TIPS TO LIGHTEN DARK UNDERARMS

For many people, dark underarms can be a source of embarrassment. Darker underarm skin can keep some people from dressing in sleeveless tops, wearing bathing suits in public, and participating in sports. Like skin blemishes and discoloration on other parts of the body, dark underarms can result in lack of confidence and self-esteem.

There are various potential causes for armpits becoming darker including:

• Deodorants and Antiperspirants (chemical irritants)
• Shaving (irritation and abrasion)
• Dead skin cell accumulation (lack of exfoliation)
• Friction (tight clothes)
• Smoker’s Melanosis (hyperpigmentation caused by smoking)
• Hyperpigmentation (increased melanin)
• Enthrasma (bacterial infection)
• Melasma (dark patches on skin)

If you are experiencing dark underarms, here are few tips you can use to lighten your underarms.

MOISTURIZING THE UNDERARMS

Shaving or plucking underarm hair may cause dark underarms, so moisturizing can be helpful to reduce underarm irritation.
Always use soap or shaving foam before shaving, and choose one for sensitive skin. Apply a natural and unscented moisturizing lotion to the area after shaving to reduce irritation and prevent changes in the skin.

APPLYING A NATURAL REMEDY

Popular natural remedies for dark underarms include:

• Curcumin, which is a pigment in turmeric
• Lemon juice
• Milk thistle
• Sea cucumber extract
• Topical creams and antibiotics

Prescription creams, ointments and gels are available to lighten the skin under the arms. These products include:

• Retinoid creams to thin and lighten the skin.
• Hydroquinone cream to lighten the color of the skin.
• Chemical peels containing trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to remove damaged skin cells.
• Calcipotriene (Dovonex), a vitamin D based cream to reduce hyper-pigmentation.
• Topical antibiotics or antibacterial soaps to minimize discomfort.

LASER THERAPY

Laser therapy can reduce the skin thickness that often occurs alongside skin darkening. Reducing the thickness of the skin may make it appear lighter in color. Laser therapy may also decrease their growth and subsequently reduce the need to shave.

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Article credit : Cocci Beauty