Why are my armpits still dark after laser?

Author: Chester Carter  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 19, 2025

This side effect, known as post-laser hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) consists of dark patches or lesions, which can take a year or longer to resolve on their own, or be permanent without the proper treatment.

Why is my underarm dark after laser?

The cause of the dark spots was probably from the laser being set too high. The skin in the underarm area tends to be darker from years of shaving or waxing. When too much energy is used on darker skin types the laser can not differentiate between the melanin in the hair vs the melanin in your skin.

Why isn't laser working on my armpits?

If your hair growth is a result of hormonal imbalance, laser hair removal might not work at all for your excess facial and body hair. If you believe that your excess hair might be related to hormonal imbalance, consider having a medical evaluation prior to your laser treatment.

Is hyperpigmentation after laser permanent?

[7] Hyperpigmentation can be due to the accumulation of extracellular melanin from the destruction of melanocytes or increased melanin production due to post-treatment inflammation. As such, it does not typically last longer than three to four months.

Can underarm darkness be removed permanently?

Your dermatologist can treat existing dark underarms with retinoid or fading creams, but Charles says, ``it's definitely not an easy problem,'' because there's a lot of skin-to-skin rubbing under your arms that can cause irritation.

Q-Switched Laser - Underarm Lightening

How do celebrities get rid of dark underarms?

Regularly exfoliate underarm skin with a chemical exfoliator. Apply a chemical exfoliator once a week in the underarm region to get rid of the build-up of dead skin cells. Avoid using mechanical exfoliators like scrubs having coarse microparticles.

Why is my hyperpigmentation not going away?

Reason #1: You're Getting Too Much Sun

“Hyperpigmentation can be incredibly frustrating and tough to treat. One of the easiest things you can do at home to help with hyperpigmentation is to be vigilant with sun protection,” says Dr. Camille Howard, a board-certified dermatologist and IT Cosmetics Advisory Board Member.

What happens if you laser too much?

Severe Complications

These complications may include burns, scars, and permanent changes in skin color. Burns can occur if the laser is too powerful or if it is used on skin that is too dark or too tanned. Scars can occur if the skin is not properly prepared before treatment or if the laser is used incorrectly.

How to get rid of post laser hyperpigmentation?

Standard treatment options for PIH are medicated creams that your dermatologist can prescribe, such as tretinoin or retinol, as well as hydroquinone. Azelaic acid is another option, along with chemical peels.

How many times should you laser your armpits?

Schedule of Underarm Laser Hair Removal

The number of sessions needed varies based on individual factors such as hair color, coarseness, and skin tone. On average, most individuals require 6-8 sessions for effective underarm hair removal. However, some may need more or less.

Why am I not seeing results from laser?

Your treatments aren't regular enough. As a result you hair cycles will overlap and the treatment won't be as effective as it should be. Solution – For the laser to destroy the root, the follicle has to be at a specific stage of its growth. So not too early and not too late.

Will I regret laser hair removal?

While laser hair removal significantly reduces hair growth, it doesn't always eliminate it completely, and some may still require occasional touch-ups. Skin reactions can also play a role in feelings of regret, although this is rare when the procedure is done correctly.

Why is my skin so dark after laser?

This side effect, known as post-laser hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) consists of dark patches or lesions, which can take a year or longer to resolve on their own, or be permanent without the proper treatment.

How to lighten a dark armpit?

Some natural ways to lighten the armpits and groin include:
  1. Sodium bicarbonate exfoliant. ...
  2. White clay paste. ...
  3. Rice water. ...
  4. Aloe vera gel. ...
  5. Carrot, honey and yogurt cream. ...
  6. Green tea, white clay and coconut oil.

How to speed up shedding after laser hair removal?

The best way to help speed up shedding after your laser hair removal treatment is by gentle exfoliation once or twice a week once you start to see signs of your hair starting to shed.

Can laser make hyperpigmentation worse?

It has been recommended not to treat PLH or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with lasers. This hyperpigmentation might be worsened by laser treatment, as the heat and energy can cause the pigment itself to become further entrenched in the skin.

How to train in laser hair removal?

THE QUALIFICATION

In studying the VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Laser and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) you will have an advanced qualification that has been specially designed for beauty therapists or medical specialists who would like to become a qualified laser aesthetic technician.

What fades hyperpigmentation the fastest?

Three types of skincare treatments fade hyperpigmentation marks fast:
  • Physical exfoliants.
  • Chemical exfoliants.
  • Brightening actives such as vitamin C, kojic acid, liquorice extract.

How do you fix stubborn hyperpigmentation?

8 Doctor-Approved Ways to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation
  1. Keep Skin Moist to Boost Cell Turnover. ...
  2. Protect Your Skin From the Sun. ...
  3. 7 Doctor-Approved Ways to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation. ...
  4. Keep Your Hands Off Bug Bites, Blackheads, and Other Injuries. ...
  5. Explore OTC Whitening Options. ...
  6. Consider an Rx for Stubborn Skin Discoloration.

How do you know if hyperpigmentation is permanent?

Whether or not post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is permanent depends on three things:
  1. How severe the trauma that caused the discolouration was.
  2. The skin colour of the person affected.
  3. How the skin is treated afterwards.

What makes dark armpits go away?

Opt for laser hair removal

If excessive shaving and waxing continue to plague your underarms, laser hair removal is a fantastic option to keep those hairs at bay for longer. Because laser hair removal removes hair from the root, it also gets rid of the dark stain which may be caused by subsurface hair.

How much does laser treatment for dark underarms cost?

The laser treatment for underarm whitening cost varies, ranging from 2000 to 10000/-, depending on the customized treatment protocol required for individual needs.

How do actresses have such clean underarms?

How do Celebrities Clean their Armpits? Celebrities often undergo professional treatments such as laser hair removal and dermabrasion to whiten their underarms. Dermabrasion is a cosmetic treatment that uses a rotating instrument to remove the outer layer of skin, revealing smoother and brighter skin underneath.

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