Dark underarms could be the reason you avoid wearing your favorite sleeveless dress.
It can be caused by discoloration of skin pigment, a sign of metabolic error or insulin resistance and present as acanthosis nigricans which is a velvety hyperpigmentation or an accumulation of dead cells.
However it can be treated with some effective remedies and treatments. A variety of over-the-counter creams claim to lighten dark underarms.
Keep in mind to use a cream that has been specifically formulated for this purpose and to follow the instructions on the package.
Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid can penetrate your skin and eliminate dead skin cells because of its small molecular weight. For those who have darker underarms it can help in getting lighter skin and increased cell growth while maintaining pH level in your armpit.
Hydroquinone
String bleaching agent, very quick and effective results but should always be used under supervision of a dermatologist who will explain to you the correct way to use it, and advise on the correct concentration as per the skin sensitivity.
Kojic acid
Kojic acid is another excellent exfoliator that gently eliminates the skin’s dark layer. It also slows the production of melanin and helps to lighten the darkness.
Treatments:
- Chemical peels enriched with phenol, retinol, glycolic acid, and similar ingredients can exfoliate, and repair the skin. And peels containing trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can also help exfoliate the skin and promote the appearance of soft, smooth skin.
- Q-switched laser therapy can be used to remove pigmentation and lighten dark underarms. Before undergoing this treatment consult with a dermatologist.
- Microdermabrasion procedure can exfoliate the top layer of skin and improve its appearance by using a diamond-tipped wand.
Few lifestyle changes you can do for lighten your underarms:
- Avoid using deodorants and harsh soap
- Exfoliate your underarms once a week to remove dead skin cells.
- To reduce friction, wear loose-fitting clothes or wear cotton clothes.
- Using kojic acid to prevent further pigmentation.
- Shaving or waxing should be avoided, switch to laser hair removal for underarms permanent hair removal.
