Dark patches under the arms are one of the biggest problems faced by women. It comes in the way of going sleeveless and saps the confidence levels. Continued usage of hair removing crèmes or shaving results in dark under arms. It can also be due to dead cells getting accumulated under the arms. There are home remedies that can help you lighten the underarms and give you the confidence to finally let your sleeveless dress see the light of the day!
Change hair removal technique:
Skip the razor and the hair removing crème and try waxing. Waxing is more painful but it certainly does not darken the underarms. In fact, it also peels out any dead skin leading to fairer underarms.
Exfoliate:
Armpits are largely ignored when it comes to exfoliation. It is essential to scrub the skin under the arms too. Make a paste of gram flour, lemon, turmeric and some oatmeal and scrub the armpits well. Wash off. Repeat twice a week for visibly brighter skin.
Lemon to the rescue:
A mixture of lemon and honey or simply lemon juice will help lighten the skin in the underarms. Apply this before your bath every day. Let it dry before you wash it off.
Potato mask:
Just as how potato works on the blemishes, its juice can have bleaching effects on the darker skin under your arms. Apply potato juice or potato gratings on your armpits and leave it on for fifteen minutes. Since it is a cumbersome process, it is best done during the bath to make things simpler.
Brush everyday:
Just as how you brush your skin with a loofah every day to remove the dead skin build up, do not forget the underarms in the process. Give them the same attention as the skin on the hands and scrub them well. This will help lighten and smoothen the underarms.
Try whitening deodorants:
Many deodorants can be harsh and cause darkening of the skin under the arms. Switch to whitening deodorants that promise lightening of the skin, or at least change over to milder deos.
Saffron for whitening:
Mix a couple of strands of saffron in a tsp of milk and apply it on the underarms as a pack. Wash it off after it dries. Do it weekly to see a visible difference.
Baking Soda:
Baking soda is very effective as a scrub and lightening agent. Mix a tsp of baking soda with a few drops of water to make a paste. Apply this paste on damp underarms and exfoliate well. Wash it off to see instant results.
Cucumber juice:
Cucumber juice is a great cooling agent which also is effective as bleach. Apply some grated cucumber along with a few drops of lemon juice on the underarms to soothe and also lighten them.
Sandalwood paste:
Make a paste of sandalwood powder along with some milk or rose water. Apply this on your underarms. This will not only lighten your skin, but will also act as a super deodorant, leaving your underarms smelling fragrant.
Along with all this, general cleanliness is necessary to prevent darkening. Wash your armpits well during your bath. Massage with coconut oil twice a week during bath. It also is a good deodorant. Use anti-fungal powder in your armpits and wear loose and comfortable clothes.
Image Credit – 1, 2
