Top 5 Causes of Darkened Armpits
Germaine Pie Is Puzzled By Her Pits: What causes darkened armpits and what can we do to get rid of them? They’re so embarrassing!
The Right Brain Raises Her From the Pit of Despair:
It’s not surprising that so many people have this problem - there are at least FIVE different reasons your pits could be darker than they should be.
Cause #1: Shaving.
When you shave you cut the hairs off at, or just below, the surface of the skin. If your hairs are slightly darker than your skin color, they can give the appearance that your skin has a dark stain when it`s really just sub-surface hair.
What To Do About It: Stop shaving and try waxing or plucking instead so you get rid of the hair below the skin surface. Since the hairs aren’t lurking so close to the top of your skin, they won’t be as visible.
Cause #2: Buildup of dead skin cells.
According to at least one dermatolgist, dark spots under your arms are the result of dead skin cells that are trapped in microscopic “hills and valleys” on your skin.
What To Do About It: Exfoliate, preferably with a product containing lactic acid.
Cause #3: Antiperspirant and deodorant usage.
In theory, some ingredients in these products (perhaps the fragrance) could be reacting with the skin to cause discoloration. Practically speaking this seems unlikely but many people do claim that when they stop using APDs, the darkness goes away.
What To Do About It: Try switching brands or using a deodorant instead of an antiperspirant. You may stink a bit more, but hey, the Left Brain lives for experiments like that!
Cause #4: A medical condition called acanthosis nigricans.
This condition causes light-brown-to-black markings on the neck, under the arms, or in the groin. It can be related to insulin production or to a glandular disorder and it typically occurs in people who are overweight.
What To Do About It: Watch your diet to control insulin production and use Retin-A, 20% urea, alpha hydroxyacids, and salicylic acid prescriptions to lighten your armpits.
Cause #5: Hyper-pigmentation.
This condition causes your skin to produce excess melanin pigment. It doesn`t usually affect armpits, so it’s a less likely cause.
What To Do About It: Use a skin bleaching cream to destroy the excess melanin. The Beauty Brains don’t recommend this unless you consult a dermatologist first. You can also try laser treatment to destroy the pigment.
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Secret Deodorant Skin Renewal - Page 2 - PCOS Message Board Says:
[...] Originally Posted by Gnzls924 has anyone tried Secret Deodorant’s Skin renewal? I picked it up at wallymart last week, and its supposed to visibly improve the condition of your arm (pits) in about 14 days! Since i am plagued with the dark patches on my skin, especially under my arms, i thought i’d give it a try….and by God, i think I see a little difference!! We’ve gotten a lot of questions about dark, discolored armpits so we looked into why this happens. Surprisingly, there are at least 5 causes of darkened armpits! [...]
Michelle Says:
I am black light skinned woman with extremely black armpits. it’s so embarassing that I don’t wear sleeveless shirts and feel very self conscious about this condition. this is the first information that I find instructive that I’m finding online. I’ve visited my dermatologist in the past re this but he doesn’t seem to think it’s a problem. I’m supposed to visit another one on Wednesday, I’m hoping he’ll have a better solution to this problem. Thank You.
Debbie Scott Says:
Hello, I have visted 2 doctor’s, and it looks as if I will have to get a 3rd opinion. I Have these dark spots under both of my arm pitts. I started out with about 2 to 3 under each arm. I haven’t used deo in about 2 months now, bute the dark spots are increasing under both arms. I notice the increase after I have ran or walked 10miles. help. 615/221-4479 (dscott147@yahoo.com)
Amber Says:
i havr these dark spots under my arm pits and i do usw doe. but i got this new one from Dove and it is spose to clear if up…….BUT no change and i have been using it for abou 1 mounth
The Beauty Brains » Blog Archive » Caffeine Tights, Eyelash Growth, Dark Underarms, And More Says:
[...] will get rid of dark underarms? I have tried everything. Have you tried reading our previous post on the causes of dark underarms? How you get rid of them depends on what’s causing [...]
Caffeine Tights, Eyelash Growth, Dark Underarms, And More | Beauty Secrets Blog Says:
[...] will get rid of dark underarms? I have tried everything. Have you tried reading our previous post on the causes of dark underarms? How you get rid of them depends on what’s causing [...]
william Says:
i like babe’s armpits.i dont know if it is bad thing or not .i want somebody to explain me
Dark underarms « Head to Toe Beauty Says:
[...] http://thebeautybrains.com/2006/12/16/the-top-5-causes-of-darkened-armpits/ [...]
Annaeh Says:
I’ve had dark Armpits for a while now.
It’s been really embrassing since my boyfriend even pointed it out to me.
I’ve started using DermaDoctor’s Non-scents deo. I’ve had it now for about 2 months. I’ve really noticed a change in the color of my armpits. I’ve also done some things like stopped shaving my armpits as often, I only shave when I wear tank tops. Since shavers irritate the skin. Check out Dermadoctor.com. I am an everyday person NOT a sales rep.
Thanks!
Ashley Says:
I have a solution. I got rid of the Darkness of my armpits. My friend from mexico had the same problem and one day i saw she didn’t have the dark under her armpits anymore so i asked her about what she’ve used to get rid of the problem. she told me that she bought a white Bar that it looks like baking soda, but it comes in bar intead of powder and you have to use
it everyday. but you also have to use lemon with it. so you’ll take a piece of that bar and break it into little pieces and with one lemon you have to take the powder and Rubbing that on your armpits will solve the problem. but you have to use it everyday before you get in the shower.leave it for about 5minutes. and put enough amount under your armpits. Remember that you can only get this at a mexican botany. just go and ask them. tell them that you need something to get rid of the dark armpits and they’ll give you that white bar. is not expensive is about 10bucks!! good luck! i know it worked for me. i have no more dark armpits.