18 Common Causes of Dark Underarms & Dermatologist-Approved Treatments

What Causes Dark Underarms?

Dark underarms can be caused by a number of factors. Let’s have a look at a list of lifestyle factors and possible medical conditions that can lead to dark underarms:

1. Deodorants And Antiperspirants:

A lot of deodorants and antiperspirants contain chemicals and ingredients that can harm your skin. Go for aluminum and alcohol-free options If you have sensitive skin which gets easily irritated by fragrances, check for options that are specifically formulated for ‘sensitive skin’.

2. Hormone Imbalance:

Hormonal fluctuations caused by underlying medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid, or other hormonal disorders can also lead to dark underarms. Pregnancy can be another reason to experience temporary darkening in the underarm area due to hormone surges.

3. Improper Waxing:

Aggressive pulling during waxing can irritate skin and lead to inflammation and redness. If not done properly, it can lead to hair breakage and cause in grown hairs. This trauma to the skin can induce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), triggered by the overproduction of melanin (colour-producing pigment) by the epidermis of the skin.

4. Dead Skin Buildup:

Irregular exfoliation can lead to dead skin build-up that can make the underarms appear darker and duller.

5. Shaving:

Since shaving only removes the hair shafts and leaves the roots intact, it can cause a dark shadowy stubble to appear shortly after. Moreover, frequent shaving can eventually lead to skin irritation and pigmentation problems.

6. Genetics:

Some individuals may possess genetic makeup that predisposes them to increased melanin production [1]. This can affect areas like neck, arm pits and lips. Additionally, one might be inherently more sensitive to friction, irritation or hormonal fluxes that can lead to pigmentation issues.

7. Medication Side Effects:

Some medications like corticosteroids, birth control pills, human growth hormone, to name a few, can spike up body’s insulin levels and lead to underarm darkening.

8. Cancer:

In exceptional cases, dark underarms may be a sign of a more serious underlying issue such as colon, liver or stomach cancer [2]. This condition is medically referred to as malignant acanthosis nigricans which increases the pigment cell production, leading to dark patches around the neck, elbows, underarms, groin and knees.

9. Cushing Syndrome:

Cushing syndrome can lead to excess of cortisol levels in the body which stimulates melanocytes to produce more melanin. This often shows up as dark patches in the folds of skin, including the underarms.

10. Excessive Sweating:

In summer months, excessive sweating can lead to blocking of air in the armpit area [3]. In addition to this, a moist environment can lead to bacterial growth that can cause discoloured patches to appear on the underarms.

11. Friction From Tight Clothing:

Tight clothing can lead to dark patches due to constant friction and skin irritation.

12. Inadequate Exfoliation:

Exfoliating underarm skin once or twice a week can help in removing the dead skin cells that can cause darkness. Using gentle chemical exfoliants like glycolic or lactic acid in mild concentrations can help in evening out the skin tone.

13. Allergic Reactions:

Contact dermatitis as a result of allergens present in certain clothing, antiperspirants, deodorants or wellness produces can lead to itching and inflammation. This can cause darkening of skin in the contact areas.

14. Fungal Infection:

A common yeast Candida can lead to an armpit yeast infection that can cause red itchy rash to appear in the underarms area, which can lead to gradual skin discolouration.

15. Insulin Resistance:

Excess insulin in the bloodstream can trigger high melanin production resulting in the appearance of dark velvety patches of skin in its fold areas like armpits, neck, knees and groin, among others. This condition is medically known as acanthosis nigricans and is often associated with prediabetes or diabetes.

16. Medical Conditions:

As stated, a host of medical conditions can lead to dark underarms in form of acanthosis nigricans. These include Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Cushing’s Syndrome, hypothyroidism, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes [4].

17. Obesity:

One of the leading causes of acanthosis nigricans is obesity [5]. This is due to the fact that excess weight can lead to insulin resistance, which in turn causes the appearance of dark patches.

18. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome:

PCOS, a common hormonal condition in females, can also increases insulin levels in the bloodstream as one of its risk factors. This can result in acanthosis nigricans.

How To Prevent Dark Underarms?

