Let’s be honest; dark underarms happen to healthy people and can be a frustrating beauty problem to deal with. In general, your underarms should be about the same skin tone as the rest of your body, but sometimes, this is not the case. The good news is that underarm whitening can be safely done and deliver excellent results.
Dark underarm pits can come about from a variety of factors like genetics and a pigment condition called AN (acanthosis nigricans). Other causes can include obesity, constant razor shaving, medications and hormonal changes.
Today, there are a variety of methods for underarm lightening, and armpit bleaching creams are one of the most popular ways to see amazing results.
For example, some of these formulas feature ingredients that are superior at exfoliating the dead skin cells as they perform underarm lightening. Salicylic acid, licorice extract, glycolic acid and glycerin are just a few found in gel formulas that also moisturize as they work to armpit lighten the area.
A lot of the armpit bleaching creams available today contain hydroquinone, a chemical that halts the production of melanin in the skin. It works well, but some people fear that overuse of hydroquinone formulas for underarm whitening can cause potential health risks. A few of these are redness, itching, burning and skin cancer. Skin care experts recommend using a cream that has no more than two percent hydroquinone in the ingredient base.
Because of the hydroquinone rumors, a number of brands have developed successful creams, serums and gels to armpit lighten without the chemical. Instead, these advanced formulas contain whiteners such as kojic acid, a natural element found in fungi species like mushrooms.
Asian women rave about kojic acid and its ability to safely lighten the skin better than over-the-counter armpit bleaching creams. The unique ingredient can eliminate dark patches and brighten uneven skin tone without causing irritation or breakouts. Kojic acid is also said to feature anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Some dermatologists advise using prescription retinoic acid for underarm whitening. Tretinoin has most often been used for the face and neck to get rid of uneven pigment, exfoliate vigorously and produce a brighter, more radiant complexion. Retinoic acid cream has been shown to lighten and thin the skin in the armpits. It is especially effective on those with AN because their armpit skin can also thicken as it darkens and creates folds.
Other women have found success with natural formulas they make from their kitchen cabinets. For instance, baking soda is one of those ingredients that seems to perform underarm lightening with good results.
The DIY recipe calls for just two ingredients. Mix one spoon of bicarbonate of soda with one spoon of coconut oil. Apply to the underarms in a gentle scrubbing motion, and allow the paste to stay on the skin for five to ten minutes before rinsing it off.
According to fans of this most natural method, baking soda is a very good exfoliator and removes discoloration when used consistently.
Dealing with darkened skin, especially under the arms is annoying for most women, but it is a treatable condition. There are a variety of creams, gels and serums to try, and hydroquinone is not always the formula to reach for. Natural ingredients like kojic acid work, and you can always head to your kitchen and make up a batch of DIY treatments.