Can dark underarms be lightened?

I HAVE received a number of questions from readers regarding the issue of lightening their dark underarms and my answer to the above question is that, in many instances, yes your underarms can be lightened. What causes darkening of the underarm?

Underarm discolouration is a problem many individuals find embarrassing. It affects men and women of all ages, although research tells us that it affects women of African and Hispanic descent more than any other demographic. There are a number of causes for this condition, and the treatment of the problem relies on the cause.

Shaving

Shaving your armpits may give them a dark, discoloured appearance. Shaving cuts the hairs at the surface of the skin. If you have hair that is darker than your skin colour, the stubble will show up as a dark stain. Instead of shaving skin, consider waxing or tweezing the hairs. These procedures remove hair below the skin’s surface and reduce the visibility of the hairs. Natural home remedies will work well if this is the cause.

Medical Problem

Dark underarm discoloration can be caused by a medical condition known as acanthosis nigricans.

While it can affect otherwise healthy people, acanthosis nigricans is frequently found in individuals with insulin disorders. Diabetes and insulin resistance are two major causes of acanthosis nigricans. It is also found in undergoing growth hormone therapy, using oral contraceptives or cholesterol medications containing nicotinic acid. My advice is to speak to a medical practitioner, so that you can treat the situation medically based on your underlying medical situation.

Bacterial Infection

A bacterial infection known as erythrasma can be a culprit in producing dark underarms.

The infection, begins appearing as pink patches.

The pink spots turn into brown scales. It is more common among individuals with diabetes mellitus. It affects more individuals in warm climates than those in cold. This is treated using oral or topical antibiotics. Once the medical issue is sorted, you can use home remedies to sort it out.

Antiperspirants and Deodorants

Ingredients in antiperspirant products could react with the skin or individual body chemistry to cause discoloration. I would suggest you switch brands of antiperspirant or switch to a deodorant-only product.

As always my answer to most things is to use natural products. So here are some products that I have used that work.

Lemon Juice –

Rub a couple of lemon slices under your arms. Wash it off after five mins and repeat every day for 15 days minimum.

Mix 1 Tsp Lemon Juice and 1 Tsp Baking Powder together and form a paste. Rub the underarms with the paste and

Baking Powder –

wash off after five minutes. Repeat three to four times a week.

Potatoes –

Rub a couple of slices of Potato under your arms and wash off after 20 – 25 minutes. Use daily for effective results. Well, that is it from me this week folks, I hope this has helped. Until next week, God Bless.

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Fashion Diva can be found at Kutz n’ Kurlz Hair Salon in Meikles Department Store or blog: Ann Ruthenburg aka Anastasia or Facebook page: Kutz and Kurlz Hair Salon or messaged (not called) on 0733285730.