DARK UNDERARMS: CAUSES AND CURES

Having dark underarms can be embarrassing for many women. It also keeps them from wearing sleeveless shirts and strapless dresses. Understanding the causes is the key to the choice of cure. Getting a free consultation with our doctor is the first step. It will reveal what treatment options are suitable for the specific skin condition one has.

Top Causes

Shaving

After shaving, the sub-surface hair will make skin appear to be dark. The darkness is due to the appearance of your cut hair follicle which are just below your skin surface.

Waxing and Plucking

Constant exposure to heat from regular waxing sessions may cause darkening of underarms. Waxing and plucking are the two most common causes of ingrown hair. This very itchy condition triggers pleasurable scratching, making your skin darker. Not only that, add chicken skin to the troubles caused by ingrown hair.

Friction from tight clothing

Wearing tight clothing creates friction on the underarms causing uneven underarm skin color.

Obesity

Constant rubbing of skin in obese people will result in dark underarms, groin, neck and thighs. Too much rubbing may also cause skin thickening.

Skin Cells Build Up

Dark spots can be the result of dead skin cells that are accumulated and trapped in microscopic bumps, hills and valleys of your skin. Regular exfoliation will prevent skin build up.

Antiperspirants

The harsh ingredients contained in some antiperspirants such as aluminum salts, alcohol and fragrance could be reacting to the sensitive underarms skin to cause discoloration.

Infection or Illness

Bacterial or fungal infection may also be a cause of dark underarms. Other medical conditions such as diabetes may cause darkening of armpits, groin, neck, elbows, knees or skin folds.

Pregnancy

Hormonal changes may cause melasma in most pregnant women. Dark armpits during pregnancy is a common problem which may also cause uneven skin tone on the nose and upper lip. In most cases, the hyperpigmentation disappears after pregnancy.

Some Tips on How to Avoid Dark Underarms

- Shower daily and gently scrub your armpits at least once a week to avoid skin build up.

- Wear loose absorbent clothes.

- Eat healthy diet that helps control toxin build up and diabetes.

- Avoid harsh, heavily scented anti-perspirants that can cause underarms to darken. Use instead DERMAX DeoWhite Natural Deodorant with anti-microbial silver and whitening actives to control body odor. If you perspire a lot, Blushing Beauty Whitening Deodorant can be a safe alternative.

Effective Cure and Treatment for Dark Underarms

Topical application of whitening creams is the first option for mild cases. DERMAX NanoWhite Underarm Cream contains a synergistic blend of nano-encapsulated natural whitening actives for safe and effective results. NanoWhite Underarm Cream comes in 3 variants.

Some cases may require the more advanced laser treatment of dark underarms. Multiple sessions of AxiLight Laser is the most advanced treatment option. It's non-invasive, utilizing Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser technology that lightens dark areas such as underarms, elbows, knees, and groin.

As a post-care for AxiLight Laser treatment, there’s a DERMAX AxiLight Serum, a concentrated, clinically proven formula for daily application.

AxiLight Laser, AxiLight Serum, and other DERMAX professional products are available exclusively at SkinStation, DERMAX Laser Center and Blushing Beauty branches nationwide.

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This article was published in The Manila Bulletin, Lifestyle Section on February 7, 2017. The author is the CEO of SkinStation, DERMAX Laser Center, and Blushing Beauty. He received the 2011 Outstanding Chemist Award from Professional Regulations Commission for his achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry. He can be reached at fred.reyes@skinstation.ph