How to Get Rid of Dark Underarms - eMediHealth (2024)

The skin in the underarms is thin and delicate, and because the underarms are rarely a source of serious problems, they are often not taken proper care of. As a result, the sensitive skin of the underarms may develop rashes, pimples, ingrown hair, and infections.

The underarms of both men and women may also become dark or hyperpigmented. (1) Normally, the skin tone of the underarms should be similar to that of the rest of the body.

However, hyperpigmentation in the underarms is not a medical problem and therefore does not require treatment. However, if it causes a cosmetic concern, there are different medical and at-home remedies that you can try to achieve an even skin tone.

Causes of Dark Underarms

The skin of the underarms can turn dark due to various reasons, including:

• Use of deodorant and antiperspirants. These products contain chemicals and alcohol that can irritate the underarm skin, even causing burns at times, making the underarms appear dark and discolored.
• Shaving the underarms. Using razors on your underarm skin can remove the topmost layer of the skin. Since the underarm skin is quite thin, it can get irritated and sensitive post-shaving, thus turning dark.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). PIH is another common reason behind darkening of the underarms. Any kind of skin damage, irritation, or inflammation can trigger increased melanin production. The more melanin, the darker your skin. That is why prolonged irritation or damage can lead to darkening of the skin.
• Friction from clothes. Wearing tight clothes can cause friction and rubbing on the underarm skin, leading to hyperpigmentation. Using rough fabrics can also contribute to this problem.
• Accumulation of dead skin cells. Infrequent cleaning or scrubbing the underarm skin can lead to the buildup of dead skin cells, leading to darkened skin.
• Medical conditions. Different medical problems such as hormonal imbalance, gland disorders, hereditary factors, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can contribute to dark underarms.
• Insulin resistance. People with diabetes are more prone to have dark underarms as insulin can influence skin pigmentation. (2) Moreover, the underarms are highly sensitive to insulin; thus, insulin resistance can cause dark underarms.
• Obesity. Overweight people are prone to acanthosis nigricans, a medical condition wherein the underarm skin may develop a velvet-like layer and darken. (3)(4)
• Certain medications. The use of niacin, corticosteroids, and birth control pills, among others, can contribute to discoloration of the underarm skin.
• Smoking. Dark underarms are one of the many ill effects smoking has on your body. Hyperpigmentation of the skin caused by smoking is also known as smoker’s melanosis (hyperpigmentation), (5) which can affect different parts of the body, including the underarms. (6)

Treatment Modalities for Dark Underarms

The different medical treatment modalities available for hyperpigmentation of the underarms are as follows:

1. Topical medications

You can consult your dermatologist for topical creams that can lighten the underarm skin and give it an even skin tone. These depigmenting creams may contain compounds such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, steroids, retinoids, azelaic acid, and tretinoin. (7)

You may also use chemical peels made of retinol, lactic acid, glycolic acid, or trichloroacetic acid to help exfoliate the skin, remove the top layer of skin, and reveal brighter, healthier skin. (8)

2. Oral medications

Your doctor may prescribe medications depending on the cause of your underarm hyperpigmentation, such as hormone imbalance, diabetes, or increased cortisol levels.

These medications treat the underlying cause, thus improving hyperpigmentation. Additionally, you may be prescribed vitamin A or C tablets to help in skin lightening.

3. Laser therapy

This treatment not only lightens pigmentation and evens the skin tone (9) but also helps in hair removal, thus eliminating the need for shaving and waxing, which are common reasons for underarm hyperpigmentation. Laser therapy also reduces skin thickness, making it appear lighter in color.

Natural Treatment for Dark Underarms

Since dark underarms are rarely a serious medical problem, you can try home remedies to help lighten the dark skin and thus improve its appearance.

You can use different natural ingredients commonly found in your household to improve the hyperpigmentation. However, these remedies are mostly based on anecdotal evidence – some may work for you, and others may not.

Note: Always conduct a patch test before using any of the following natural ingredients to check for any allergy or skin sensitivity.

1. Spray tea tree oil

Tea tree oil can be highly efficacious in treating dark underarms. It helps lighten the skin and also keeps it odor-free. Moreover, tea tree oil possesses antimicrobial properties that (10) prevent infections and keep odor-causing bacteria in check.

How to use:

1. Dilute 5–6 drops of tea tree oil with ½ cup of water.
2. Transfer the solution into a spray bottle.
3. Spray the solution on your underarms daily.

2. Make a turmeric paste

Turmeric is found to help in lightening and healing the skin. (11)(12) It also acts as an antibacterial and anti-itch agent.

How to use:

1. Mix 1 tsp of turmeric with honey and some milk.
2. Apply the mask to your underarms and wash it off after 15 minutes.
3. Repeat this remedy three times a week for best results.

Note: Make sure to avoid spilling or touching the mask on your clothes as turmeric can leave stains.

3. Rub acucumber slice

Since your underarm skin is folded and often sweats a lot, it usually remains hot and moist, an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria can cause infections and skin darkening. Applying cucumber to your underarm skin can soothe it. (13)

Moreover, cucumber is a natural bleaching agent that can contribute to skin lightening.

