If you wear sleeveless garments and are concerned about developing dark patches of skin in your underarms, several precautions can be taken to help you maintain an even, attractive skin tone. Routine preventative maintenance and avoidance of certain behaviors are not always sufficient, however; some underarm discoloration can be caused by medical conditions. If you develop dark underarm skin even after diligent preventative measures, consult a dermatologist about potential medical causes and treatments.
Step 1
Wash and exfoliate your underarms daily. Daily Glow, the health and beauty website, warns that accumulations of dirt and oil resulting from poor hygiene habits can darken underarm skin over time, as can the uric acid present in sweat. Routine exfoliation of your underarms with a loofah sponge, pumice stone or exfoliating body wash will clear away dead skin cells, which can cling to creases in the skin and make it appear dark. The health and beauty site The Beauty Brains recommends exfoliants that contain lactic acid.
Step 2
Remove your underarm hair by waxing rather than shaving, if you can stand it. While it's not always the most pleasant experience, waxing can remove hair at the root, whereas shaving can only cut hair at or just below the surface. If your hair is naturally darker than your skin, the roots left behind may still be visible, giving the appearance of dark underarms. Shaving can also irritate the skin and produce razor bumps or ingrown hairs, all of which can contribute to uneven skin tone. You can wax your own armpits using an at-home kit, but this service is also offered at many salons and spas.
Step 3
Shave carefully using sharp razor blades if waxing is not an option for you. Always use a soothing shaving gel or cream, and rinse the razor blade completely after every stroke. Shave in every direction to be as thorough as possible, and dispose of used razors as soon as they show signs of dullness.
Step 4
Avoid clothing and accessories that may cause friction on your underarm skin. Tight or restrictive tops, scratchy wools, fabrics that don't breathe and too-tight shoulder straps can all create friction that may cause irritation and, in turn, darken underarm skin. Wearing comfortable-fitting, 100-percent cotton undershirts beneath such garments can help you avoid this.
Step 5
Use a high-quality deodorant or antiperspirant. Some cheap versions may contain harsh ingredients that can irritate your underarms.
Step 6
Avoid depilatory creams and other cosmetic solutions designed to chemically remove or dissolve underarm hair. While these can help you avoid shaving, they can also darken the skin, according to Daily Glow.
Things You'll Need
- New razors
- Shaving gel
- Hair removal wax kit
- High-quality deodorant
- Cotton undershirts
- Exfoliating body wash
- Gentle soap
