Dark underarms are rarely a serious health concern and are often caused due to a skin condition known as acanthosis nigricans (AN) which thickens and darkens the skin. However, having dark underarms can be embarrassing if you want to wear a tank top or enjoy a day in the sun by the beach in your bathing suit.
To help lighten your underarms Bright Side wants to show you 8 beauty treatments using products that you can easily find in your home.
1. Apple cider vinegar + baking soda
What you need:
-
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
-
2 tsp baking soda
What you should do: Mix the apple cider vinegar with the baking soda. It should start bubbling. When the bubbles subside apply the solution to the underarm area and let it dry. Let it stay for a few more minutes and then rinse using cold water and pat dry.
How often: Every other day (3 times a week)
2. Rosewater + baking soda
What you need:
- Rosewater
- Baking soda
What you should do: Make a viscous paste by adding rosewater to baking soda. Apply this paste to your dark underarms and leave it on for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, wash it off using cold water and pat it dry.
How often: Twice a week
3. Milk + turmeric + honey
What you need:
-
1 tbsp milk
-
1 tsp turmeric powder
-
1 tsp honey
What you should do: Mix everything well and apply the paste to your underarms. Let it dry and then rinse.
How often: Every other day (3 times a week)
4. Brown sugar + olive oil
What you need:
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
-
2 tbsp virgin olive oil
What you should do: Mix the ingredients well. Use it to scrub your underarms for about 2 minutes and then let it rest for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes clean your underarms using lukewarm water and use a soft towel pat them dry.
How often: Twice a week
5. Almond oil
What you need:
- A few drops of almond oil
What you should do: Use the oil to massage your dark underarm area for about 8-10 minutes.
How often: Daily
6. Fuller’s earth + lemon + water
What you need:
- 2 tbsp fuller’s earth
-
1 tsp lemon juice
-
Water
What you should do: Mix the 3 ingredients to form a smooth paste. Apply this paste to your underarm area and let it stay for 15 minutes. Use lukewarm water to rinse it.
How often: Twice a week
7. Potato
What you need:
- One small potato
What you should do: Peel and grate the potato. Squeeze the potato to get the juice out. Apply this juice to your underarms. Leave it for 15 minutes and then rinse using cold water.
How often: Twice a day: once in the morning and once before going to bed at night
8. Tea tree oil + water
What you need:
- 4-5 drops tea tree oil
- A cup of water
What you should do: In a spray bottle pour a cup of water. Add 4-5 drops of tea tree oil to it and shake the bottle well to mix. Spray this on your underarms and let it dry.
How often: Daily
Have you ever felt embarrassed because of dark underarms? What beauty treatments did you try? Let us know in the comments.
Illustrated by Alena Sofronova and Daniil Shubin for Bright Side
