How to Lighten Armpits: 6 Easy Home Remedies

Ingredients

12 Ways to Lighten Your Armpits, Directly from Dermatologists

Bright, glowy skin is the name of the game and that extends all the way to our armpits. With the exception of the occasional deodorant or razor ad, the underarms used to be completely dismissed by the beauty industry. No more. Perhaps it’s the changing attitude toward body care in general or the newfound social media obsession with maintaining the once-neglected body part, but the armpits have become a primary point of discussion. The main topic: How do I brighten my underarms?

Underarm skin is delicate, easily irritated, and prone to irritation that leads to hyperpigmentation. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elyse M. Love, because this area folds onto itself, product absorption is increased. This is significant because all ingredients that help with hyperpigmentation are (to some degree) irritating. So when attempting to lighten the armpits, a very delicate balance is required to achieve improvement without further irritation. Patience and the willpower to not do the most are required to see results.

Striking that delicate balance is easier said than done, especially in a consumer culture of instant gratification. So we tapped Love, along with board-certified dermatologists Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, and Corey L. Hartman, MD, to discuss this exact topic. Below, their pearls of wisdom and tips to effectively lighten the underarms without causing further hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin.

Meet the Experts

• Elyse M. Love, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, creator of Specific Beauty, and director of the Skin of Color Division for the University of Miami’s Department of Dermatology.
• Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.

Treat Rashes

A rash is a sign of skin inflammation and may present with redness, itching, flakiness, and/or local roughness to the skin. If any of these signs or symptoms are present, I recommend evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist for prescription anti-inflammatory treatment. Brightening treatments will be ineffective until the inflammation is addressed.

Possible causes of inflammation frequently include:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Superficial fungal infections
• Allergic contact dermatitis from nickel or fragrance (often from deodorant)

Once the cause has been diagnosed and controlled, brightening treatments can begin.

Add a Chemical Exfoliant to Your Routine

As Hartman notes, “Exfoliation will help remove hyperpigmentation under the arms.” He recommends incorporating a chemical exfoliant into your skincare routine two to three times a week, avoiding “any physical exfoliants with rough pieces, as you don’t want to cause microtears in the skin.” He adds: “You can also use a combo physical and chemical exfoliant.”

To apply, he says to “gently rub the product under your arms,” taking care not to scrub the skin.

Avoid Scrubbing

As tempting as it may be, refrain from aggressively scrubbing your underarms. Physical pressure provides no benefits for treating hyperpigmentation—in fact, it’s more likely to cause irritation and worsen the problem. So if you use a physical exfoliant, reach for one that’s gentle. And remember, there’s no need to apply pressure to the skin: Just lightly glide the treatment over the skin.

Optimize Your Shaving Routine

If you shave, keep in mind that shaving without shaving cream can be irritating to the skin. “If you shave to remove hair under your arms, use a shaving cream to help reduce friction,” says Hartman. “Added friction can make the skin stressed, triggering an inflammatory response, triggering hyperpigmentation.”

Love recommends using a moisturizing option. Allow it to sit on the skin for 15–30 seconds before shaving, and replace your razor blades frequently to prevent dull blades from rubbing along the skin. “After you shave, apply a post-shave cream or moisturizer to help soothe skin,” adds Hartman.

Woolery-Lloyd notes that a nickel allergy can lead to darker underarms, though studies on the cause are lacking. You may be allergic to your razor blade if you also develop rashes at the location of your belt buckle or certain jewelry. If you are allergic to nickel, waxing or laser treatments will be better hair removal options.

Switch to a Hypoallergenic Deodorant

Since irritation can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, you’ll want to remove anything in your routine that’s potentially causing or worsening the problem.

Because natural deodorants do not limit sweating, they tend to be highly fragranced. Some people develop allergies to these plant-based fragrances. These skin allergies typically present with redness and itching. Others develop irritation and a rash from excessive sweat.

However, natural deodorants can cause hyperpigmentation without a rash. Woolery-Lloyd notes that sodium bicarbonate is a common ingredient in natural deodorants, and this ingredient has anecdotally been linked to hyperpigmentation without a rash.

