Dark underarms can be a big turn off especially if you want to wear sleeveless cocktail outfits or jazz up the oomph factor with spaghetti tops in summer!
Discoloration of skin under the arms is a common problem that causes a lot of embarrassment to women. Darkening of armpits may sometimes be due to medical condition that is known as acanthosis nigricans, which needs proper treatment. But overall, the unsightly dark spots in this area are a result of frequent shaving off the hair, excessive usage of deodorants, profuse sweating, pigmentation, dead skin cells, tight clothes, hormonal imbalance etc.
However, it is not a lost cause as there are some natural remedies for lightening dark armpits which you can carry out in the privacy of your home.
Good Hygiene
Wash your underarms regularly with an anti-bacterial soap and wipe them with a clean tissue every time armpits start sweating. Also scrub the area with a loofah during a shower to rub away all the sweat, impurities, deodorant leftovers and the built up dead cells.
Baking Soda
Make a thick paste with some baking soda and water. Use this mixture to scrub your underarms. This simple solution will not only help remove accumulated dead skin cells (main reasons behind dark underarms) but will also unclog the skin pores.
Lemon Scrub
Touted as a natural bleaching agent, lemon works wonders in lightening dark spots, whitening the skin and also removing dead skin cells. Just massage your armpits with lemon juice or use a slice of freshly cut lemon before taking bath and moisturize after shower. Repeat this home remedy daily for best results.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is an ideal cure to get rid of dark underarms. Make a thick paste of sandalwood powder and rose water. While the former has got lightening properties, the latter has a cooling effect on the skin and makes it supple. Slather the paste on your underarms and allow it to dry for around fifteen minutes. Wash off with cold water. The sweet fragrance of sandalwood also eliminates body odor due to excessive sweating. Use this paste everyday and see the difference.
Potato Therapy
Potato is another bleaching agent that whitens the dark skin. Massage your underarms with a slice of potato for 3-4 minutes to whiten them naturally. You can also grate the potato, squeeze the juice and mix 2 tablespoons of curd into it. Apply the paste on the darkened armpits and let it dry for 10 minutes before washing with lukewarm water.
Saffron & Milk
One of the best natural remedies to get lighter underarms is to soak few strands of saffron in milk and apply on your dark armpits. Leave for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Though extremely effective, saffron is a trifle steep that is why many women do not use it regularly.
Oil Massage
Coconut oil is a good option to get rid of dark underarm. Before taking a bath massage dark armpits with coconut oil and vitamin E for ten to fifteen minutes. Leave for another 10 minutes before washing off the area properly with mild soap and lukewarm water. Followed regularly, this remedy will reduce the darkening of underarms over time.
Edited by Neelam Goswami on 01-04-2014.
