Q&A for How to Get Rid of Dark Armpits

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Question

Why are my underarms turning dark?

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist
Dr. Lydia Shedlofsky is a Resident Dermatologist who joined Affiliated Dermatology in July of 2019 after completing a traditional rotating internship at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. After graduation, she moved to Beira, Mozambique, and worked as a research assistant and intern at a free clinic. She completed a Post-Baccalaureate program and subsequently earned a Master's Degree in Medical Education and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO

Dermatologist

Expert Answer

I would recommend evaluation by a board-certified Dermatologist as this might be a sign of underlying systemic disease.

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Question

Which of the natural agents that really works in short time?

Community Answer

The potato method works really well in a short space of time. Keep exfoliating your skin to prevent dry underarms. You can apply the baking soda and lemon paste twice a day to get better results fast.

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Question

Do these methods really work?

Community Answer

If you are patient enough, yes. The potato and the lemon method usually works with one to two weeks, but it can dry up the skin, so it is also important to moisturize.

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Question

What is armpit waxing?

Community Answer

It is when you put hot melted wax in your armpit, you let it dry a couple of seconds and then pull. There will be no hairs left. It is better that another person does it for you. Oh, and it hurts.

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Are there any deodorants that don't darken skin?

Community Answer

There are! As long as it is organic or doesn't have any alcohol content and other chemicals, it shouldn't affect your skin tone.

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Question

What does it mean if my armpits are itchy?

Community Answer

Your armpits are usually itchy because they are either dry or have some dead skin and bacteria build up. Itchiness may also be caused by an allergic reaction to a chemical in a deodorant or anything else you apply to your armpits.

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Question

Can I use baby oil as a moisturizer?

Community Answer

Yes, sure. Baby oil is mild and will moisturize your skin thoroughly. You can also use almond and olive oils for better results.

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Question

I heard that wearing dark clothing makes your armpit darker, should I stop wearing dark shades of clothing?

Community Answer

No. Just keep your armpits exfoliated and clean or treat as mentioned above.

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Question

Does shaving your armpits more often make your armpits lighter?

Community Answer

The hair that grows back after shaving makes them appear darker, so if you shave them, do so often. Waxing is better and doesn't give a dark look.

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Question

How long can we store the lemon and potato juice?

Community Answer

You should create a fresh mixture every time you need it. If you store it for a period of time, the juice will release a foul smell.

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Question

Can I mix baking soda and lemon for use?

Community Answer

Yes, you can, but don't over do it because it can irritate your skin. Just use it 2 to 3 times a week and when you start seeing the effect, use it only once a week.

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Question

Can I just use alcohol?

Community Answer

No, alcohol is not going to improve the color of your armpits.

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Question

My prom is next week. How am I going to get my underarms lightened up before then? Should I use a lightening cream?

Community Answer

You could use it twice a day. Or for more effect, try lemon juice twice a day .

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Question

How can I do the lemon part? Do I need to make a juice, or scrub the lemon directly on my armpits?

Community Answer

Both ways are good. Lemon juice works better, but if you don't have the time to make lemon juice, then you can scrub a thin slice of lemon.

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Question

What kind of baking soda should I use?

Community Answer

Any type of baking soda will do the trick.

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Question

Is there a way I can remove hair permanently?

Community Answer

No. Hair follicles have a tendency to heal, even when destroyed. The most effective treatment would only last about 7 years.

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Question

Can petroleum jelly be used as a moisturizer? Will it not darken my armpits?

Community Answer

This will definitely moisturize your underarms, but in the long run may darken them.

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Question

Is it okay to put on deodorant?

Community Answer

Most deodorants darken skin color. Use lemon or baking soda instead of deodorant. When you use lemon, it will sting the first few times you use it, but eventually you will get used to it as you use it over time.

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Question

How can I get rid of a black neck?

Community Answer

You can start by exfoliating and using a scrubber. You can also use natural exfoliators such as lemon, rosewater, and turmeric.

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Question

What are the things required for waxing?

Community Answer

You can buy honey wax or strip wax at your local store, and either let someone do it for you or do it yourself. You can also visit a salon or spa.

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Question

Can I apply the baking soda and water paste on my face?

Community Answer

No, you should not apply that mixture to your face.

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Question

Can these methods be used on hairy armpits?

Community Answer

Yes, it also helps in soothing the skin and preventing the burning sensation. But if you're going to wax your armpits, you might need to wait for a day or two to give the skin time to heal.

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Question

Will putting the baking soda paste under my arms give me whiter armpits within two days?

Community Answer

No, it won't. It takes time to work; I wouldn't expect to see results for at least a month.

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Question

Can I use baking powder instead of baking soda?

Community Answer

No, because they are not the same. Baking powder is used more for baking and is useless in these types of situations, whereas baking soda contains many types of ingredients (such as bleach) to help with making your underarms lighter.

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Question

Can I lighten my armpits in just 3 days. I already try lemon juice but my skin is sensitive. Any more advice?

Community Answer

Lightening your armpits doesn't happen overnight. It takes a bit time and the time depends on what kind of treatment you are using. You might try the glycolic acid peel 40% if the lemon juice method isn't working for you.

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For waxing, can I use waxing cream?

Community Answer

Yes. You may also use cold wax if you don't want the heated wax. You can buy waxing cream in any drug stores.

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Question

Will the lemon technique stop hair from growing in my armpits?

Community Answer

No, it won't. Lemon will only lighten the skin color after long-term application, which helps reducing a dark armpit problem. Armpit hair will always continue to grow, even using shaving or waxing methods.

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Question

Can using baby powder on my underarm darken it?

Community Answer

No, but sweat can mix in and create dirty and unhygienic marks on your clothes.

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Question

How can I avoid bad smelling underarms?

Community Answer

You can use deodorant.

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Question

Can I mix baking soda and lemon to lighten my armpits?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. You would just need 2 tsp of baking soda and juice from 1/2 of a lemon. You should apply it 2-3 times a week.

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