From Lemon to Turmeric: 7 DIY Recipes To Get Rid of Dark Underarms

Anyone else hate going sleeveless? Let’s face it, underarms are kind of ugly. I know I’m not the only one that’s self-conscious of dark pits (how does that even happen anyway?), so if you’re looking for a way to lighten your dark underarm skin, these simple home remedies could be just what you need.

Underarm discoloration can be caused by a variety of factors, including shaving, the use of certain deodorants, and even genetics. However, using a gentle scrub made from natural ingredients can help to exfoliate dead skin cells and reveal brighter, smoother skin. In this article, we’ll go over how to make a homemade scrub for underarms, as well as some tips for using it effectively to achieve the best results.

What Causes Dark Underarms?

Dark underarms can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Shaving: Shaving your underarms can cause irritation, ingrown hairs, and darkening of the skin.

Deodorant use: Certain deodorants can cause a reaction with the skin, leading to discoloration.

Friction: Wearing tight clothes or constantly rubbing your underarms can cause the skin to darken over time.

Hyperpigmentation: This is a condition where the skin produces excess melanin, which can lead to dark patches on the skin.

Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as acanthosis nigricans or diabetes can also cause darkening of the underarms.

Genetics: Some people may be predisposed to having darker underarms due to genetics.

Common Home Ingredients for Dark Armpits:

Here are some home remedies for dark underarms:

Lemon: Lemon is a natural bleaching agent and can help lighten dark underarms. Cut a lemon in half and rub the juice onto your underarms, leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

Potato: Potatoes contain natural bleaching properties and can help to lighten underarms. Cut a potato into thin slices and rub them onto your underarms for a few minutes before rinsing off with water.

Baking soda: Baking soda can help to exfoliate dead skin cells and remove dark stains. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste and gently massage it onto your underarms. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing off with water.

Coconut oil: Coconut oil can help to moisturize and lighten the skin. Apply a small amount of coconut oil onto your underarms and massage it in for a few minutes before rinsing off with water.

Cucumber: Cucumber contains natural bleaching properties and can help to lighten underarms. Cut a cucumber into thin slices and rub them onto your underarms for a few minutes before rinsing off with water.

Lavender essential oil: Lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to soothe irritated skin. While it is not a bleaching agent, it can help to improve the overall appearance of the skin.

Frankincense essential oil: Frankincense essential oil has been used for centuries for its skin-healing properties. It can help to improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots.

Sandalwood essential oil: Sandalwood essential oil is known for its skin-brightening properties and can help to improve skin texture and tone.

Homemade Recipes To Lighten Underarms

If you have the red upper arm bumps (technically called keratosis pilaris) it’s even worse. So, while you’re whipping your biceps into Michelle Obama-shape, here’s a simple at home treatment to make your pits more presentable.

Homemade lemon scrub

Lemon and peroxide are effective natural bleach agents – they work on your clothes and your underarms!

• Juice from 1/2 lemon
• 1/8 cup hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup baking soda or cornmeal

Instructions

Combine ingredients in a lidded jar. After washing, apply scrub to underarms and upper arms (if you have bumps) and rinse. 

If your skin is more sensitive, it’s best not to do this on the same day that you shave your armpits (if you do that in the first place!). Freshly shaved skin is always a bit more sensitive!

Also be sure to rinse it all off thoroughly—lemon juice can make some people more reactive to the sun and have the total opposite reaction of brightening your under arms. This recipe also helps to battle any body odor—the acidity of the lemon juice helps to make your pits a place where odor-causing bacteria don’t want to live and can help keep any funk at bay.

Exfoliating underarms also helps to get rid of any deodorant build-up. Yep, it blew my mind that that was a thing too, but it’s sometimes the source of super persistent body odor!

Apple Cider Vinegar Underarm Mask

Apple cider vinegar works wonders on red arm bumps. It’s amazing for a lot of skin issues, too—on your body it’s fine to use undiluted, but on your scalp and face it’s best to dilute a little. And putting it on your underarms helps correct any pH balance issues caused by using homemade deodorant with baking soda. Combining it with coconut oil soothes irritated skin from frequent shaving, saving your pits from irritation and razor rash.

Instructions

Melt 2 tablespoons coconut oil and mix with 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. (The oil and ACV don’t really combine but that’s okay.) Keep in a closed container in the shower. My tip is to use an old shampoo bottle—you don’t want too many glass jars in your shower, especially if you’ve got kids!

Just slap a label on so that you know this stuff isn’t for your hair. If your coconut oil solidifies, stick the container under the shower stream while you’re applying the above scrub and it’ll melt in no time.

Then apply the ACV/coconut oil mask to underarms & upper arms. Do not rinse. Giving yourself a deep massage really helps to get the ACV/coconut oil mixture to help soften and get rid of your KP bumps for smoother, KP free arms—just in time for summer!

