Does anyone have the problem I have? My underarms are dark. It looks like I haven't shaved, but I shave every day. I tried professional waxing, but it's kind of expensive for me. Any ideas out there would really be appreciated.
Smoochie from Houston, TX
You might consider laser. It takes a few times, but then you'll never have underarm hair again. (01/30/2008)
Are you a brunette? Some brunettes just have darker color there. There used to be a bath powder (Shower to Shower?) in beige that was supposed to lighten the underarm area. If they still make it, I haven't seen it in years, give it a try. (01/30/2008)
By joan pecsek
Before you try anything, consider that it could be dye from your clothes. Rubbing your under arms with alcohol on a paper towel wouldn't hurt you, I'd try that first. (02/02/2008)
By no name today
I've found that a body brush helps keep ingrown hairs away and keeps my underarms smooth. You might also try that. (02/03/2008)
By jonni jones
It may be a deodorant problem. My underarms looked dark and a little bumpy, but after having to give up scented things while undergoing chemotherapy, I noticed my underarms slowly getting lighter and smoother. Now I use one of those 'mineral stones' that health food places often sell, and skip the deodorants. Try it, might take a few months but your underarms should be looking good by summer. (02/04/2008)
By Mary
It is definitely from shaving. I think its time to say goodbye to the razor and hello wax. But, if you find getting your underarms professionally waxed a little pricey, there is always the home waxing kits that you can pick up from any place where you can buy razors. (02/05/2008)
By Lorrelle
It could be just dead skin build up. Try using an exfoliate, it helped me! (03/03/2008)
"Dark Armpits" comes from tiny crevices in your skin that trap dead skin cells and antiperspirants/deodorants. Usually there are many components to the problem, hair, dead skin cells build up, product build up, and bacteria. Start with waxing your underarm hair at home where you can be sure of the hygiene and don't catch skin infections. This will take out a thin layer of dead skin too, so your pits will look cleaner. You can try laser too. It's expensive, but well worth it.
Wait a day after waxing for the next steps. Stop using antiperspirant and deodorants, try to remove some of the product build up by rubbing baby oil or petroleum jelly and then washing. Next use baking soda to scrub the pit area and other surrounding areas (under the breast, etc.), rinse, wipe with alcohol, apply alcohol in the surrounding areas, too. Let dry. Next wipe with vinegar and let dry. Use crystal deodorants containing alum under your pits. They can be found in health stores, or dust with baking soda. At the end of day, repeat the process, moisturize with tea tree oil. Wear all cotton next to your skin and change daily (including bras).
Sometimes dermatologists can recommend retinol, so that the skin peels off and that can probably give you quicker results, but ask for something that can peel the skin and is antibacterial, too. (12/15/2008)
By Net Comment
Do you sometimes use sunless tanning lotions? I remember when I used to use them that if you happened to rub your underarms, knees, elbows, or if you didn't wash your hands thoroughly afterward, you would be very dark in those areas.
If you aren't allergic or sensitive, you could try a product like Nair. Also, try soaking a couple of folded paper towels soaked with hydrogen peroxide on the area. It might take doing this more than once, but it might help.
Do you use a deodorant that uses an aluminum component? It takes a lot of scrubbing to remove that stuff! I know!
I hope you can figure it out. You could bring it up at your next visit to your family doctor visit. It might be something like the dark patches that are caused by a benign fungus called (I think!) Tinea versicolor. I have a small patch on my leg and a larger one on my back. You should talk to your Dr. if it is really bothering you or you're worried about it. Good luck, sweetie. (12/15/2008)
By Cassandra
Hydroquinone -4%, it was what my dermatologists had recommended.
It helps! (02/27/2009)
By meh
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