Give exfoliants a (gentle!) go - While topical exfoliants like salicylic acid, glycolic acid and tretinoin can help subtly lighten acanthosis nigricans, it is best managed by trying to keep weight under control with a balanced diet and exercise.
Lemon juice: Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent and can help to lighten dark underarms. Apply fresh lemon juice to the underarms and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with water. Be sure to moisturize afterwards, as lemon juice can be drying.
Acanthosis nigricans (pronounced: ah-kan-THO-sis NY-gruh-kans) is a skin condition. It causes thicker and darker patches or streaks, usually in skin creases and folds, such as the sides and back of the neck, armpits, elbow pits, and groin. But it can show up anywhere on the body.
Shaving or plucking underarm hair too often may cause dark underarms, so moisturizing can be helpful to reduce underarm irritation. Always use a soap or shaving foam before shaving, and choose one for sensitive skin.
“The potential for lemon juice to cause irritation and inflammation is significant. Irritation may lead to post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation (PIH), which would leave to a worsening of the skin darkening in the armpits and is very difficult to treat,” Amour told Body and Soul.
It may be a sign of insulin resistance and can be a warning sign for developing diabetes. It can also be seen in people who have underlying medical conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome. Occasionally medications like insulin and steroid tablets can cause acanthosis nigricans too.
Yoghurt. Just the plain yogurt can also help to lighten darker skin patches. It also helps to calm skin irritation and rashes. Apply the yoghurt on the skin area for 10-15 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.
Wash your underarms regularly with soap and water to make sure there is no accumulation of germs and bacteria. Baking soda is a natural deodourizer that can help to neutralize underarm odour. Apply a paste of baking soda and water to your underarms and let it sit for a few minutes before you rinse off.
Inadequate exfoliating. The armpits may not be getting as much love when taking a shower, so this can lead to the buildup of dead skin cells left between your underarms. Aside from making your skin look dull, dead skin cells also prompt the skin to produce more pigmentation, leading to darkened armpits.
Luster Cosmetics Whitening Underarm Roll On Deodorant helps brighten armpit skin and reduce dark spots. This is easy to apply and helps brighten and lighten armpits. One of the reasons why your underarm area might be dark is because you shave the area.
Baking soda is an exceptional underarm whitening remedy known for its exfoliating properties. Create a mixture by blending four tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of rose water. Apply this mixture to your darkened underarms using a cotton ball, and rinse it off after 5 minutes of application.
"Glycerol is a very potent moisturizer for axillary skin. It hydrates the top layer of the skin and leads to the appearance of smoother and brighter skin," said Russak.
You can use a physical or chemical exfoliator, or both, to get the most effective shave. A dull razor can cause irritation and increase the risk of darkening the underarm area. Use a sharp razor with multiple blades to minimize the risk of cuts and ingrown hairs.
Simply dip a piece of kitchen towel or a washcloth in the vinegar and rub it under your armpits. The smell of vinegar will dissipate quickly, but if you prefer, you could dab the apple cider vinegar under your armpits in the evening and leave it on overnight.
FACT: EVEN "NATURAL” PRODUCTS CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE SKIN REACTIONS. Skin irritation and allergic reactions are the most common health issues caused by antiperspirants and deodorants—and they can happen with traditional or natural products, Dr. Siddiqui says.
What about our underarms? The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon helps to neutralize bacteria causing the odor.
A dark patch (or band) of velvety skin on your neck, armpit, groin, or elsewhere could be a sign of pre-diabetes. The medical name for the condition that causes this velvety skin is acanthosis nigricans.
Exfoliate: Weekly exfoliation is key for a smooth, radiant neck. It removes dead skin cells, revealing brighter, more even-toned skin. Try a homemade scrub with brown sugar, lemon, and honey, or choose Garnier SkinActive BlackHead Eliminating Scrub with Charcoal for a refreshing, invigorating experience.
The melanocytes in your skin produce melanin, and they are highly susceptible to hormonal changes, especially during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Some areas, such as the skin around your nipples and anus, get significantly darker.