How To Lighten Your Armpits
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Dark, smelly armpits are such a turn-off. And because the armpit area has extremely sensitive skin, the problem becomes graver. To top it all, we put those poor underarms through so much – shaving, roll-ons, and strong deodorants. Many people complain of dark underarms coming in the way of their confidence and dressing style. But what if we tell you that there are solutions that are homemade, simple, and absolutely natural to combat this?
Lighten your armpits with these easy-to-do-at home remedies that guarantee visible results. But, before we jump to that, let’s understand the factors that cause the armpits to turn dark.
Reasons For Dark Armpits
1. Incorrect Hair Removal Method
This is the biggest contributing factor to dark armpits. Most of us shave our armpit hair and realize that it has caused the skin to darken. A realization too late! Remember, hair removal from armpits is recommended for good hygiene, but it’s always better to use alternative methods other than shaving.
Waxing or trimming underarm hair is a better option as compared to shaving. Also, after waxing or trimming, it’s always a good idea to apply a skin cream or lotion that consists of aloe vera and marigold.
2. Intense Perspiration
Sweating is one of the ways through which the human body removes toxins. It also darkens the underarms over a long period. But, remember, it is better that you don’t use products that stop you from sweating. Such products block your sweat pores completely for few hours. And, in the long run, that’s not good for your body and skin (1).
To control intense perspiration, please use the following simple and natural remedies:
- Have a lot of antioxidants, such as green tea or avocado seed infusion.
- Wash your underarms frequently with red clay water, also called multani mitti. It’s easy to do this: Add water to multani mitti and apply it on your underarms. Let it stay for a couple of minutes and then wash it away with clean water. No need to apply soap.
- Apply lycopodium spores or plant sulfur to your underarms. These are good at absorbing sweat while simultaneously reducing bacterial growth, which is responsible for bad odor. They don’t cause irritation or rashes too. Not just your underarms, you can apply this solution wherever you sweat a lot. But please don’t smear it over open wounds.
- Stress and anxiety make you sweat more. So, try to be calm and composed.
3. Non-exfoliation Of Dead Cells
The human skin continuously regenerates itself. Dead skin cells keep falling off. In fact, most of the dust we see in our home consists of dead skin cells.
However, it’s tough to remove dead skin cells that accumulate on the armpits. So, gently exfoliate your underarms by applying a bit of sodium bicarbonate on them once a week. This should be done before removing underarm hair to prevent any irritation. Then, you can wash your underarms with clean water and apply a moisturizing cream.
4. Usage Of Strong Perfumes
The underarm skin is generally thinner than other regions. It becomes even more tender after hair removal. Therefore, avoid using products that could be harmful to your skin. You can apply natural and organic cosmetic products, mild perfumes, and alum stone or solid deodorants on armpits.
5. Skin Infections
The underarms can get infected due to poor hygiene or other dermatological reasons. As perspiration or moisture accumulates faster and easily in this area, you should always keep it clean and dry.
Apply a natural deodorant that contains tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a natural bactericide and fungicide (2). You can also directly purchase tea tree oil from a local chemist and add it to a mild moisturizing cream. Apply this combination to your underarms daily.
6. Friction Due To Tight And Synthetic Clothing
Tight clothing, especially if synthetic in nature, could irritate and darken your underarms. Reduce wearing synthetic clothes and accessories that may cause any unwanted reactions. Also, avoid wearing tight sleeves and straps.
Home Remedies As Natural Skin Whiteners
Your home is filled with natural skin whiteners only if you enter that kitchen and look around. Things like lemons, potatoes, and oxygenated water can naturally lighten your underarm skin tone.
1. Lemon
Lemon removes dead skin cells and whitens dark skin over a period of regular usage. Besides, lemon is an effective deodorant as well. Wondering what to do? It’s simple! Just cut a lemon in half and rub the cut piece on your armpits. Leave the lemon juice on your armpits for a few minutes till it dries completely. You can leave it on and get dressed.
Remember not to apply lemon juice on recently shaved underarms as it may cause burning sensation and irritation.
2. Potato Juice
Potato juice is a very effective skin lightening and whitening agent. Just put a small potato in a blender or mixer-grinder. Then, apply its juice on your underarms by using a cotton ball.
Wait for a while. Once dry, you can wash it off with clean water. It’s that simple.
3. Oxygenated Water
Some of you may have this natural whitener at home. Just apply a bit of oxygenated water on your underarms daily. Soon, you’ll observe that your underarms are lighter than before.
So, follow these simple methods and lighten your underarm skin tone within days.
Go out and wear that beautiful sleeveless dress you’ve always wanted to but didn’t. Impress your partner with clean and non-smelly underarms!