How to use:

• Cut a fresh cucumber into thin slices and rub them on your underarms. Wash the area after 10 minutes. Repeat this remedy two times a day.
• Mix cucumber juice with fuller’s earth to make a paste. Apply this paste to your underarm, and wash it off after 15 minutes.

4. Make an apple cider vinegar scrub

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is rich in amino acids and lactic acid that can help remove dead skin cells. ACV is also an astringent that can unclog skin pores and bleach the skin to improve hyperpigmentation.

In addition, ACV also prevents infections caused by bacteria that feed on dead skin cells. (14)

How to use:

• Grind ½ cup of rice to form rice flour, which acts as a coarse exfoliator. Mix ACV and the rice flour to form a thick paste. Apply this paste to your underarm skin, scrub it gently, and wash it off after 10 minutes. Repeat this remedy three times a week.
• Dab some ACV on your armpits using a cotton ball, allow it to dry, and wash. Repeat this remedy daily.

5. Use an orange peel powder and milk scrub

Orange peel powder is a potent exfoliator that can help treat hyperpigmentation of the underarms. Milk, on the other hand, has skin whitening and lightening properties.

How to use:

1. Mix 2 tbsp of orange peel with 1 tbsp each of rose water and cold milk to form a smooth paste.
2. Gently massage in this paste on your underarms.
3. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

6. Prepare a brown sugar and olive oil scrub

Olive oil hydrates and nourishes the skin. It contains antioxidant properties that can fight skin-damaging free radicals. (15) Brown sugar is used to remove dead skin cells that build up over the skin surface.

How to use:

1. Mix 1 tbsp of olive oil with 1 tbsp of brown sugar.
2. Scrub your armpit with this paste for about 2 minutes.
3. Wash the underarms with normal water after 5–10 minutes.

7. Apply aloe vera gel

Aloe vera gel is a popular dermatological agent that possesses sun-blocking, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. (16) Applying aloe vera to your armpits can also help lighten the hyperpigmented areas.

How to use:

• Extract the gel from a fresh aloe vera leaf. Apply a thin layer of the gel to your underarms, and wash it off after 10–15 minutes. Repeat this remedy every other day for best results.
• You can also use store-bought organic aloe vera gel for the same.

8. Rub potatoes

Potatoes are considered to be natural bleaching agents. They are also slightly acidic, thus helping in the removal of dead skin cells.

How to use:

• Cut a potato into thin slices and rub them on your underarms.
• Grind a potato and sieve it to extract its juice. Dab the potato juice on your underarms using a cotton ball, and wash it off after 15 minutes with warm water.

9. Massage with coconut oil

Coconut oil has skin lightening properties and can therefore be useful in the treatment of dark underarms.

How to use:

1. Massage your underarms with coconut oil.
2. Wash it off after 15 minutes.
3. Repeat this remedy daily for effective results.

Lifestyle Changes to Improve Dark Underarms

The following lifestyle changes and self-care measures can help lighten dark armpits and avoid hyperpigmentation in the first place:

1. Opt for waxing or electrolysis

Frequent use of hair removal creams or razor blades is the most common cause of underarm hyperpigmentation. It is suggested to wax your hair instead.

Waxing not only removes the hair from the roots, increasing the gap between hair removal sessions, but also removes the layer of dead skin cells, revealing brighter skin. You can also opt for electrolysis, which is a more permanent hair removal option.

2. Shave properly

If you are shaving your armpits, make sure to moisturize and condition them first to prevent friction. Always use a sharp razor blade and shave your hair in the direction of hair growth to avoid pulling.

3. Avoid the use of strong deodorants

Since deodorants are laden with chemicals, they can often turn the sensitive underarm skin dark. Avoid the use of deodorants or antiperspirants that contain fragrances, chemicals, alcohol, or aluminum. Instead, use natural or hypoallergenic deodorants.

4. Wear loose, soft clothes

Refrain from wearing synthetic or tight clothes as they can cause friction in the underarms. Synthetic clothes also allow sweat to accumulate. Instead, wear cotton fabrics and loose clothes.

5. Exfoliate your skin

It is suggested to scrub your underarms gently at least two times a week to remove dead skin cells and bacteria. This helps prevent skin darkening caused by the buildup of dead skin cells or infection.

Moreover, exfoliation reveals fresher skin with an even tone. Exfoliate underarms with a soft scrub at least twice a week.

6. Maintain underarm hygiene

Make sure to cleanse your underarms with soap and loofah every day while taking a shower. Moisturize the skin after patting it dry. You can apply antifungal powders if your underarms are itchy or emitting a bad odor.

7. Lose weight

Since obesity can contribute to skin darkening, try to lose weight through a controlled diet and regular exercise if you are overweight.

8. Quit smoking

It is vital to quit smoking to help improve your skin health. You can consult your doctor if you need help in quitting the habit.

Final Word

Dark underarms are not a health risk, but they are often a source of aesthetic concern for many people. Fortunately, several medical and home treatments are available to address skin darkening of the underarms. Moreover, it is important to take care of your underarm skin, similar to all other body parts, to avoid darkening of the skin.

Making changes in your skin hygiene routine, dietary habits, and lifestyle can help improve the problem. Make sure to consult a doctor if your underarm skin turns dark overnight as it can indicate a health issue.