How to Lighten Your Underarms, According to a Derma
Plus, we put the spotlight on two underarm lightening products that work.
Having smooth, even-toned underarm skin is not just a matter of aesthetics; it’s a significant confidence booster, too. Unfortunately, about 74% of people suffer from dark underarms at some point in their life, with risk factors increasing with age, weight, and race. It’s a particularly distressing dilemma for Filipinas, too, given our hot and humid weather that often calls for breezy, sleeveless clothing.
The thing is, underarm skin is very delicate. The littlest irritation can easily lead to hyperpigmentation, a.k.a. a condition that causes skin to darken due to the excessive production of melanin. Even trickier: Because the underarm folds onto itself, it’s constantly being rubbed and exposed to friction, which contributes to darkening.
Other causes of dark underarm skin include regular shaving, chemical irritants in deodorants and antiperspirants, the accumulation of dead skin cells, and wearing tight clothing. Pregnancy can also trigger the hyperproduction of melanin, leading to the darkening of various body parts, including the underarms. While some cases of pregnancy-related darkening may fade after childbirth, others may persist.
The question now is this: Is there hope for dark underarms? Dr. Maximin Navarro, resident dermatologist at Bella Pelle Skin Solutions and a fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) says yes—highlighting that the primary cause of hyperpigmentation should first be determined so that the appropriate treatment can be recommended. Here are some expert tips.
1. Add exfoliation to your routine.
The buildup of dirt, sweat, and products on underarm skin can trigger inflammation and impede cell renewal, leaving you with darker skin. That said, aside from regularly washing your underarms with a gentle soap or body wash, it is recommended to incorporate a chemical exfoliant into your routine about once or twice a week.
Also important: Avoid harsh or physical exfoliants with rough beads as these can do more harm than good. Dr. Navarro recommends using a non-abrasive exfoliating wash, such as the ZO Exfoliating Cleanser and the Neostrata Exfoliating Wash, starting with once a day usage for two to three weeks then gradually building up to twice or thrice weekly. You may also increase to twice a day as tolerated by your underarm skin in the succeeding weeks.
2. Rethink your hair removal habits.
Constant shaving, plucking, and waxing causes micro-trauma to skin, triggering the skin’s natural defense mechanism to produce more melanin, resulting in a darkened appearance. If you must shave, make sure you use a moisturizing shaving cream to reduce friction and irritation.
If you have the budget, it would be best to opt for laser hair removal for long-term results—and so as not to subject your underarms to regular trauma. Individual results vary per person, though, so it’s always recommended to consult a dermatologist.
3. Treat any rashes.
If you notice a rash on your underarm skin—especially if present with redness, itching, flaking, and roughness—you might be dealing with something more than just hyperpigmentation. A rash is a sign of inflammation, which may be caused by any of the following:
● Psoriasis
● Eczema
● Fungal infections
● Allergic contact dermatitis
In such cases, it’s important not to self-medicate. Have your skin evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist as you might need a prescription anti-inflammatory treatment.
4. Be choosy about your deo.
Many natural deodorants tend to be highly fragranced to mask the odor of sweat, thereby causing them to be irritating especially for those who are sensitive to fragrances. Consider switching to a hypoallergenic formula or one that’s not heavily scented—and see if there’s any improvement.
Even better: Go for a deo with built-in lightening properties, such as MD Therapy’s Lumiderm Underarm Whitening Deodorant. A derma-approved formula, this contains 1% alpha arbutin, 4% clairbanche whitening complex, and kojic acid—delivering optimum brightening benefits without being harsh on skin.
Bonus benefits: It contains antibacterial ingredients to minimize sweat-induced odor, is formulated with Flavosterone SB (a hair growth inhibitor), and Lipomoist to moisturize and soften skin.
5. Use a targeted brightening product.
In case you’re wondering: You can use your brightening serums for the face on your underarms. Just be careful: Since underarm skin is thinner and folds onto itself, absorption is greater—so a little goes a long way.
If you prefer to be on the safe side, opt for a brightening treatment that’s specifically designed for underarm skin, like the MD Therapy Lumiderm Underarm Whitening Serum.
Featuring MD Therapy’s unique brightening complex (alpha arbutin, kojic acid, and clairbanche), this serum is designed to safely lighten sensitive areas, such as the underarms and the inguinals (groin). It’s also formulated with Flavosterone SB to inhibit the growth of hair.
For best results, use in tandem with the MD Therapy Lumiderm Underarm Whitening Deodorant. Use the serum first, then the deodorant after. Start with once-a-day usage, then gradually build up twice a day, am. and p.m.
Check out these amazing before and after photos from a satisfied Bella Pelle client:
6. Explore professional treatments.
In severe cases, sometimes a procedural-based approach might be best. Some in-clinic options you can explore with your derma include underarm chemical peels, laser lightening treatments, and microneedling with lightening serums. Bella Pelle Skin Solutions also offers Sweatox for the underarms, a are non-invasive treatment to manage excessive sweating.
Most of these methods will require several sessions before you see significant improvement so it’s important to be realistic about your expectations.
Achieving your dream underarms
Given the delicate nature of our underarm skin, there really is no quick or instant fix for discoloration and hyperpigmentation. Rushing to get results may only worsen the problem—your skin might get even more irritated or inflamed if you bombard it with products or treatments in one go.
For now, take a moment to evaluate your current underarm routine, and just take it from there. For a customized underarm skin care program, you can book a virtual or face-to-face dermatological consultation with Dr. Navarro, here.
You may also inquire at the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Center via (+63) 999-887-1944. View our full treatment menu here.
For more beauty and skincare tips, subscribe to our newsletter:
SHOP OTHER PRODUCTS:
 Yllume Ultimate Inhibit Complex Lightening Deodorant, P980 |
 Vanicream Cleansing Bar, P720 |
 ZO Exfoliating Polish, P5,450 |
 MD Therapy Glutatone Whitening Soap with Ceramide, P800 |
