Our armpits are rarely the focus of beauty attention. Most women quickly shave in the shower, then spray on a little deodorant and concentrate on other, supposedly more important areas. We forget that armpits not only represent an erogenous zone, but also quickly appear unkempt or unshaven with dark shadows.
But why do our armpits change color? And what can we do about it? In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know about dark underarms - and how to lighten them again.
Lighten Dark Armpits: Why are my armpits dark?
First of all, it's good to know that dark armpits are a so-called hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a dermatological term for stubborn spots on the surface of the skin. They arise from a disruption in the pigmentation process in which the pigment Melanin, which is responsible for the natural skin color, is overproduced in certain areas. In the armpits, this discoloration is more diffuse and less reminiscent of typical pigment spots.
By the way: If you generally have darker skin, your armpits tend to be darker due to the higher melanin production. The causes of dark armpits are: varied. In the next section, in addition to the genetic cause, we would like to introduce you to possible other reasons that lead to dark armpits.
Dark Armpits Cause #1: Shaving
The number one cause of dark armpits is shaving. Because when you shave, you only remove visible hair on the surface, while the hair roots remain intact. This is problematic because it leads to a visual compression of your Hair follicles can occur, which can make your underarm skin appear darker. In addition, it leads shave even cause irritation and micro-injuries to your skin. Especially if you don't do it properly or apply too much pressure.
This irritation, in turn, can lead to increased melanin production in the affected area, which also leads to darker spots. Additionally, you should also avoid using dull blades or brushing your skin too often shave, because this further increases the likelihood of dark spots.
Dark Armpits Cause #2: Certain deodorants and antiperspirants
Products that you like to use for your underarm hygiene usually contain allergy-causing compounds such as alcohol or perfume. It's best to study the exact ingredients of your favorite care products to rule out this cause. Because they have the potential to irritate your most sensitive skin areas and thus cause inflammation. If your body overreacts to the irritants, it can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which makes your underarms appear darker.
So when choosing your deodorants and antiperspirants, pay attention to skin-friendly formulations that do not contain any irritating ingredients.
Dark Armpits Cause #3: Illness
In rare cases, dark armpits are a warning sign of a condition such as diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In people with diabetes, a change in skin metabolism often occurs, which leads to an increased accumulation of melanin in certain areas of the skin. This in turn causes dark, thickened and velvety-looking areas of skin in the armpits, but also on other parts of the body such as the neck, groin or knees.
But polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and darker armpits can also be linked. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects your hormone balance and leads to a range of symptoms. One of the possible side effects of PCOS is increased production of male hormones, in particular testosterone. This hormonal imbalance can, in turn, lead to increased melanin production in certain areas of the skin - including the underarms.
If you notice signs of diabetes or PCOS, it is definitely advisable to see a doctor.
Dark Armpits Cause #4: Friction
The armpit region is naturally susceptible to friction - after all, we move our arms and sometimes wear tight T-shirts and jackets. But in the worst case, it is precisely this friction that causes your outermost layer of skin - the epidermis - to thicken and dead skin cells that are loaded with melanin to accumulate. This will make your underarm skin darker.
We have now learned about the four most common causes of dark armpits: shaving, certain deodorants, illness and friction. But what exactly can you do about the problem once it has arisen?
In addition to a number of home remedies, there are two effective cosmetic remedies for dark underarms that we would like to introduce to you in detail: laser treatment and that Waxing.
Lighten dark armpits: laser
The best option to lighten your dark underarms is the Laser hair removal. The procedure not only offers you long-lasting hair removal, but also helps reduce the dark discoloration in your armpits. The type of Laser hair removal is determined by the laser type - i.e. by the wavelength of light with which the device works. There are alexandrite, diode and Nd:YAG laser. We at Sanft & Schön only use one 3-wave diode laser, which can be set to wavelengths of 755 nm, 808 nm or 1064 nm. This is ideal for reaching deep-seated hair follicles.
Back to your dark armpits. During laser treatment with our diode laser High-energy light pulses are directed at your hair follicles in your armpits, selectively destroying them. This not only inhibits your hair growth, but also specifically attacks the excess melanin that is responsible for the dark color.
The result: With each session, your hair becomes thinner and less visible, while your skin gradually appears brighter and more even.
Good to know: Permanent laser hair removal is usually safe and effective, but requires several sessions. Before your laser hair removal, please avoid anything that irritates your skin. For example, peelings, sun exposure or alternative methods of hair removal such as waxing, epilation or Depilatory creams. In this article you will find everything you need to know about the topic Laser hair removal preparation.
Lighten dark underarms instantly: waxing
In addition to permanent laser hair removal also offers Waxing Remedy for unsightly, dark armpits. What many people don't know: The popular procedure not only offers long-lasting hair removal, but also helps to lighten the dark discolorations in your armpits.
During waxing, a special wax mixture is applied to the skin and pulled off with a quick jerk, removing the hair and roots. This process not only eliminates your dark hair, but also gently exfoliates the top layer of skin, which can lead to skin lightening.
At Sanft & Schön we use a quick-drying film wax, which is particularly pleasant on your skin thanks to its relatively low application temperature, opens pores and helps make your treatment less painful.
The result: smooth, hair-free armpits – and a reduction in dark discoloration. By the way, this is also important for optimal results Care after waxing at!
Whiten armpits: conclusion
Whatever you decide, you should definitely avoid shaving if you have dark underarms. It's better to use one of the two proven options for lightening dark underarms: laser hair removal - and waxing.
While laser treatment directs high-energy light pulses to hair follicles to selectively destroy them and target excess melanin, waxing not only removes your hair but also gently exfoliates the top layer of skin, resulting in lightening of your underarms.
Both methods offer you long-lasting results, we carry out both methods in our studio in Berlin Mitte. Ultimately, you should choose the procedure that best suits your needs and preferences to lighten dark underarms—and enjoy smooth, brightened skin all summer long.
Would you like to know which treatment is better for your armpits? Then take it today Contact Contact us and convince yourself of our comprehensive and professional service.