Dark underarms are not unusual. Your friend is probably out there sighing over hers right now. That being said, a few of us are indifferent to it while the rest of us explore ways to brighten it. To each her own; after all, you can rock a sleeveless either ways!
However, if you are looking for ways to brighten this area of skin that’s prone to hyperpigmentation, don’t worry we’ve got you covered. Although, before you check for remedies for dark underarms, it’s essential to first understand the reasons for the same.
Reasons For Dark Underarms
- You might be overdue for an upgrade, if you are still using the same chemical-saturated deodorant. What should you be wary of? Deodorizing products that include harsh ingredients, such as aluminium, baking soda and alcohol. Switch to safer and non-toxic alternatives that don’t result in discoloration.
- Lack of exfoliation allows layers of dead skin to settle on your armpits. The result? Darkened skin. Regular scrubbing with a gentle exfoliator is recommended to buff away accumulated dead cells.
- Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, obesity and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are known to cause dark underarms. So before you opt for superficial products in such cases, work on treating the underlying medical issues instead.
- Wearing extremely tight clothes can cause friction between the fabric and your skin, resulting in darkened skin. Try wearing loose-fitting clothes whenever possible.
- Smoker’s melanosis which is increased tissue pigmentation or darkening of skin is common among people who smoke. Although, it mostly affects the lips, in some cases it can also affect skin around underarms.
- Excessive shaving or using razor to get rid of underarm hair can result in darkening and thickening of skin. So, what’s the better alternative? Waxing or laser hair removal.
Home Remedies For Dark Underarms
If you have been searching for natural remedies for black underarms, your search ends here. Here’s a lowdown on home remedies for dark underarms.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Step 1: In a spray bottle, add 5 tablespoons of Tea Tree Oil and 1/4th cup of Water. Shake it well.
Step 2: Now spray the mixture on your underarms in generous amounts.
Step 3: Allow it to dry naturally.

2. Baking Soda
Step 1: In a bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of Baking Soda and 1 tablespoon of Rosewater.
Step 2: Dip a cotton ball in the paste and apply this paste on your underarm area.
Step 3: After leaving it on for 5 minutes, wash off with water.

3. Potato
Step 1: Peel a Potato and grate it. Squeeze the juice from it into a bowl.
Step 2: Dip a cotton ball in the juice and rub it on the darkened skin.
Step 3: After leaving it on for 10 minutes, wash off with water.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Step 1: In a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 tablespoons of Baking Soda and stir well. Bubbles will rise in the mixture.
Step 2: Once the bubbles have subsided, apply a well-distributed layer of this paste on your underarm area.
Step 3: After 20 minutes, rinse off with lukewarm water.

5. Aloe Vera
Step 1: Scoop out the gel from an Aloe Vera Leaf into a cup. Refrigerate the gel for an hour.
Step 2: Now apply the cool gel on your armpit area and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Wash off with water.

6. Turmeric
Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of Turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon of Yogurt and 1 drop of Honey.
Step 2: Directly apply this paste on your neck and leave it on for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Wash off with lukewarm water.

7. Cucumber
Step 1: Peel a Cucumber and slice it into a bowl. Refrigerate the slices for an hour.
Step 2: Now, rub the cool Cucumber slices on your armpits until the juice oozes out into skin.
Step 3: After leaving it on for 10 minutes, rinse with water.

Read Also: Skin Pigmentation And Dark Spots: Home Remedies To Manage Them Naturally

