10 Homemade Remedies to Lighten Dark Underarms Naturally

Is the skin in your underarms dark and unhealthy looking? Try these natural remedies lighten dark underarms and to bring it back to life!

Excessive use of deodorant, waxing, perspiration… These are factors that can stain under the arms. These dark marks are not only unsightly but also doesn’t allow the pores in that area to “breathe” well.

In the following article, we’ll discuss homemade rremedies you can use to lighten dark underarms.

What are the causes of dark underarms?

Some of the darkest parts of the body are the elbows, knees, and underarms. This is because they are areas where “rubbing” with clothing or repetitive motions occur most.

The use of certain beauty products such as antiperspirant or hair removal wax may darken the area under the arms. Other causes are excessive shaving, certain creams, lack of exfoliation or poor hygiene and sweating. All of these cause an accumulation of dead skin cells.

The first step in reducing these stains is daily washing with a sponge or brush and mild soap.

Keeping the area hydrated with natural creams is also important.

Homemade remedies to lighten dark underarms naturally

If you’re a little embarrassed to raise your arms because of dark armpit stains, we recommend that you try the following natural remedies to lighten dark underarms:

1. Lemon and baking soda

The first of the ingredients is a stain remover par excellence. The second acts as an exfoliant. Together, they become an effective homemade remedy to lighten the underarm area.

It also reduces excessive sweating and bad odor. Do not use after shaving as it may cause burning.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. of baking soda (20 g)
juice from ½ a lemon

Preparation:

Combine the baking soda and juice in a bowl.
Mix until you have a consistent paste.
Apply to the underarms after bathing using circular motions.

Repeat every day, always at night (remember lemon stains the skin when it comes in contact with the sun).

2. Lemon

If you don’t have baking soda, or want an even easier solution to dark underarms, simply cut a lemon in half and rub on each underarm for a few minutes.

Let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, rinse well with warm water.
Repeat twice a week at night.

3. Exfoliate with a pumice stone

Take advantage of your shower time to exfoliate your underarms and remove dead skin cells as well as ingrown hairs.

It’s as easy as rubbing the area with a pumice stone while the skin is wet, so it doesn’t irritate or hurt.

After the shower, apply a moisturizing cream.

4. Lemon and sugar

Sugar has similar properties to baking soda as it can be used as an effective exfoliant. The best part? You can enjoy the benefits of this homemade remedy several times per week.

Ingredients:

juice from ½ a lemon
1 tbsp. of sugar (10 g)

Preparation:

Squeeze the lemon and pour the juice into a glass.
Add the sugar and mix well until it forms a “sandy” paste.
Apply in the armpits using a circular motion.
Wait 15 minutes before rinsing with plenty of water.
Dry with a cotton towel using gentle strokes (without rubbing).
Apply a moisturizer when finished.

5. Potato

The juice from a potato has many health benefits for the skin, and the best part is it doesn’t irritate (it can even be used by people with sensitive skin).

Preparation:

It’s very simple: peel and cut a potato in slices. Then, lightly rub onto the underarms.
An alternative is to shred the potato and apply it like a mask.
For each option, allow the potato to work for 15 minutes and then rinse. These can be repeated daily.

6. Yogurt

In order to benefit from this remedy, you should use natural or Greek yogurt.

One tablespoon is sufficient for each underarm. Apply and wait for 20 minutes.
It’ll soften the skin and reduce stains little by little.
You can repeat this treatment every day.

7. Oats, honey, and lemon

This recipe combines two ingredients with exfoliating properties and another which works to eliminate stains, making it incredibly effective.

Although it can be used all over the body, it’s recommended for use on the underarms once per week.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. of oats (20 g)
1 tbsp. of honey (25 g)
juice from ½ a lemon

Preparation:

Place the oats and honey into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice and mix well.
When you obtain an even paste, lightly massage it onto the underarms.
Leave it on for 15 minutes. Then, rinse with plenty of warm water.

You can use some moisturizing cream when finished.

8. Coconut oil

This essential oil is very good for the skin in general and also acts as an effective stain remover. Because it contains vitamin E, it hydrates the skin and also works as a natural deodorant.

Simply soak a cotton ball in coconut oil and apply it to the underarms every morning.