How to prevent hyperpigmentation and lighten dark underarms?

Lighten dark underarms - How to get rid of dark underarms?

The following are the most common reasons for dark underarms,

  1. Acanthosis nigricans
  2. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
  3. Friction

Acanthosis nigricans 

The most common causes of Acanthosis nigricans are diabetes, pituitary gland disorder, hypothyroidism and certain forms of cancer. This skin condition causes a dark discolouration in the creases and folds of the body. The darkening and thickening of the skin usually happen in the armpits, nape, under the breasts, navel and groin. While some inherit it genetically, it can happen to any individual.  Birth control medication, thyroid, HGH and steroids can also contribute.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to control the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. When the cells offer resistance to insulin and cannot take it up anymore, the abundance of insulin leads to the darkening and thickening of the skin around the folds and creases of the body. Should this happen to you, consult your doctor immediately. They will run a few tests and figure out a course of action. When cancer is not the root cause for Acanthosis nigricans, it will go away when the underlying condition is treated.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

It is natural for wounds, boils, rashes and chemical burns to heal with pigmentation. 

How to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

  1. Waxing and hair removal creams injure the skin. If your underarms are turning dark, avoid these two methods. Instead, shave or trim the underarm hair or if it is affordable, go for laser hair removal. When shaving, don't shave too close.
  2. Avoid deodorants and antiperspirants that contain baking soda, alcohol and fragrance of any kind. Simply avoid anything that irritates or stings the skin. 

How to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

Use a cream or peel that contains glycolic acid (6% to 12%) or niacinamide on alternate days. Do a small patch test and observe for 24-48 hours before putting it to full use. Moisturize your underarm with an unscented body lotion, then wear the glycolic acid or niacinamide cream and then apply a baking soda and alcohol-free deodorant or a fragrance-free deodorant. Super Deodorant is a good fit here. For peels, follow the instruction on the label.

If you want us to make this cream or peel, please let us know in the comments below or by email.

Friction

Friction happens when two surfaces rub against each other. Obesity, overweight, sagging skin and tight fitted clothing, all-cause friction.  This can lead to injury in the form of redness and irritation. Injuries naturally heal with pigmentation. 

How to prevent friction?

Keep your underarm injury-free. Moisturize your underarms well and choose clothes with a wider arm hold. Don't try to scrub it off in the shower. It will only aggravate the problem.

13 comments

Would totally use the cream / peel for dark underarms!

Jen January 26, 2022

Yes, I would 100% buy the cream and peel! Please keep us posted :)

S.B. September 20, 2021

Yes pls! I would be interested in purchasing a product that would lighten underarms. I love your deodorant thus far, and so I trust that this peel would be a great product as well!

C.A.E August 23, 2021

Interested in this cream!

Stephanie July 13, 2021

Yes Please! I would buy this cream!

Shannon June 06, 2021

Would absolutely buy a cream to treat dark underarms.

Ashley May 19, 2021

Please make the cream. How much I will buy it along with the deodorant!! Please let me know. I use Schmidt’s deodorant and they use baking soda but man does it ever leave dark marks.

Leah May 04, 2021

Yes, I will be among those who will buy the cream formulated by your company. Hope it will be soon.

Ana Lisa April 10, 2021

I would absolutely buy a cream for the purpose of lightening the underarm if it was made by you guys! I’ve been a bit self conscious of it for years, but leery to use some of the lightening creams I’ve seen online with sketchy ingredients.

Erin March 06, 2021

How long does a tin last on average?

Carole December 25, 2021

I agree, it would be amazing to see your company formulate a cream/product specifically for this issue. I’ve been self-conscious about this for years, and would not hesitate to buy a cream that truly offers a solution backed by the appropriate science!

Janelle February 06, 2021

Hi! it would be great if you will also make a cream or peel. Would it make the dark underarm lighten ? will it be a solution? :) Thanks!!

CAMILLE ANNE MALACA February 06, 2021

Yes I think you should make the cream and other products too. I’ll buy them from you.

David Nadeau February 05, 2021

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