Underarm skin is delicate and can be easily irritated. On top of that, the skin in this area tends to fold onto itself. All of these can cause hyperpigmentation.
Dark underarm can make you uncomfortable and affect your confidence, so how can we get rid of them? Well, by gently preventing further irritation and slowly healing your skin, of course!
Here are some of the best tips to lighten underarms. The key here is to be patient. The longer the pigmentation has been present, the more time it will take to remove it.
Keep building good skin habits and practicing every day. It might take a while, but we promise it will be worth it.
1. If You Have an Underarm Rash, You’ll Have to Treat That First
A rash is a clear signal that your skin is in distress, characterized by tell-tale signs of inflammation such as redness, itching, flakiness, and a rough skin surface.
It is absolutely crucial to address these symptoms first before attempting any brightening or advanced skincare methods.
Diving into a new regimen without knowing what your skin truly needs is a recipe for disaster, as any new treatments will likely be ineffective until the underlying inflammation has been diagnosed and controlled.
To maximize results and minimize wasted time, prioritize your skin problems. The most responsible first step is to consult with your dermatologist to get a thorough check and determine the precise cause of your rash. Once the inflammation is managed, you can safely proceed with other skincare goals.
2. Optimize Your Shaving Routine
The key to successfully reducing hyperpigmented underarm skin is to rigorously avoid irritation.
If you choose to shave, minimize irritation caused by shaving cream by allowing it to sit on the skin for 15–30 seconds before you start.
This lets the product soften the hair and skin. Crucially, you should also replace your blades frequently, as dull blades are a major source of skin damage and friction.
Furthermore, if you often experience rashes from metal accessories (like belts or jewelry), you may be allergic to the nickel found in some razor blades.
In this case, switching to an alternative hair removal method like waxing or laser hair removal is a much better approach to prevent chronic irritation and improve pigmentation.
3. Introduce a Combination of Gentle Physical and Chemical Exfoliants
As established, the most important step for dealing with hyperpigmentation is avoiding skin irritation.
You should absolutely avoid aggressively scrubbing your underarms. Applying intense physical pressure will not solve pigmentation issues; in fact, it can easily worsen the condition by causing more inflammation.
A much better and gentler approach is to use a combination of chemical and mild physical exfoliators to lift dead skin cells. Less pressure translates directly to less irritation, which is the key to preventing the darkening of the underarm area.
4. Switch to a Hypoallergenic Deodorant
Natural deodorants do not limit sweating. On top of that, many of them are highly fragranced.
These plant-based fragrances can cause allergies, which is the last thing you want. Another common ingredient in natural deodorants that you might want to avoid is sodium bicarbonate.
If your underarm skin starts darkening after using a new deodorant, you should switch to a hypoallergenic antiperspirant. A deodorant without sodium bicarbonate can also be a great choice.
5. Professional Laser and Microneedling Treatments Can Help
For more severe cases of hyperpigmentation, a procedural-based approach is often necessary. These advanced methods can offer significant results.
However, these are not treatments you should ever try at home. The skin in your underarm area is exceptionally delicate and sensitive. To avoid serious damage and complications, it is crucial to let licensed professionals handle these procedures.
Consulting a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician will ensure you receive the safest and most effective treatment tailored to your skin.
