To lighten your armpits, you can use exfoliants with sodium bicarbonate and aloe vera gel, as these help to stimulate cells in the superficial layer of the skin. This can help to reduce the appearance of darker skin and prevent darkening, as well as improve overall appearance and skin texture.
Dark armpits tend to be a result of increased melanin production, which is triggered by an inflammatory process in the area. This can be caused by using tight clothing, hormonal changes and razors.
It is possible to lighten armpits with cosmetic procedures performed by a dermatologist or esthetician. They can use chemical peeling or pulsated light to eliminate dark spots, for example. Learn more about what can cause skin discoloration and what to do.
Home remedies to lighten armpits
Some natural ways to lighten the armpits and groin include:
1. Sodium bicarbonate exfoliant
Exfoliating with sodium bicarbonate is a great way to lighten the armpits, as this can help to remove the most superficial layer of the skin. This can help to remove darker coloring over time.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of sodium bicarbonate
- 4 tablespoons of water
- 5 drops of sweet almond oil
How to prepare
Mix all the ingredients until you obtain a paste consistency. Apply to the darkened areas and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Then rinse all residue off with warm water and apply a moisturizing cream. You should perform this treatment once a week.
You are able to add other ingredients to the paste, like oats, sugar or corn meal.
2. White clay paste
White clay is a natural substance with therapeutic properties. They can help to address flaccidity and dark skin.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of white clay
- 2 tablespoons of water
- 3 drops of orange essential oil
How to prepare
Mix all ingredients in a dry and clean bowl until you obtain a homogenous paste. Then apply to the dark areas. Let it it for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. You can perform this treatment once every 15 minutes.
3. Rice water
Rice water contains kojic acid, which is a substance that can be used to lighten dark armpit. It works by decreasing melanin production, which is associated with darker tones of skin. It can also help to reduce skin irritation, and can therefore be used throughout the day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of rice
- 250 mL of water
How to prepare
Soak the water in filtered water for 12 hours without any salt or oil. Then cleanse the armpits with a neutral soap and running water. Soak a gauze in the rice water, then apply to the armpits, and wait for it dry on the skin.
You can apply the rice water in the morning and at night to achieve satisfactory results. Rice water can be stored in the fridge for repeated use for up to 2 days.
4. Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel contains substances like aloin and aloesin which contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This can help to reduce dark pigmentation in the skin and to promote deep moisturization.
Ingredients
- 1 aloe vera leaf
- 5 drops of mosqueta rose oil
How to prepare
Cut the aloe vera leaf length wise and extract the gel. Mix the gel with the oil in a clean and dry bowl. Then apply this gel to the dark areas of the armpit and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then rinse the area with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel. You can repeat this treatment once a week.
5. Carrot, honey and yogurt cream
Carrot, honey and yogurt cream is a great way to lighten armpits. It can also help to prevent further darkening, as this cream is rich in vitamins.
Honey help to hydrate and heal the skin and promote new cell growth. The yogurt helps to lighten the skin, as it reduces dark spots and promotes cellular reparation. This cream should not be used by anyone with an allergy to pollen, honey or propolis.
Ingredients
- 50 g of grated carrots
- 1 Greek yogurt cup
- 1 tablespoon of honey
How to prepare
Mix all ingredients in a blender until you achieve a uniform cream. Apply the cream to the armpits and allow to sit for 20 minutes. Then rinse off with cold water and dry with a soft towel. You can apply this cream to the armpits once or twice a week.
6. Green tea, white clay and coconut oil
Green tea, white clay and coconut oil make for a great home remedy as this mixture is rich in minerals and antioxidants. This can help to facilitate cellular reparation, as well as prevent further darkening, due to its anti-inflammatory action.
Learn more about the health benefits of coconut oil and how to incorporate it into your diet.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of green tea infusion
- 2 tablespoons of white clay
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
How to prepare
Mix the clay, oil and tea in a dry and clean bowel until you obtain a homogenous cream texture. Then apply the cream to the armpits, and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Then rinse off with cold water and dry with a soft towel. you can use this cream once a week.
Other ways to lighten armpits
Some other cosmetic treatments that can be used to lighten the armpits and skin include chemical peels and pulsated lights. Chemical peels remove the outermost layer of the skin using acidic substances, which can then lead to a lighter color of skin.
The pulsated light technique involves applying light rays over the dark spots, which help to eliminate any heavy pigmentation in the area.
Lightening creams, ointments, lotions or gels that are made with hydroquinone and vitamin C can also be very effective for lightening the armpits. These should be used as directed by a dermatologist.
Check out ways to lighten the dark inner thighs and the groin, which are other areas of the body that are prone to become darker.