Dark Armpits - Causes and Remedies

Various skin problems can make us feel self conscious about ourselves. Skin discoloration is certainly one of them, especially since dark spots can be easily associated with improper hygiene. However, there are various causes that contribute to the problem and that might be relatively easy to eliminate if you are willing to take a closer look at your habits.

Shaving is perhaps the most common cause for dark armpits. Since this method of hair removal only works at a surface, the hairs at the sub-surface can make the skin appear darker. Fortunately, this cause is easy to eliminate by simply selecting a different method to get rid of unwanted hair. Waxing or plucking can both be beneficial for eliminating this problem.

Although most of us are well aware of how important exfoliation is for proper skin care, we often don’t pay too much attention to the underarm area. Because it can be simple to overlook this area when exfoliating, dead skin cells can build up and eventually cause an unsightly discoloration.

Fortunately, exfoliating weekly, preferably with a product that contains lactic acid, can be a simple solution that delivers excellent results. Since antiperspirants and deodorants might also contain active ingredients that might react with the skin and aggravate the problem, switching brands might also be a useful tip you might want to try.

Although most of the times we might be able to solve this problem at home if the causes are relatively trivial, at other times scheduling an appointment with your doctor is advisable. Acanthosis nigricans is a condition that causes discoloration in the neck, groin and underarm area and that can be treated with the adequate prescriptions.

Hyper-pigmentation is a less likely cause of dark armpits, however, it should also be taken into account, especially since it can be experienced during pregnancy, due to the intense hormonal activity. However, in this case, the problem will dissapear within a few months.

Now that we’ve covered the main causes that might cause this beauty problem, it’s time to take a closer look at a series of natural skin bleaching homemade remedies that might be useful in treating this problem. Known for its bleaching properties, lemon juice is perhaps the most popular and inexpensive remedy you can try.

Applying lemon juice and a pinch of turmeric powder on the affected area and letting it sit for at least 12 minutes before rinsing it off is recommended. Alternatively, rubbing lemon halves can have a similar effect while also being a gentle scrub.

Rubbing baking soda before or during the bath on a regular basis is another useful idea that might lighten the skin if used consistently. Another simple remedy is a sandalwood and rosewater paste. Simply mix a few teaspoons of sandalwood and two teaspoons of rosewater until you get a relatively thick paste and apply it, leave it for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Coconut oil can also be beneficial for this type of beauty problem as it is rich in vitamin E, which has a series of wonderful benefits for the skin. Coconut oil moisturizes the skin and if used in combination with vitamin C, the effect is much more powerful as it improves the production of collagen, without irritating the skin in the process.