Can you get rid of dark underarms?

Why are your underarms dark?

Shaving irritation, tight clothing, a rash and underarm products can all contribute. Irritation can leave postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, meaning extra pigment left after inflammation. In medium to dark skin tones, irritation can trigger extra melanin, the substance that gives skin its colour. Genetics and excessive sweating are other possible contributors.24

Thick, velvety patches can be acanthosis nigricans, a condition that darkens and thickens skin, often in the underarms, neck or groin. It is commonly linked to insulin resistance, when the body responds poorly to insulin, or hormonal conditions. Some medicines can also cause it. Dark underarms alone do not mean you have diabetes: acanthosis nigricans also occurs in otherwise healthy people, including people with darker skin.156

What can you do at home?

1. 1Start by reducing the products you apply. Cutting down the underarm routine can help reduce product related irritation, even if the bathroom shelf would prefer a larger role.
2. 2Choose products labelled for sensitive skin, and look for fragrance free options. Natural products are not necessarily better for dark underarms, despite the word doing considerable work on the packaging.
3. 3Address repeated irritation from shaving or tight clothing rather than adding more lightening products. If deodorant causes a rash or irritation, change it; persistent inflammation or itching needs a doctor.
4. 4Do not try to scrub away thick, velvety patches. Washing and vigorous scrubbing cannot remove acanthosis nigricans.
5. 5Stop using a skincare product if it burns or stings. Never apply liquid bleach to your skin.

Which treatments can lighten underarms?

Once the cause is addressed, a doctor can consider creams containing niacinamide, retinol, kojic acid or hydroquinone. Urea or ammonium lactate can help reduce an abnormally thick outer skin layer. For acanthosis nigricans, treating an underlying medical problem comes first; cosmetic treatment is optional. A dermatologist can also consider peels or dermabrasion. Laser treatment is another option, but it is not commonly used for dark underarms.1467

Be cautious with home exfoliation remedies such as lemon juice: using them too often can cause irritation. Discuss them with a doctor first rather than treating them as a gentler alternative to a formulated product.4

How long does fading take?

For pigmentation left by irritation, general guidance is 6 to 12 months for marks a few shades darker than your usual skin colour, after the trigger stops. Deeper pigment can take years. Treatment can speed fading. Acanthosis nigricans can fade when its cause is treated, but the patches do not always disappear completely. Neither situation has a reliable quick fix.27

When should you see a doctor?

Book an appointment for new dark patches or changes you cannot explain. Mention patches elsewhere, weight gain, a family history of diabetes, irregular periods or unusual hair growth. A doctor can examine the skin and, when needed, check blood sugar or investigate other causes. If thick, dark patches appear suddenly or spread rapidly, seek medical attention promptly: rarely, this pattern is associated with cancer.1467

If you suspect a medicine is contributing, ask the prescriber whether skin darkening is a possible side effect and whether an alternative is suitable. Do not stop a prescribed medicine yourself.2