A 4-Step Routine to Diminish Dark Underarms

Got dark underarms? Don’t worry. It’s a perfectly normal skin concern that can be alleviated with the right skincare products and a little extra care. But what even causes dark armpits in the first place? According to dermatologists, those with a darker skin tone or sensitive skin are more likely to experience underarm skin discoloration due to having more pigment cells and being more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

The most common causes of dark underarms include genetics, polycystic ovarian syndrome, excessive sweating, and some antiperspirants or natural deodorants.

Here’s an easy 4-step skincare routine to lighten dark spots and discoloration on your underarm area.

#1: Exfoliate Your Underarms

And by exfoliate, we don’t mean scrubbing your armpits. Instead, turn to a gentle chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid. These help to lift the buildup of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface and promote more evenly pigmented cells. Include these in your underarm care routine a few times a week, and steer clear of harsh scrubs which tend to only cause more irritation and worsen the problem.

Regular exfoliation also preps skin for a clean, ingrown-free shave, thus reducing the risk of experiencing hyperpigmentation. And on top of all that, exfoliation enables other skincare products and active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin, enhancing their effects. According to the derms, exfoliation also prevents body odors.

Try Rainbow’s Glow Mask. It contains a resurfacing blend of glycolic acid and brightening bakuchiol to lighten discoloration and promote a smooth, even surface.

#2: Shave Right

Poor hair removal methods can contribute to underarm discoloration. Whether you’re shaving, waxing, or tweezing, it’s important to prep skin properly, use the right technique, and prioritize good aftercare. This way, your skin will recover from the process and you’ll be less likely to experience dark underarms. But it doesn’t just apply to your underarms. You can experience dark spots and discoloration anywhere on the body if you’re not using the right technique.

If your favorite hair removal method is shaving, start by prepping the skin with a hydrating shaving cream or butter. Using a clean, sharp razor, glide it along the skin in the direction of hair growth, and rinse the blades between swipes. Rinse thoroughly, and follow up with a lightweight moisturizer or serum. This way, you can enjoy a seamless shave minus ingrown hairs and razor burn.

To minimize the risk of discoloration even further, start by cleansing the underarms with a gentle body wash and then exfoliate before moving on to the next steps. This will help to provide the perfect base for a smooth and easy shave.

Of course, if you’re struggling to improve your technique, you may want to consider a more permanent method of hair removal, such as laser hair removal. Speak to a dermatologist if you’re interested in this service.

#3: Moisturize Your Underarms

Just like you moisturize your face every day, you should also be moisturizing your pits on a daily basis — or at least, a few times a week. Moisturizing skin in the underarm area alleviates dry skin, preventing the chance of irritation and hyperpigmentation. We recommend looking for a lotion or serum enriched with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, tea tree oil, shea butter, or coconut oil.

Moisturizing won’t have any lightening effects on your dark underarms, but it will serve as a preventative step. Plus, your armpits will feel silky smooth afterwards.

If you’re looking for something lightweight and non-sticky, try Rainbow’s Hydrate Serum. This silky serum contains a hydrating blend of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to drench skin in lasting moisture while tackling hyperpigmentation.

#4: Apply a Topical Hyperpigmentation Treatment

There are products out there especially designed to end discoloration — or at least, make it appear a lot less visible. According to dermatologists, vitamin C and niacinamide are two of the best ingredients for lightening dark underarms. If you need assistance finding the best topical treatment, speak to your derm. There are plenty of options out there. That said, try to avoid using harsh products which can irritate your skin and make discoloration worse.

Try Rainbow’s Smooth Serum, a silky serum of vitamin C and vegan collagen to brighten and smooth.

WHAT ABOUT HOME REMEDIES FOR DARK UNDERARMS?

Some of the most common natural remedies for underarm discoloration include baking soda, lemon juice, and turmeric. However, if you have sensitive skin, you’d be better off using a store bought product, which is less likely to cause unpleasant side effects like redness and irritation.

We do not recommend bleaching your underarms, as again, this tends to be extremely harsh for most skin types. There are plenty of ways you can treat dark underarms without having to undergo painful treatments like bleaching.

WHEN TO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST

If you’ve tried this four step routine for at least 3-4 weeks and you’re still seeing no improvement, it might be time to visit a dermatologist. You may have a skin condition or medical condition that is causing your underarm discoloration. You may also want to consider laser therapy or chemical peels — two in office treatments that can be highly effective for diminishing underarm darkness.

Whenever you have any concerns or questions about your skin, or the appearance of your skin changes, it’s important to seek advice from your dermatologist.

We hope this 4-step routine helps you combat underarm discoloration. For the best results, try to follow this routine daily or at least 2-3 times a week. We recommend giving the routine at least 3-4 weeks to work. For others, it may take as long as six weeks before you see results. When it comes to skincare, consistency is key. Keep up this underarm routine, and your pits will brighter in no time!

You can purchase Rainbow products on our official website (Rainbowbeauty.com), as well as at Walmart and CVS. If you have any questions about our products, feel free to get in touch. We’ll be happy to assist!