How To Get Rid of Dark Armpits: Causes & Effective Tips
How To Get Rid of Dark Armpits: Key Takeaways
- While simple home remedies like exfoliating or applying lemon or potato can brighten underarms, their results are often temporary
- For lasting results, we recommend laser hair removal or electrolysis
- Dark underarms often come from shaving habits, product buildup, irritation, or hormonal changes
If you’re feeling self-conscious about dark underarms, you’re not alone. It’s something many people deal with, especially if you have a bit more curve or areas where skin tends to rub together.
With one in eight people now living with obesity, factors such as friction, sweat, and skin sensitivity in the underarm area are more common than ever.
But just because it’s normal doesn’t mean you have to settle for it.
There are gentle yet effective ways to treat it and feel more at ease in your own skin.
Here’s what we’ll walk you through:
- Simple ways to lighten dark armpits naturally
- How to maintain those results over time
- The most common causes of underarm discoloration (and how to spot them)
- Reliable underarm laser hair removal and electrolysis services at Laser by Aleya
How To Get Rid of Dark Armpits Naturally for Temporary Brightening
Just like any other area of your body, the skin of the underarms can sometimes darken or become discolored.
If your underarms have gotten darker, you might be looking for natural ways to brighten them up.
Tired of feeling self-conscious in sleeveless tops? These real-life underarm hacks are gentle enough for daily use and work!
1. Exfoliate (but Don’t Overdo It)
A gentle exfoliant, like a sugar scrub or mild chemical exfoliant, can help remove dead skin cells and surface buildup that make the underarms look dull.
Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to keep it smooth without causing irritation.
2. Use Lemon Juice
That old lemon-in-the-kitchen trick? It’s not just for your tea.
Many people use lemon juice as a natural brightener for dark spots.
And while it might help, it’s essential to use it carefully.
Rub half a lemon on your underarms, let the juice sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse it off.
3. Rub Potatoes on Your Skin
It may sound unusual, but potatoes contain natural enzymes and acids, such as catechol oxidase and vitamin C, that may help lighten the skin.
Slice one up and rub it on clean underarms or apply the juice with a cotton pad.
How To Get Rid of Dark Armpits for Longer
Natural tricks are fine, but if you’re looking for results that stick, these are worth considering:
1. Undergo Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal can brighten dark underarms and keep them smooth by slowing hair growth at the follicle.
As the hair becomes finer and less dense, the shadowy appearance fades.
It might not remove every hair, but it can make a visible difference in the appearance of your underarms.
2. Consider Electrolysis
Electrolysis works by permanently destroying each hair follicle.
As the treated hairs stop growing back, the area becomes smoother and less shadowed.
It takes time and multiple sessions, but the results are permanent.
What Causes Dark Armpits? 5 Everyday Reasons
If your underarms look darker than the rest of your skin, you’re not alone. It’s often caused by hair removal habits (like shaving), product irritation, or just your skin’s natural tone.
Here are the possible culprits behind the discoloration:
1. Hair Follicles Beneath the Skin
Did you know each square inch of your skin has around 2,500 hair follicles?
If you have thick or dark hair, the follicles in your underarms can stay visible even after shaving.
That “dark” look is often just the hair sitting just below the surface, not actual skin discoloration.
2. Shaving
Shaving isn’t the direct cause of dark underarms, but it can make them look darker over time.
That’s because shaving only removes hair at the surface, not the root, so those dark hairs can still show through the skin.
This leaves a blunt, flat edge that can be visible beneath the skin, especially if your hair is thick or dark in color.
Frequent shaving can also irritate the skin, particularly if you’re using a dull razor or skipping proper prep.
That irritation creates friction and sensitivity, which might lead to temporary darkening.
Over time, repeated irritation can contribute to uneven skin tone or long-term pigmentation.
3. Hormones or Insulin Resistance
In some cases, dark underarms are associated with a skin condition called acanthosis nigricans, a treatable condition characterized by patches of darker, thicker skin.
It’s often associated with insulin resistance or hormonal changes (such as PCOS or diabetes), and may cause the skin to appear darker in some areas, including the underarms.
4. Deodorants
Harsh ingredients like aluminum, alcohol, fragrances, and parabens, common in many deodorants, can irritate sensitive underarm skin.
Over time, this irritation can lead to dark spots or pigmentation.
5. Product Build-Up
Dark underarms can also be caused by residue from previous products.
When deodorant or antiperspirant isn’t thoroughly washed off, it can mix with sweat and dead skin cells.
Over time, this build-up can clog pores, irritate the skin, and make the area appear darker than it is.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Underarm Care
Your underarms might not get as much attention as your face or hair, but they deserve a little love, too.
