Your dermatologist can prescribe medications to help lighten the skin under your arms. Popular options include: Retinoid creams or pills. Tretinoin (Retin-A) is considered the first-line treatment for AN.
"So, it's important to be careful when using certain ingredients, since they can lead to worsening irritation if they are used too frequently or if the concentration is too high." Ingredients like niacinamide, azelaic acid, retinol, and hydroquinone are the ones that are actually beneficial for treating dark underarms.
Tretinoin can improve body skin and has a documented use in striae. Alpha-hydroxy acids can restore body skin when used on a regular basis. Antioxidants may be of benefit. Scars can be improved with a variety of topically applied agents ranging from silicone gel sheeting to super-potent topical steroids.
Applying tretinoin to wet retin a for underarms can irritate it. Apply just enough medicine to very lightly cover the affected areas, and rub in gently but well. Wait until the effects of such products on the skin have decreased before using tretinoin.
Do not apply this medicine to windburned or sunburned skin or on open wounds. Do not use this medicine in or around the eyes or lips, or inside of the nose. Spread the medicine away from these areas when applying. If it accidentally gets on these areas, wash with water at once.
Tretinoin Does Not “Bleach” Your Skin
Contrary to popular belief, tretinoin is not a “bleaching agent” or medicine designed specifically to lighten your skin tone. While tretinoin can even out patches of hyperpigmentation and cause a mild change in your skin tone, it doesn't affect melanin synthesis.
Of any available on the market, only tretinoin may help the dimpled appearance with increased collagen and elastin production, but only with long-term and consistent usage. Other over-the-counter creams, such as methylxanthine and herbal creams, don't provide the promised benefit.
Generally, it is fine to use tretinoin every night, but you may not want to because of the initial side effects, especially when you first start. You should only use tretinoin as prescribed to avoid significant skin irritation, redness, and other side effects.
Yes. It's perfectly safe to use a moisturizer with tretinoin. In fact, tretinoin without moisturizer is generally not recommended. Many dermatologists advise their patients to moisturize while using it to reduce their chance of developing dry, peeling skin.
Skin changes are the only signs of acanthosis nigricans. You'll notice dark, thickened, velvety skin in body folds and creases — typically in your armpits, groin and back of the neck. The skin changes usually appear slowly. The affected skin may also have an odor or itch.
Darkening armpits can be triggered by hormonal disorders, improper shaving, or Acanthosis nigricans. Professor and Interim Chair of Dermatology, Dr. Adam Friedman explains that deodorant or certain medications can also cause armpit darkening.
Tretinoin minimizes pore appearance by increasing cell turnover and boosting exfoliation, which clears debris in the pores and allows pores to shrink back to their normal size.
Tretinoin is an anti-cancer ("antineoplastic" or "cytotoxic") chemotherapy drug. Tretinoin is classified as a "retinoid." (For more detail, see "How Tretinoin Works" section below).
Use just a pea-sized portion.
This is enough for your face. Dab a bit from this portion onto your forehead, cheeks, and chin, then smooth it around. Use another pea-sized portion for your neck or chest if you need to apply in those areas, too.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is especially important to avoid using the following skin products on the same area as tretinoin: Any other topical acne product or skin product containing a peeling agent (eg, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur).
For the purposes of skin care, tretinoin can be thought of as a more concentrated version of retinol. This means that tretinoin is stronger than retinol. This difference in strength can help guide your decision-making when it comes to choosing a skin care product. Your skin is affected by more than what you put on it.
Skin Discoloration
Tretinoin can fade spots on the face, evening out your skin tone and helping to hide the blotchy coloration that can affect many people's facial skin. In some cases, however, tretinoin can also cause small patches of skin to darken, producing noticeable skin discoloration.
armpit (n.)
mid-14c., "hollow place under the shoulder," from arm (n. 1) + pit (n. 1).
Mix a little turmeric powder with milk and then apply this paste on your underarms. Wash it off with water after five to 10 minutes. Turmeric leaves a yellow tinge that fades off later so make sure you don't have to show off your underarms right after using this remedy.