Which methods are effective for getting rid of dark areas beneath the arms depends on the cause. Dark skin on the underarms may be due to certain hygienic practices or hyperpigmentation. However, if the skin is also thick and velvety, or is accompanied by similar discoloration in other folds of skin elsewhere on the body, it is likely you have a condition called acanthosis nigricans. If this is the case, lifestyle changes to incorporate more physical activity and healthier eating practices are necessary, as the primary treatment for acanthosis nigricans is maintaining a healthy weight and managing insulin resistance, as MayoClinic.com points out.
Step 1
Wax or pluck hair growing in your armpits rather than shaving it. Removing hairs from deep down, rather than allowing them to show just beneath the surface of the skin, may eliminate "five o'clock shadow" under your arms, a leading cause of discoloration in this area, according to the cosmetic scientists at The Beauty Brains website.
Step 2
Clear dead skin cells that can accumulate and darken skin by either scrubbing the area with a loofah or other manual exfoliation device, or by applying a topical exfoliating product at least every few days. If you use an exfoliating lotion, opt for one containing alpha and/or beta hydroxy acids, recommends Audrey Kunin, M.D., of the DermaDoctor website.
Step 3
Apply topical skin fade creams, such as those made with vitamin A derivatives called retinoids, to the areas under your arms, suggests MayoClinic.com, if the dark skin is caused by hyperpigmentation or excess melanin production. Try over-the-counter creams, or ask your dermatologist about prescription-strength options containing retinoids or the skin bleaching agent hydroquinone. Follow all package and prescription directions.
Step 4
Eat a low-fat diet high in fiber and complex carbohydrates to help manage insulin resistance, suggests Rice University's SportsMedWeb. Replace refined grain cereals, pasta and bread with those made from whole grains, and eat brown rice rather than white rice. Consume unsaturated fats rather than saturated fats, such as those from vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and seafood, as the Harvard School of Public Health recommends.
Step 5
Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet to help achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Eat poultry and fish for lean protein and fat-free dairy products.
Step 6
Consult with your primary care physician about beginning an aerobic exercise regimen to help control weight and insulin resistance, as Rice University advises. Begin with light exercise, such as brief walks, swims or bicycle rides, and work your way up to longer workouts of increasing intensity, under the supervision of your doctor.
Step 7
Ask your dermatologist about other treatment methods that can help with acanthosis nigricans or forms of hyperpigmentation. Inquire about fish oil supplements, prescription medications such as isotretinoin and cosmetic procedures such as dermabrasion, chemical peels or laser therapy.
Tips and Warnings
- In rare instances, dark skin may appear under the arms in reaction to certain deodorant and antiperspirant ingredients, notes The Beauty Brains. Try switching to a different product without dyes or perfumes if you have sensitive skin or experience other signs of irritation such as redness or itchiness.
Things You'll Need
- Hair removal wax or tweezers
- Exfoliating scrub, lotion, or loofah
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