Dark underarms can be a source of embarrassment. Many of us steer clear of sleeveless dresses just because we are not comfortable with the discolouration. Although dark underarms are not a cause of worry they sure limit our dressing options, especially in summers. Tank tops, off-shoulder dresses, etc. look great and you would totally wear them every other day only if you could freely move around or raise your hand whenever you wanted.

Dark underarms can be caused by a number of factors:

• Deodorants (chemical irritants)

• Shaving (irritation and abrasion)

• Dead skin cell accumulation (lack of exfoliation)

• Friction due to tight clothes

• Hyper-pigmentation caused by smoking

• Hyper-pigmentation due to increased melanin

• Acanthosis nigricans (often a sign of diabetes, obesity, or abnormal hormone levels)

• Bacterial infection

There are a number of underarm lightening creams and deodorants available in the market. If you have tried them you must be aware by now that they are not so effective. They could cause more harm rather than clear your underarms.

If you are one of those trashing her sleeveless dresses but secretly in love with them, don’t yet throw them away !! Using some natural remedies and making some changes in your lifestyle can brighten and lighten your underarms.

But before I go any further you need to make these changes to avoid any further darkening:

• Stop using razor or other hair removal methods such as depilatory creams for underarms, instead go for waxing or laser.

• Stop wearing tight clothes.

• Stop smoking.

• Change your brand of deodorant or start using natural remedies like baking soda.

• Start exfoliating your underarms too.

Natural Remedies

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

The mild acids in apple cider vinegar help remove dead cells and lighten underarms.

• Mix 2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar with 2 teaspoon baking soda and let the mixture bubble.

• When the bubbles subside apply the mixture on your underarms and let it dry.

• Rinse with cold water.

• Repeat this 2-3 times a week.

If you have sensitive skin, use only one teaspoon apple cider vinegar, one teaspoon water, and one teaspoon baking soda.

Also Read: 30 Simple home remedies to get a spot-free face.

2. Aloe Vera

Tyrosinase inhibitor is an enzyme responsible for skin pigmentation. Aloesin found in aloe vera hinders the activity of this enzyme and lightens discoloured armpits.

• Cut an aloe leaf and scoop out the gel using a spoon.

• Apply a thick layer of this gel for 10-15 minutes.

• Wash with cold water.

• Repeat this every day or every alternate day.

3. Olive Oil

The antioxidants in olive oil and the exfoliating action of brown sugar remove the dead cells and lighten underarms.

• Add 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar to 2 tablespoon olive oil.

• Dampen your underarms and scrub with this mixture for 1-2 minute and leave it on for 5 minutes.

• Wash with lukewarm water.

• Repeat 2-3 times a week.

This scrub is even great for sensitive skin.

4. Turmeric

The lactic acid in milk helps whiten skin. Turmeric has been traditionally used to get a brighter complexion. These two together are great for lightening your underarms.

• Mix 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 tablespoon milk, and 1 teaspoon honey and apply the paste on the underarms.

• Let it dry and then rinse off.

• Repeat this 2-3 times a week.

5. Castor Oil

Castor Oil absorbs impurities and cleans pores to reveal lighter and brighter skin underneath.

• Rub your underarms with castor oil for about five minutes before shower.

• Repeat this daily before the shower.

6. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil not only lightens the skin but also acts as a deodoriser.

• Add 4-5 drops of tea tree oil in a cup of water.

• Store this solution in a spray bottle and shake well before use.

• Use this as a natural whitening deodorant daily.

7. Almond Oil

Almond contains phytochemicals and Vitamin E which lighten the skin.

• Massage your underarms daily with almond oil for 5-10 minutes.

• Do not wash afterward.

8. Lemon Juice

The citric acid in lemons is a natural bleach and exfoliator.

• Rub lemon slices on your underarms for 2-3 minutes.

• Let the juice stay on for 10 minutes.

• Rinse with cold water.

• Repeat this 2-3 times a week.

You can even add sugar to lemon juice to make a scrub for lightening underarms.

Also Read: DIY natural hair colours.

9. Cucumber

Cucumber extract has skin lightening properties and this property can be used to lighten underarm skin as well.

