What Causes Darkened Armpits and Should Lightening Them Be a Thing?

Everyone’s underarm skin looks different. Regardless of your skin tone or type, having a darker armpit area can be a source of insecurity for some, but it’s totally normal says Nanuet, NY dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, MD. “Armpits can look darker from excess pigmentation, thickened skin, or a combination of both. One of the causes is skin rubbing against skin in the skin fold. Alternatively, irritation can also be a cause, for instance if a patient with eczema uses a harsh antiperspirant it can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.” 

Darkened armpits can also be a sign of an underlying medical concern says Melville, NY dermatologist Kally Papantoniou, MD. “It can also be a symptom of diabetes or borderline diabetes,” she explains. “However, most cases of under arm hyperpigmentation are due to genetic factors. In these cases usually there is a strong family history of discoloration under the arms and on the sides of the neck, for example.”

How to Lighten Them 

If the cause is constant friction, Dr. Waldorf recommends using products that decrease friction. “These products usually contain dimethicone, like the ones used for bicycling or running.” To reduce inflammation, she recommends gentle moisturizers, “or over-the-counter strength hydrocortisone cream,” she adds. 

“The skin under the arms can be lightened, but this must be done gently because it is such a delicate area,” adds Dr. Papantoniou. “I typically recommend an exfoliating lotion like Amlactin and sometimes will use a prescription hydroquinone. Potentially light chemical peels can be used to expedite lightning the tone of the skin in this area.”

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“Using antiperspirants that contain moisturizing ingredients like Dove Even Tone Antiperspirant Deodorant ($7) can improve pigmentation,” says Dr. Waldorf.

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Truly Unicorn Fruit Brightening + Smoothing Deodorant ($16) includes papaya enzymes that work to gently exfoliate skin and increase skin cell turnover for a brighter look.

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Targeting odor, sweat and pigmentation, Kai Naturals The Takesumi Bright Deodorant ($26) features alpha arbutus and niacinamide to moisturize and lighten with each swipe without irritating sensitive skin.

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Razor burn, ingrown hairs and discoloration take a backseat when using Forgotten Skin Care The Original ($36) underarm brightening deodorant cream. Salicylic acid and vitamin C help even out skin tone while a slew of natural hydrators like sunflower oil and vitamin E sooth and nourish skin.

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