Dark underarms can be a matter of concern for those who are beauty conscious. We may find it embarrassing to wear sleeveless tops. Dark underarms are more obvious in fair individuals as it is visible in fair skin. Some of the causes of dark underarms are constant shaving of the armpits, friction that occurs in the armpits by wearing tight tops and blouse, infection that occurs due to uncleanliness, constant sweating, application of deodorants and perfumes on the armpits and dead skin build up. Apart from dark underarms, we may also develop itching, sweating and bad odor around the armpits.
Certain natural remedies that can be helpful for fair underarms are:
Maintain proper hygiene of the underarms.
We should wash our underarms regularly and thoroughly while taking bath. Pat dry the underarms properly to avoid moisture on the underarms. Presence of moisture on the underarms can increase the incidence of infection on the under arms.
Prefer waxing the underarms regularly. We need to avoid frequent shaving of the underarms. Waxing can remove the hair from the roots as well as dead skin present in the underarms. Prefer cotton clothes that are comfortable and cool to wear rather than synthetic clothes. Tight fitting clothes can cling to the body and cause friction. We should preferably wear loose clothes in order to prevent sweating and friction on the underarms.
Prepare a paste with one teaspoon of lemon juice with one teaspoon cucumber juice and a pinch of turmeric powder. Apply this paste under the arms and leave it for twenty minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
Prepare a paste with one tablespoon curd, one teaspoon gram flour and one teaspoon milk. Add a pinch of turmeric powder to the mixture. We should apply this paste on the underarms and allow it to remain till it becomes dry. Rinse thoroughly.
Apply lime juice on the underarms and allow it to remain for few minutes.
You can apply yogurt daily to make the underarms fair naturally. You can also use baking soda for dark armpits. Simply massage the affected areas with the baking soda after a bath. This will help to lessen the discoloration after some time. Apple cider vinegar for dark armpits is another beneficial home remedy.
You can apply the apple cider vinegar to the darkened skin after cleansing and drying the region. The underarms should not be rinsed after application. Apple cider vinegar combined with baking soda can also be used to cure dark armpits naturally. The mixture may bubble initially and can be applied once the fizz settles down. Rinse the area once the mixture dries.
One of the most common and easy to use dark underarm skin remedies is potato. The juice of a potato may be applied to the darkened skin and left on for a short period of time. You can treat dark armpits with a paste of sandalwood and rose water. This will help to lighten the skin as well as make it softer and suppler.
Another beneficial dark armpit natural treatment is gram flour mixed with curd and turmeric. Combine all the ingredients well and then apply to the affected area. Leave it on for about fifteen minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. Even vitamin E oil or coconut oil can be used to lighten darkened underarms. Alum also helps to lighten the skin and also reduces excessive perspiration in the underarm area. However alum must be used with caution as it may cause irritation in some people.
Herbal Remedies For Fairer Armpits
Herbal remedies are known to be highly beneficial in treating various skin problems such as pigmentation. The oil of margosa leaves is believed to reduce the darkening in the underarm area. Licorice contains certain components which trigger the release of pheomelanin which helps to reduce hyper pigmentation. The extract of licorice root may be combined with raspberry extract for greater effectiveness. It is advisable to avoid using any type of bleaching cream for dark armpits. Many skin bleaches contain strong and harsh ingredients that can cause damage to the skin. If you must use skin bleach, ensure that you do a patch test on a small area of skin before using it on the affected area. It is also a good idea to avoid using harsh soaps to cleanse the skin. Herbal soaps or non-soap cleansers are a better option as they clean the skin without drying or irritating it.
Diet for Underarm Dark Skin
There may not be a specific diet for dark underarms. However general dietary practices can be carried out for fair and glowing skin. In addition to cleaning from outside, we need to clear our system from inside. Certain dietary factors that can help in gaining fair and blemish free skin are as follows:
Drink 10 to 12 glasses of water. It will help in flushing out the toxins and improving the health of the kidney.
Have fresh fruits and vegetables in the form of salads. These contain vitamins and minerals as well as natural plant chemicals and pigments that can help in improving the complexion of the skin.