• Rub the cucumber slices on your underarms for1-2 minutes.

• Let the juice stay on your skin for 10-15 minutes.

• Rinse with cold water.

• You can repeat this daily for faster results.

10. Pumice Stone For Dark Underarms

Pumice stone has been used as an exfoliator for ages. It helps to remove dead cells. But be gentle do not scrub aggressively.

• Wet the pumice stone and gently scrub your underarm for a few minutes before taking a shower.

• Repeat this 2-3 times a week.

11. Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is high in vitamin E. It improves blood circulation to the area it is applied.

• Massage the underarms with sunflower oil for 1-2 minutes.

• Leave the oil for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with warm water.

• Repeat this daily.

12. Multani Mitti

Fuller’s Earth absorbs impurities and opens clogged pores. It also acts as an exfoliator.

• Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice and water to 2 tablespoons Multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) powder.

• Form a paste and apply it on the underarms.

• Rinse after 10 minutes.

• Apply 2-3 times a week.

13. Rosewater

Rosewater brightens skin and acts as a moisturiser. Baking soda, on the other hand, acts as an exfoliator.

• Make a thick paste with the ingredients and apply it on the underarms.

• Leave it on for about 5-7 minutes and then rinse with cool water.

• Repeat this twice a week.

14. Potato

Potato is a natural bleach and is great for skin lightening. You can also use it to reduce dark circles.

• Peel a potato and grate it. Squeeze out the juice from it.

• Apply the juice directly on the armpits.

• Rinse after 10-15 minutes.

• Repeat this daily.

15. Alum

Alum is a disinfectant and also balances the skin’s pH. It helps to get rid of microbes that can cause itching and dark armpits.

• Take 1-2 teaspoon alum powder and make a paste using water.

• Apply it on the underarms for 10-15 minutes.

• Wash it off.

• Repeat this once or twice a week.

Also Read: How to create your perfect skincare routine.

16. Walnut And Honey

Walnut powder here acts as the exfoliator and honey helps moisturise the skin.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of raw honey, and 1 teaspoon of powdered walnuts.

• Apply the paste on your underarms and let it stay for 10 – 15 minutes.

• Dampen your hands and start scrubbing the armpits gently for a few minutes.

• Rinse off.

• Repeat this 2 – 3 times a week.

17. Orange Peel Powder

Orange is known to have bleaching and lightening properties. It also acts as a deodorant because of its refreshing fruity fragrance.

• Peel off a few oranges and dry the peel in sun for a few days. Grind the peels and store in a dry container.

• If you don’t have the time for this you can even buy orange peel powder.

• Take 2 teaspoons of orange peel powder and add rosewater and milk to form a thick paste.

• Apply it to your dark underarms and scrub gently for a few minutes.

• Let it stay for 15 minutes.

• After that, wash the area with cold water.

• Repeat 2-3 times a week.

18. Sandalwood

Sandalwood is known for its skin brightening properties. You can use it to lighten your underarms too.

• Take 2 teaspoons of sandalwood powder and mix it with 2 teaspoons of rose water.

• Apply this paste on your dark armpits and let it dry for 10 minutes.

• Wash it off with cold water.

• You can repeat this daily.

19. Gram Flour

Gram flour is known to even out skin tone and is an excellent exfoliator.

• Take 2 teaspoons of gram flour and add enough curd to make a paste.

• Now apply a thin layer of this paste on your armpits.

• Let it dry for 10 minutes and then scrub off later with damp hands.

• You can apply this scrub daily.

20. Tomato

Tomato has excellent bleaching property and is great for skin lightening. You can even use it to get rid of skin tan.

• Extract the juice from a tomato and apply it on your underarms for 15-20 minutes.

• Wash it off with cold water.

Use these simple remedies and you will start seeing the difference in a few weeks only. Also, these methods are safe and natural. But if you have sensitive skin even some natural products like baking soda or tea tree oil might cause irritation, so always do a patch test before you use any of the above remedies.

Make sure you have cleaned your underarms properly before using any remedy and there is no deodorant or any other product residue left behind. So, don’t just sit there, summers are here. Don’t miss wearing your sleeveless dresses again this year !!

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