How to Get Rid of Dark Pigmentation of the Skin Under the Armpit

Darkened underarms are common but there are treatments.

The skin under the underarms gets dark for a few reasons. Friction from clothes and genetics play a role in darkening the armpits. The chemicals in deodorants and antiperspirants also cause discoloration. Even shaving causes discoloration because the blade or razor doesn't get the hair beneath the skin. After you eliminate the cause of the discoloration, in many situations the underarm skin returns to its normal color. However, there are a few techniques you can use to expedite the fading of darkened armpits.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Cotton balls
• Bleaching or lightening cream or lotion
• Glycolic acid or lactic acid

1. • 1

     Pour hydrogen peroxide onto a cotton ball. Wipe the ball over the underarm area. Apply peroxide once a day until you notice the darkened skin fading. Do not wash off. Hydrogen peroxide is inexpensive and sold in most supermarkets. It is an effective way to treat discolored skin.

   • 2

     Apply over-the-counter (OTC) bleaching or lightening creams or lotions to the darkened areas. Using such products on a daily basis for a few weeks or months gradually fades the discoloration. Look for OTC products containing ingredients such as hydroquinone, deoxyarbutin, kojic acid or glycolic acid, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Follow the directions on the label for best results.

   • 3

     Perform a chemical peel at home with alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs). Many beauty supply stores sell glycolic acid or lactic acid, two well-known AHAs. These acids exfoliate the top layer of skin. This accelerates new skin growth which is less discolored. Apply a small amount of either acid to the underarm area. Leave on for one minute and then wash off. Use the acid once or twice per week. With each application leave the acid on the skin for one minute longer. This allows the skin to become accustomed to the chemical.