1. Consider Natural Deodorants: Opting for deodorants that are alcohol, paraben, and aluminum free can reduce the chances of irritation and resultant discolouration. You can search for products with hydroxy acids (AHAs), niacinamide, or vitamin C that are effective in skin brightening.
2. Shave With Care: Be gentle while shaving and make sure to prepare the skin well before using the blade. Some tips for a safe and smooth shave include shaving at the end of a warm shower, exfoliating twice a week, avoiding dry shave, and ensuring that the razor is sharp to get a close shave. This will help avoid ingrown hair and the associated darkness.
3. Avoid Scrubbing: Aggressive scrubbing with physical exfoliants can not only cause friction induced darkness but can also lead to micro tears and irritation to the skin.
4. Use A Mild Cleanser: Washing underarms daily with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser ensures prevention of bacterial build-up and removal of sweat and grime that can cause discoloration or dullness.
5. Exfoliate Regularly: Weekly exfoliation with chemical exfoliants in less than 10% concentration can effectively remove dead skin cells, odour and lighten underarm skin over time. These include salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acids.
6. Apply Sunscreen Daily: Broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30+ application protects the skin from the sun’s UV rays that trigger increased melanin production, causing skin darkening.
7. Dry Gently: To avoid friction, pat dry gently with a soft towel.
8. Moisturise Every Day: To maintain a healthy skin barrier and avoid dry skin, daily moisturisation is the key.
9. Wear Loose, Soft Clothing: Darkening due to rubbing and contact friction from tight clothing can cause irritation and darkness. Wear lose fit and airy clothes to let you breathe underarms and prevent friction.
10. Avoid Home Remedies: Though beneficial in mild cases, home remedies lack scientific evidence in treating or preventing dark underarms. Some of these can irritate sensitive skin and cause unwanted allergic reactions, leading to irritation and pigmentation.
11. Check For Underlying Conditions: Consultation with a medical practitioner to rule out underlying medical conditions such as insulin resistance, diabetes, or Cushing’s syndrome is must to treat dark underarms.

When To Visit a Dermatologist?

You might want to consider visiting a skin specialist if:

• The dark patches appear suddenly,
• Symptoms still persist after preventive measures and over the counter treatments,
• You experience worsened allergic reactions,
• The pigmentation gets worse with time,
• You suspect underlying hormonal or other medical conditions

Dermatologist Approved Treatments for Dark Underarms

Medically approved and highly advanced scientific treatments can help lighten dark underarms significantly. Dermatologically approved specialised skin lightening procedures include:

1. Biorepeel:

The revolutionary BioRePeel offered at Oliva Skin and Hair Clinic combines the expertise of seasoned medical professionals and the safety and efficacy of US FDA approved technology for long lasting results. This non-invasive treatment effectively reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation by application of a customised chemical peel that gradually leads refines skin texture. It gently removes the outer layer of the skin, leading to exfoliation as well as collagen and elastin production, holistically rejuvenating and brightening the skin. This is a lunchtime procedure that requires minimal downtimes and can treat pigmentation of underarms, knees, elbows, hands and feet.

2. Laser Toning:

An advanced non-invasive procedure, laser toning utilizes the heat and light energy of the laser to boost collagen production and break down excess melanin pigment in the skin. Generally, a minimum of 6-10 sessions, taken 3-4 weeks apart, are needed for visible results. Laser toning tightens, exfoliates, and brightens the skin. It is a very effective treatment for hyperpigmentation, melasma, tan, sun spots, open pores, freckles, and acne scars. The procedure has minimal to no downtime.

3. Chemical Peel:

The chemical peel treatment involves the application of a medically prepared chemical solution, suited to your skin type and concern. This is a controlled exfoliation that can address a range of skin concerns such as uneven skin, dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Results can be seen after a minimum of 3-4 sessions. Depending upon the type of peel used, the recovery time can range from 0 to 14 days or more. A specialist will be able to comprehensively assess your skin and personalise the whole treatment, including the number of sessions required for you.

Takeaway

Underarm darkening can result from a range of factors including deodorant use, lack of exfoliation or even more concerning medical causes. It is thus important to be aware and notice the nature and progress of the condition. Consulting an expert dermatologist can be beneficial to rule out underlying health issues and holistically treat the symptoms. Our experts at Oliva provide thorough end-to-end consultation, helping you hone in on the most suitable clinically proven treatment. Book a consultation now if you are worried about dark underarms and experience the transformation!