Homemade Remedies for Dark Underarms 

Here are some more home recipes for lightening underarms:

Lemon and honey scrub

Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of honey with 1/2 cup of sugar to make a scrub. Gently massage onto the underarms and leave for a few minutes before rinsing off.

Potato and cucumber mask

Blend 1 small potato and 1/2 cucumber until smooth. Apply to the underarms and leave for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off.

Milk and turmeric paste

Mix 2 tablespoons of milk with 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder to make a paste. Apply to the underarms and leave for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off.

Orange peel powder and yogurt mask

Mix 1 tablespoon of orange peel powder with 2 tablespoons of yogurt to make a mask. Apply to the underarms and leave for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off.

Aloe vera and lemon juice gel

Mix 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to make a gel. Apply to the underarms and leave for a few minutes before rinsing off.

It’s important to note that while these home remedies can be effective for some people, they may not work for everyone.

Lifestyle Changes for Dark Underarms:

In addition to home remedies, there are several lifestyles changes you can make to help whiten your underarms:

Avoid shaving: Shaving can irritate the skin and cause darkening over time. Consider using other hair removal methods such as waxing or using depilatory creams.

Use a natural deodorant: Certain deodorants can cause a reaction with the skin, leading to discoloration. Switch to a natural deodorant that does not contain harsh chemicals.

Wear loose clothing: Tight clothing can cause friction and darkening of the skin. Wear loose, breathable clothing to allow your skin to breathe.

Exfoliate regularly: Regular exfoliation can help to remove dead skin cells and reveal brighter, smoother skin. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or detox pit mask to avoid irritation.

Moisturize: Moisturizing your underarms can help to prevent dryness and flakiness. Use a gentle, natural moisturizer to keep your underarms hydrated.

Maintain a healthy weight: A healthy weight can help to prevent friction and darkening of the skin in the underarm area.

By making these lifestyle changes, you can help to prevent darkening of the skin and promote a brighter, more even complexion in your underarms.

Medical Treatments for Armpit Lightening

If home remedies and lifestyle changes do not provide the desired results, there are several medical treatments available for armpit lightening. These include:

Laser therapy: Laser therapy can be used to lighten dark underarms by targeting and destroying the melanin-producing cells. This treatment is generally safe and effective but may require multiple sessions.

Chemical peels: Chemical peels use a combination of acids to exfoliate the skin and lighten dark spots. This treatment can be effective but may require several sessions and may cause some discomfort.

Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that uses a special machine to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. This treatment can help to lighten dark spots but may require multiple sessions.

Prescription creams: Prescription creams containing hydroquinone, kojic acid, or retinoids can be used to lighten dark underarms. These creams can be effective but may cause some irritation and should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Before you go…

Commercial antiperspirants can contribute to dark underarms so give them some TLC and make the switch to natural deodorant. It’s one of the best things you can do to detox your pits! Read our post with 5 easy recipes and what to expect when you make the switch…

5 Ways to Make Homemade Deodorant + 12 To Buy If You Don’t Want To DIY

Dark Underarm FAQ

How Do You Make Your Armpits Glow?

You can make your armpits glow by exfoliating regularly, moisturizing, avoiding shaving, wearing loose clothing, using a natural deodorant, and considering medical treatments if necessary.

How Does Toothpaste Get Rid of Dark Underarms? 

Toothpaste is believed to help lighten dark underarms due to its mild abrasive properties and ability to exfoliate dead skin cells. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim and it may not work for everyone.

 Is Lemon Good for Underarms?

Lemon is known for its natural bleaching properties and can help to lighten underarms. However, it can also be irritating to the skin and should be used with caution. It’s also important to protect the skin from sun exposure when using lemon to avoid further darkening.

Can I Leave Aloe Vera Gel on my Armpit Overnight?

Yes, you can leave aloe vera gel on your armpit overnight. Aloe vera has cooling and soothing properties and can help to moisturize and brighten the skin. However, if you experience any irritation or discomfort, it’s best to discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.

Why Do Underarms Get Dark After Waxing?

Underarms can get dark after waxing due to irritation and inflammation of the hair follicles. This can cause the skin to produce more melanin, leading to darkening of the skin. Using gentle hair removal methods and avoiding harsh products can help to prevent this.

How to get rid of underarms odor?

To get rid of underarm odor, you can try using a natural deodorant, practicing good hygiene by washing regularly and using antibacterial soap, wearing breathable clothing, and avoiding certain foods that can cause body odor such as garlic and onions.

How can I clean my underarm?

To clean your underarms, you can use soap and water to wash the area thoroughly, making sure to rinse well. You can also use an antibacterial soap or a gentle exfoliating scrub to help remove any buildup of dead skin cells and bacteria. After washing, be sure to dry the area completely to prevent moisture buildup.

Does shaving cause dark underarms?

Shaving can cause dark underarms over time due to irritation and inflammation of the hair follicles. This can lead to the production of more melanin, resulting in darkening of the skin. Using other hair removal methods such as waxing or using depilatory creams can help to prevent this.