of which are very pleasant ingredients to apply to your armpits, and they actually do a good job of reducing dark armpits.
Interestingly enough, you don’t have to use topical treatments to whiten your underarms if you’d rather drink something to lessen it. In fact, you can soak fenugreek seeds in a glass of water and leave them to infuse overnight, so that you can drink the mixture first thing the following morning. For best results, wait 30 minutes before consuming anything else, then you’ll start to see your armpit skin lighten.
Underarm Hair Removal
If you’re currently shaving your underarm hair off the old fashioned way then it might be time to start looking for alternative hair removal methods because this technique only removes surface hair and leaves the root intact, hence your armpits tend to have a dark shadow afterward. Not only that, but shaving is also known to cause unsightly irritation which then leads to discoloration. Consider using hair removal lotions instead, as they’re more effective at removing hair below the surface while reducing dark underarms and slowing down hair growth.
It’s advisable to do a patch test before you try out any shaving product, just so you’re sure that your skin won’t react badly to it. Al, so opts for a shaving product that’s free from parabens and harmful chemicals and choose one that contains organic ingredients instead. The most effective hair removal method is actually waxing, which although not popular, actually removes hair from the root thus damaging them enough to slow down hair growth.
If you’re looking for a permanent hair removal method, then electrolysis might be for you. How this method works is that the practitioner will deliver an electric charge to destroy the hair follicle using a fine metal probe. This method typically requires several treatment sessions because the probe has to target each individual hair, and the cost can be quite expensive as well.
Can Baking Soda Whiten Your Underarms?
Seeing that dark underarms are such a common occurrence among women (and men), some natural skin lightening remedies have been discovered over time, one of which is the application of baking powder on the affected area. Read on to find out how to whiten your underarm skin using baking soda.
What Does Baking Soda Do For Your Underarms?
The versatile power of baking soda strikes again! We’re sure you probably never expected this, but baking soda really does work to lighten underarm skin, and below is just an overview of how it does this:
- It gently exfoliates your skin to remove dead skin cells, and because the buildup of dead skin cells is what causes the dark tint on your underarm skin, eliminating them is what effectively whitens the skin.
- It obstructs the production of melanin to bleach out the skin for an evener skin tone.
- Thanks to having amphoteric properties, baking soda naturally balances your skin’s pH levels to keep your skin healthy.
- Baking powder is well known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant qualities, which help to prevent skin damage and infections.
- Regular use of baking soda will also aid in reducing excessive sweat and oil production, both of which are related to darkening of your underarm skin.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Dark Underarms
Having dark underarms can be quite annoying for some women, and it can prevent you from wearing the trendy spaghetti tops and cute dresses that you like. Well, the good news is that there are even more natural remedies for you to try in order to free yourself from dark underarms.
Saffron: While Saffron is well-known for its culinary prowess, it also contains some skin whitening properties. Just add a tiny pinch of the saffron onto two tablespoons of a mild lotion, combine and apply to the affected area. You’ll be surprised at the lightening and odor eliminating properties of this powerhouse spice.
Apples: In the same way that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, applying mashed apple under your armpits daily will eliminate dark spots and underarm odor. That’s because apples have the germ-killing agent AHA, which is also capable of whitening the underarms by killing off bad bacteria.
Orange Peel: Peel an orange, dry out the peels for 3 to 4 days, mix the dried orange peel with rose water and smooth it onto your underarms. Leave it to infuse for about 10 minutes and then rinse it off with cool water. Not only will your armpits smell great, but the citric acid in the orange peels (which is often used in skin bleach) will significantly whiten your underarm skin.
Coconut Oil: While this particular remedy is quite gradual in its effects, it’s really easy to use and all you have to do is massage the coconut oil to the affected area and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. It can also be used to deodorize your underarms if needed.
Lemons: As mentioned in a previous section, rubbing your underarms with lemon slices can whiten the skin while working as a deodorizer and natural antiseptic. Just be sure to follow this treatment with an application of moisturizer to prevent the lemon from drying out your underarm skin.
Milk: There’s a reason why Queen Cleopatra took milk baths. She probably knew that milk is very effective at whitening the skin, thanks to its beneficial fatty acids and vitamins. Although milk baths are quite impractical, you can still benefit from this remedy by applying a bit of milk on your armpits and letting it infuse for 15 minutes twice a day for best results.
Cucumber: While cucumber slices are known to help eliminate dark circles under the eyes, you can also rub them onto your armpits to get rid of discoloration. The best part about cucumbers is that they’re hydrating so you don’t have to worry about your skin getting dried out afterward.
Can Laser Hair Removal Whiten Underarms?
A lot of women turn to laser hair removal as a convenient way to remove body hair, especially on the underarms and arms. This makes it easier for them to wear sleeveless tops and shirts without feeling insecure about hair showing or the underarms looking darker than the rest of the arm.
The best part about laser hair removal is that it removes hair and then stunts future hair growth by zapping the follicles and stubble that cause the dark tinge on your underarms.
However, most women just opt for waxing as because it’s also effective at getting rid of unwanted hairs and dark spots on the armpits. The only downside to waxing when compared to laser hair removal is that it only reduces underarm hair, which means that you’ll have to wax again and go through the same discomfort and pain.
On the other hand, laser hair removal will permanently remove armpit hair as well as the stubble that it causes so that there’s no possibility of ever getting dark discoloration in the area. Laser hair removal is safe and very effective; it delivers long-lasting results and can take anything from 3 to 6 treatment sessions depending on the growth cycle and thickness of your underarm hair, which varies from one individual to the next.
Another benefit of laser hair removal is that it won’t cause the skin irritation bumps that often occur with shaving and waxing. Plus, you also won’t have to deal with the problem of having ingrown hairs or pain.
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Conclusion
Having dark underarms can be a source of great discomfort for many, causing them to lose self-confidence and the ability to socialize freely. After all, it makes you feel less comfortable to wear strapless shirts and spaghetti tops and dresses that you’d like to, and you can’t lift up your arms without thinking about what your underarms must look like.
The good news is that you can do something about it. Whether you choose to use a simple home remedy, an all-natural underarm skin whitening lotion or just a regular one, there are plenty of treatment options available for you to use. Granted, some are more effective than others, and some work slowly while others work fast, it all depends on what works for you, and the only way to find out is to try one out and see the results for yourself.
Thankfully, this article contains a wealth of information on how you can eliminate this problem once and for all. From products and home remedies that you can use, to convenient and effective underarm hair eliminating methods like laser hair removal and electrolysis that will ensure that your underarm hair never grows back, you can now live your life with confidence again.
Of all the products we’ve reviewed, we’d definitely recommend the Clear n Smooth Underarm Whitening Deodorant, as it’s gentle, powerful, natural and it smells great while producing phenomenal skin whitening results.
