The appearance of dark underarms even though you had shaved them can be an annoying cosmetic issue. It can be a consequence of poor underarm ventilation, an accumulation of dead skin cells, shaving, regular use of hair removing creams, excessive sweating, or the use of alcohol-based deodorants and antiperspirants.
As the summer is approaching, you would rather not have this problematic issue. However, there is no need to worry, since there are numerous ways to eliminate this issue, since it is not there for good.
Here below we provide five of these natural methods, so you can try them out.
Prepare a thick paste out of baking soda and water. Scrub your underarms, and then proceed to wash the paste off and pat it dry. Do this a few times a week. Baking soda and cornstarch also help to neutralize the odor.
Rub a lemon wedge on your skin for a few minutes. Then, leave it there for 10 minutes, and afterwards, wash it off thoroughly. Lemons can be harsh on the skin, so make sure to apply a moisturizer afterwards.
Vinegar
Prepare a thick paste out of flour and vinegar. Apply it during a hot shower. Allow the paste to dry for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. Repeat a few times a week.
Potatoes
Rub a thin slice of potato on your underarms. You can also grate the potato and apply its juice to those dark areas. Then, allow your arms to dry for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water. It is advisable that you repeat this twice a day and allow the potatoes bleaching properties work their magic, without the irritation. The same treatment can be done with cucumbers as well.
Mix two tablespoons of full fat milk, one tablespoon of flour, and one teaspoon of plain yogurt. You’ll get a thick paste. Apply this paste on your underarms and leave it on for 15 minutes before washing it off with cold water. Do this a few times a week.
But how to ensure that these effects will last?
Once you have solved this issue, here are several ways to avoid darkening your underarms:
Replace the shaving cream with coconut oil, as it will leave your skin feeling smooth and soft the natural way. You can also rub coconut oil on your underarms to clear up dark underarms.
Wax your arms instead of shaving them. When we shave, we raise the risk of developing ingrown hairs, which can generate a dark underarm appearance. Waxing on the other hand, will ensure that the full hair strand comes right out of the follicle.
Use natural antiperspirants to control sweating and keep your arms smelling good without applying a layer of harmful ingredients on your underarms.
To prevent the buildup of dead skin cells, exfoliate your underarms once a week.
Sometimes, ark underarms can indicate a medical condition called acanthosis nigricans which is often linked to obesity, hormonal disorders, insulin resistance, certain medications and cancer. So, if you suspect a deeper issue regarding your dark underarms we advise you to consult your doctor.