Whether you’re trying to lighten dark spots, avoid irritation, or simply keep your underarms fresh, these tips can help you care for your underarms effectively.
Do’s
1. Exfoliate
A gentle scrub, applied once or twice a week, can help remove dead skin, product buildup, and leftover deodorant.
Just be careful not to overdo it, as underarm skin is delicate and can get irritated easily.
2. Bathe Every Day
If you’re skipping showers or rushing through them, body odor can sneak up on you, especially in spots that don’t get much air or sunlight, like your underarms.
Use a gentle antibacterial soap when bathing, and be sure to pay extra attention to those hard-to-reach areas.
3. Moisturize Daily
You guessed it, even your underarms need moisture.
A fragrance-free lotion or aloe gel can help soothe and protect the skin, especially after shaving.
4. Pick the Right Products
Look for deodorants or antiperspirants specifically designed for sensitive skin.
If you’re dealing with irritation, go for natural formulas with calming ingredients like aloe, magnesium, or coconut oil.
5. Wear Breathable Fabrics
Tight or synthetic clothes can trap sweat and cause irritation.
Soft, breathable materials like cotton let your skin breathe throughout the day.
6. Do a Patch Test First
Trying something new? Always do a patch test on a small area of skin first, especially with exfoliants or brightening products.
This can help you catch any irritation, allergic reactions, or sensitivity before applying it to the underarm.
Don’ts
1. Don’t Over-Shave
Shaving too often or with a dull razor can lead to razor bumps, irritation, and dark spots.
Give your skin a break or consider switching to something longer-lasting like laser or electrolysis, or even both, if you’re ready to go all in.
2. Don’t Skip Washing (Even Without Deodorant)
Even on days when you stay in, make sure to wash your underarms with a gentle cleanser.
Sweat and leftover products can build up fast and lead to irritation or unpleasant odor.
3. Don’t Use Harsh Bleach or Lightening Creams
For sensitive underarm skin, avoid the harm of harsh chemicals by using products specially formulated for delicate areas.
4. Don’t Ignore Sudden Changes
If your underarms suddenly look darker, feel thicker, or start to itch, it’s a good idea to consult a skincare professional just to be safe.
How Long Does It Take To Lighten Dark Underarms?
It might take months to lighten your dark underarms.
In most cases, you can expect to see gradual changes over several weeks or even a few months, depending on the cause and the treatment you choose.
If there’s no underlying medical condition, your doctor or laser specialist can help you explore safe options that match your skin tone and goals.
Keep in mind that hyperpigmentation can be more stubborn on darker skin tones, since higher melanin levels make discoloration more visible.
Get Expert Laser and Electrolysis Hair Removal at Laser by Aleya
If home remedies don’t work, laser or electrolysis can help smooth things out.
By reducing hair at the root, both treatments can fade that shadowy look and help your underarms feel cleaner and brighter.
No need to feel shy, as Aleya has seen it all and knows how to make you feel completely comfortable.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or seeking a long-term solution, you’re in good hands.
How To Get Rid of Dark Armpits: FAQs
Can hair removal help lighten dark underarms?
Yes, but only if the darkness is caused by hair.
If your underarms appear dark due to hair shadow, the grayish tint you see even after shaving, then laser or electrolysis can help significantly.
However, if the darkness is caused by pigmentation, irritation, or a skin condition, hair removal alone will not resolve it.
What are the best ingredients to look for in brightening products?
When shopping for underarm brightening products, skip the hype and look for ingredients that are proven to work, such as:
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): A multitasker that brightens, calms inflammation, and helps fade dark spots over time.
- Kojic acid: A natural lightener made from fermented rice or mushrooms. It slows melanin production to gradually even out skin tone.
- Azelaic acid: Great for sensitive skin because it calms inflammation and helps prevent excess pigment from forming in the first place.
- Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that fades discoloration and brings back a healthy glow.
- Glycolic or lactic acid: These gentle exfoliators (AHAs) lift away dull, pigmented skin so brighter skin can come through.
- Licorice root extract: A soothing botanical that helps lighten dark patches without irritating the skin.
- Retinoids: If your skin can tolerate them, retinoids accelerate cell turnover and gradually fade stubborn pigmentation.
When should you see a dermatologist for dark underarms?
Consider seeing a dermatologist if:
- The darkness appears suddenly or worsens over time
- You have itching, pain, or thickened skin
- Over-the-counter brightening products aren’t working after eight to 12 weeks
- You suspect a medical issue, like hormonal imbalances or fungal infections
