The skin in the underarms is thin and delicate, and because the underarms are rarely a source of serious problems, they are often not taken proper care of. As a result, the sensitive skin of the underarms may develop rashes, pimples, ingrown hair, and infections.
Dark underarms are a common problem that can dampen a person's confidence.
If your armpits are discolored, chances are that you might think twice before wearing a sleeveless top or participating in pool parties.Dark armpits can be a result of shaving, excessive sweating, usage of certain deodorants, etc. Here are some effective home remedies to lighten your underarms and make you more confident.
# Spray tea tree oil
Tea tree oil can be highly efficacious in treating dark underarms. It helps lighten the skin and also keeps it odor-free. Moreover, tea tree oil possesses antimicrobial properties that prevent infections and keep odor-causing bacteria in check.
- Dilute 5–6 drops of tea tree oil with ½ cup of water.
- Transfer the solution into a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution on your underarms daily.
# Make a turmeric pasteTurmeric is found to help in lightening and healing the skin. It also acts as an antibacterial and anti-itch agent.
- Mix 1 tsp of turmeric with honey and some milk.
- Apply the mask to your underarms and wash it off after 15 minutes.
- Repeat this remedy three times a week for best results.
# Rub a cucumber sliceSince your underarm skin is folded and often sweats a lot, it usually remains hot and moist, an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria can cause infections and skin darkening. Applying cucumber to your underarm skin can soothe it.
- Cut a fresh cucumber into thin slices and rub them on your underarms. Wash the area after 10 minutes. Repeat this remedy two times a day.
- Mix cucumber juice with fuller’s earth to make a paste. Apply this paste to your underarm, and wash it off after 15 minutes.
# Make an apple cider vinegar scrubApple cider vinegar (ACV) is rich in amino acids and lactic acid that can help remove dead skin cells. ACV is also an astringent that can unclog skin pores and bleach the skin to improve hyperpigmentation.
In addition, ACV also prevents infections caused by bacteria that feed on dead skin cells.
- Grind ½ cup of rice to form rice flour, which acts as a coarse exfoliator. Mix ACV and the rice flour to form a thick paste. Apply this paste to your underarm skin, scrub it gently, and wash it off after 10 minutes. Repeat this remedy three times a week.
- Dab some ACV on your armpits using a cotton ball, allow it to dry, and wash. Repeat this remedy daily.
# Use an orange peel powder and milk scrubOrange peel powder is a potent exfoliator that can help treat hyperpigmentation of the underarms. Milk, on the other hand, has skin whitening and lightening properties.
- Mix 2 tbsp of orange peel with 1 tbsp each of rose water and cold milk to form a smooth paste.
- Gently massage in this paste on your underarms.
- Wash it off after 15 minutes.
# Prepare a brown sugar and olive oil scrub
Olive oil hydrates and nourishes the skin. It contains antioxidant properties that can fight skin-damaging free radicals. Brown sugar is used to remove dead skin cells that build up over the skin surface.
- Mix 1 tbsp of olive oil with 1 tbsp of brown sugar.
- Scrub your armpit with this paste for about 2 minutes.
- Wash the underarms with normal water after 5–10 minutes.
# Apply aloe vera gelAloe vera gel is a popular dermatological agent that possesses sun-blocking, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Applying aloe vera to your armpits can also help lighten the hyperpigmented areas.
- Extract the gel from a fresh aloe vera leaf. Apply a thin layer of the gel to your underarms, and wash it off after 10–15 minutes. Repeat this remedy every other day for best results.
- You can also use store-bought organic aloe vera gel for the same.
# Rub potatoes
Potatoes are considered to be natural bleaching agents. They are also slightly acidic, thus helping in the removal of dead skin cells.
- Cut a potato into thin slices and rub them on your underarms.
- Grind a potato and sieve it to extract its juice. Dab the potato juice on your underarms using a cotton ball, and wash it off after 15 minutes with warm water.