Discolored underarms are perfectly normal, however, this doesn’t make them any less embarrassing. If the simple act of lifting your arms makes you super self-conscious, then you know what a pain dark underarms are. Sometimes dark underarms are simply genetic and are no fault of your own. However, they can also be caused by harsh deodorants containing alcohol, hair removal creams that can irritate the area, or blunt razors. Dark underarms could also be a side effect of certain health problems like thyroid, weight gain or imbalanced hormones. Whatever the cause, dark underarms don’t have to haunt you for the rest of your life. These easy DIY scrubs will exfoliate your skin and bring them back to their normal color.
1. Baking Soda And Coconut Oil Scrub
The tiny particles in baking soda are a great skin exfoliator. They help unclog your pores and get all that sweat and grime out. Baking soda helps you shed the dead top layer of your skin, making way for new lighter skin cells to come through. Coconut oil helps moisturize the area after exfoliation. Since it’s an effective natural antibacterial, it helps kill germs which can lead to skin darkening. This scrub also doubles as a natural deodorant, so you might be able to give your harsh deodorants a miss.
Ingredients
2 tbsp baking soda
1 tbsp virgin coconut oil
Method
Combine baking soda and coconut oil and mix until it forms a thick paste. You can add some more soda or oil if you need to.
Apply this mixture on your underarms and rub gently in circular motions for 5 minutes.
Let it rest for 15 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
Repeat it about 3 times a week until your underarms have lightened considerably.
2. Orange Peel And Rose Water Scrub
This scrub smells like it came from a magical fairytale land. Dried orange peels are perfect for skin lightening because they contain vitamin C. The crushed peels also work as gentle exfoliators, buffing away dry skin cells. Rose water has rejuvenating properties that encourages new healthy cells to grow. Milk contains lactic acid which dissolves the dead skin layer to reveal glowing skin underneath.
Ingredients
2 tbsp dried and crushed orange peels
1 tsp rose water
1 tsp milk
Method
Mix together all the ingredients until they form a thick paste.
Scrub in gentle, circular motions on your underarms and leave for 15 minutes to dry.
Wash off with warm water and pat dry.
Do this every alternate day and you’ll soon begin to notice results.
3. Lemon And Sugar Scrub
Lemons are packed with vitamin C and natural acids which help lighten your skin. They are one of the most powerful natural whitening ingredients known to us. Sugar is a gentle exfoliator which scrubs all the dirt that’s blocking your pores and makes your underarms smoother. However, use this scrub only if you don’t shave your underarms. If you have tiny nicks from your razor, this scrub will sting you.
Ingredients
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp sugar
Method
Mix together lemon juice and sugar until it forms a paste.
Rub gently for a few minutes over your underarms and then let it rest for 15 minutes, so the lemons can bleach your skin.
Wash it off and pat dry.
You can apply a moisturizer afterwards if your underarms feel very dry.
4. Walnut And Honey Scrub
Walnut scrubs are very popular because of how effectively they exfoliate the skin. However, all this exfoliation can make your skin very dry and dry underarms can darken them even more. The addition of honey counteracts the dryness by providing a boost of moisture to the skin. It also lightens the skin naturally and makes it softer.
Ingredients
1 tsp crushed walnut powder
1 tsp honey
1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Method
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix.
Apply this mixture to your underarms and gently rub in circular motions.
Let it rest for 15 minutes so your skin can absorb the honey and lemon juice.
Wash it off and pat dry.
5. Olive Oil And Brown Sugar Scrub
Olive oil is a powerful moisturizing agent, reaching deep layers of your skin. Brown sugar is a great exfoliator because it scrubs away dead skin cells that are stubbornly clinging to your underarms. Be careful not to rub too harshly because the sugar granules can cause tiny tears in your skin, which might make your underarms look darker.
Ingredients
1 tsp olive oil
1 tbsp brown sugar
Method
Combine both ingredients and mix well.
Rub it gently over your underarms for 5 minutes in circular motions.
Rinse off with warm water. Repeat this around 3 times a week.