If you’ve noticed darkening of your underarms after starting a new deodorant, consider switching to a hypoallergenic antiperspirant or a natural deodorant without sodium bicarbonate.

Use Hyperpigmentation Products—Cautiously

Yes, you can use the regular serums you’d use for hyperpigmentation on your face under your arms, but be careful. Since the skin of the underarms is thin and folds onto itself, absorption will be greater than if you applied the same product to your face.

To prevent irritation, start slowly—just twice a week—and remember more is not more; apply a very thin layer, and allow the product to dry before lowering your arm. As each week passes, you can increase the frequency, adding one day a week as tolerated. So you may be able to use the product daily or twice a day eventually, but it will take weeks to build up to this point.

Try Retinol

According to Hartman, retinol isn’t just for the face. “You can also use a retinol product under your arms to help expedite cellular turnover to reveal newer, brighter skin,” he says. “If you find an over-the-counter retinol is not helping, talk to your dermatologist about a prescription retinoid that will be more powerful and effective.” Be sure to use according to your physician’s instructions, as some products are too harsh for daily use.

Consider Laser or Microneedling Treatments

Since all topical ingredients are irritating, sometimes a procedural-based approach is a better option. Microneedling, chemical peels, and low-fluence laser therapy are all potential treatment options. Just remember, these methods will still require multiple procedures to see significant improvement.

A word of caution—Love does not recommend home chemical peels on this area due to the skin sensitivity. This is an area best left to the professionals.

Discuss Prescription Topicals With Your Derm

If progress is going too slowly with the above tips, or if you want to save a little time from trial and error, consider seeing a board-certified dermatologist to discuss prescription-strength topical options. Since this area is sensitive, they will counsel you on how often to use products for the best results.

Love’s favorite topical treatments include prescription-strength hydroquinone (formulated in a soothing gel), azelaic acid, and tranexamic acid.

Beware of Viral At-Home Remedies

Viral skincare hacks gain mass popularity for a reason: They address common problems with easily accessible solutions. But that doesn’t make them particularly safe or effective. Many a reel will have you convinced that common household ingredients like lemon juice or baking soda are the answers to your armpit-lightening prayers. But experts say otherwise. Lemon juice, for example, has a very low natural pH that could be quite irritating to the sensitive underarm skin. On the opposite end of the pH spectrum, TikTok-favorite baking soda is so alkaline it can dry the skin out. In both cases, inflammation, peeling, and redness are possible side effects that will only result in the appearance of darker armpits.

Apply SPF

Sunscreen is essential for both face and body, but some areas don’t get as much love. The underarms are one of the most forgotten areas when it comes to sunscreen, most likely because we consider them covered from the sun’s harmful rays. Unfortunately, that logic doesn’t pan out. Our bodies are in constant motion and it’s unlikely that your arms will remain folded the entire time you’re out in the sun. That said, protecting the armpits with a strong SPF is even more important if you’re using some of the other treatments on this list. Chemical exfoliants, retinol, brightening products, and in-office treatments all increase the skin’s sensitivity to sun damage.

Reset Your Expectations

Because of the delicacy of the skin under the arms, there is no quick fix for discoloration. Rushing results will likely only worsen the problem by causing irritation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It will take multiple months of regular in-office or at-home treatments to achieve noticeable results. Take a moment to reset your expectations and reevaluate your current treatment plan. You’re likely doing too much.

Can underarm discoloration go away on its own?

It depends on the root cause. If it’s a bad reaction to a particular ingredient in a product you use (like a cream or deodorant) and you discontinue use, then yes, the problem could go away on its own.

How to Lighten Armpits: 6 Easy Home Remedies

To lighten your armpits, you can use exfoliants with sodium bicarbonate and aloe vera gel, as these help to stimulate cells in the superficial layer of the skin. This can help to reduce the appearance of darker skin and prevent darkening, as well as improve overall appearance and skin texture.

Dark armpits tend to be a result of increased melanin production, which is triggered by an inflammatory process in the area. This can be caused by using tight clothing, hormonal changes and razors.

It is possible to lighten armpits with cosmetic procedures performed by a dermatologist or esthetician. They can use chemical peeling or pulsated light to eliminate dark spots, for example. Learn more about what can cause skin discoloration and what to do.

