The dark color of the underarm area is an embarrassing problem, but it is common and familiar to many females. Like other parts of the body, The skin may darken or change color. This problem may prevent you from wearing sleeveless shirts, wearing swimwear in public places, or participating in sports activities, but do not worry, dear. Today, we will provide you with solutions and preventive measures that guarantee the result.

There are many causes of dark armpits:

1. Friction:

Skin contact with anything is the most common cause of hyperpigmentation. If you wear tight clothes all day, The cloth affects your skin causing irritation and thus hyperpigmentation.

Wear comfortable clothes and choose natural fabrics such as cotton or silk instead of synthetic fabrics. This will allow your skin to breathe and reduce the chances of irritation.

2. Shave:

Shaving is the quickest and easiest way to get rid of fuzz in the armpit area. But it is also the most common cause of underarm discoloration. Frequent shaving removes the protective top layer of your skin along with the hairs. Thus, the underarm area is more exposed to sweat, dirt and skin care products. Which ultimately leads to irritation and discoloration.

3. Underarm Products:

While deodorants and antiperspirants do a great job of keeping underarms smelling fresh, However, it may be the reason behind its blackening. Your skin may be sensitive to some skin care products that contain perfume and alcohol. Which can irritate it and cause hyperpigmentation. Choose alcohol-free deodorants and antiperspirants, and make sure not to apply them directly to your skin.

4. Ethnicity:

If you suffer from excessive sweating in this, You should be aware that the bacteria that multiply in the sweaty armpit area do not only cause the smell, It can also cause discoloration of this area in the long term.

5. Medication:

Certain medications such as birth control pills, high doses of niacin (vitamin B3), etc. may lead to hyperpigmentation especially around skin folds such as the armpits. If you notice discolored spots on your skin, Do not stop taking medications on your own, but you should consult your doctor about possible alternatives.

6. Inadequate Skin Care:

If you do not exfoliate your underarms regularly, Dead cells will accumulate and there may be ingrown hairs after shaving. Dead cells are a breeding ground for bacteria, so a gentle exfoliation once a week will be very effective.

However, You should be aware that excessive or harsh exfoliation can irritate the delicate skin of your armpits. Which leads to increased pigmentation.

Darker armpit color may be due to genes. Dark-skinned people have a higher production of melanin (the pigment that gives our skin its natural color) and are more prone to hyperpigmentation in different areas of the body. such as armpits, knees, elbows or knuckles.

But when should you visit the doctor?

If this problem is caused by a medical condition such as diabetes, PCOS, etc., You should see a doctor to treat the underlying cause first. If you suffer from a bacterial infection in the armpit area, Your doctor will prescribe an oral or topical antibiotic to treat it. A sudden darkening of your armpit that refuses to go away may indicate cancer and requires immediate medical attention. Treating the underlying causes is the first essential step to preventing hyperpigmentation on a part of your body.

Many people choose a natural way to lighten their armpits. Advocates of natural remedies suggest using a number of items with natural bleaching properties. You will tell me eggs, honey, yogurt, salt and cumin, Yes, these components will benefit you, but is it possible to follow them for life? What if you are too lazy to put such materials on your body?

The best solution is to take the necessary preventive measures, as the color of this area is related to:

• personal cleanliness.

• The color and abundance of hair in this area.

Here are some important tips for prevention:

• Keep the underarm skin clean to avoid the accumulation of sweat, which in turn causes it to darken.
• Don’t forget to moisturize daily because dry, flaky skin can change color. You can use coconut oil or vitamin E on the underarm area to keep it soft.
• Avoid removing hair with the razor frequently, and when using it, apply a little shaving foam before shaving.
• Maintaining your weight within the normal limit is an absolute necessity. Not only does obesity contribute to hyperpigmentation, It may even lead to hormonal disorders.
• Avoid smoking as much as possible.
• Wear loose clothing to avoid the accumulation of sweat.
• It is not necessary for you to wash your body with soap and water daily. You can wash with a little water, then make sure to dry your skin well and moisturize it with a good moisturizing lotion to maintain smoothness and uniform color.
• Always remember to completely dry your skin of sweat or water, especially after exercise.
• Finally, use baby powder as a substitute for deodorants at least twice a week. Baby powder gives you a beautiful color and soft skin like babies.

Written by: Mai Majar

Sources:

skinkraft

healthline