This content is solely for informative purposes and should not replace a medical consultation. Do not interrupt your current treatment without seeking medical guidance.

Home remedies to lighten armpits

Some natural ways to lighten the armpits and groin include:

1. Sodium bicarbonate exfoliant

Exfoliating with sodium bicarbonate is a great way to lighten the armpits, as this can help to remove the most superficial layer of the skin. This can help to remove darker coloring over time.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of sodium bicarbonate
• 4 tablespoons of water
• 5 drops of sweet almond oil

How to prepare

Mix all the ingredients until you obtain a paste consistency. Apply to the darkened areas and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Then rinse all residue off with warm water and apply a moisturizing cream. You should perform this treatment once a week.

You are able to add other ingredients to the paste, like oats, sugar or corn meal.

2. White clay paste

White clay is a natural substance with therapeutic properties. They can help to address flaccidity and dark skin.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of white clay
• 2 tablespoons of water
• 3 drops of orange essential oil

How to prepare

Mix all ingredients in a dry and clean bowl until you obtain a homogenous paste. Then apply to the dark areas. Let it it for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. You can perform this treatment once every 15 minutes.

3. Rice water

Rice water contains kojic acid, which is a substance that can be used to lighten dark armpit. It works by decreasing melanin production, which is associated with darker tones of skin. It can also help to reduce skin irritation, and can therefore be used throughout the day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of rice
• 250 mL of water

How to prepare

Soak the water in filtered water for 12 hours without any salt or oil. Then cleanse the armpits with a neutral soap and running water. Soak a gauze in the rice water, then apply to the armpits, and wait for it dry on the skin.

You can apply the rice water in the morning and at night to achieve satisfactory results. Rice water can be stored in the fridge for repeated use for up to 2 days.

4. Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera gel contains substances like aloin and aloesin which contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This can help to reduce dark pigmentation in the skin and to promote deep moisturization.

Ingredients

• 1 aloe vera leaf
• 5 drops of mosqueta rose oil

How to prepare

Cut the aloe vera leaf length wise and extract the gel. Mix the gel with the oil in a clean and dry bowl. Then apply this gel to the dark areas of the armpit and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then rinse the area with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel. You can repeat this treatment once a week.

5. Carrot, honey and yogurt cream

Carrot, honey and yogurt cream is a great way to lighten armpits. It can also help to prevent further darkening, as this cream is rich in vitamins.

Honey help to hydrate and heal the skin and promote new cell growth. The yogurt helps to lighten the skin, as it reduces dark spots and promotes cellular reparation. This cream should not be used by anyone with an allergy to pollen, honey or propolis.

Ingredients

• 50 g of grated carrots
• 1 Greek yogurt cup
• 1 tablespoon of honey

How to prepare

Mix all ingredients in a blender until you achieve a uniform cream. Apply the cream to the armpits and allow to sit for 20 minutes. Then rinse off with cold water and dry with a soft towel. You can apply this cream to the armpits once or twice a week.

6. Green tea, white clay and coconut oil

Green tea, white clay and coconut oil make for a great home remedy as this mixture is rich in minerals and antioxidants. This can help to facilitate cellular reparation, as well as prevent further darkening, due to its anti-inflammatory action.

Learn more about the health benefits of coconut oil and how to incorporate it into your diet.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of green tea infusion
• 2 tablespoons of white clay
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

How to prepare

Mix the clay, oil and tea in a dry and clean bowel until you obtain a homogenous cream texture. Then apply the cream to the armpits, and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Then rinse off with cold water and dry with a soft towel. you can use this cream once a week.

Other ways to lighten armpits

Some other cosmetic treatments that can be used to lighten the armpits and skin include chemical peels and pulsated lights. Chemical peels remove the outermost layer of the skin using acidic substances, which can then lead to a lighter color of skin.

The pulsated light technique involves applying light rays over the dark spots, which help to eliminate any heavy pigmentation in the area.

Lightening creams, ointments, lotions or gels that are made with hydroquinone and vitamin C can also be very effective for lightening the armpits. These should be used as directed by a dermatologist.

Check out ways to lighten the dark inner thighs and the groin, which are other areas of the body that are prone to become darker.