But why do our underarms become discoloured in the first place? And what can we do about it? In this article, we explain everything you need to know about dark underarms—and how to lighten them again.
Lightening dark underarms: Why are my underarms dark?
First of all, it is good to know that dark underarms are a form of hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a dermatological term for persistent patches on the surface of the skin. They result from a disruption in the pigmentation process, in which melanin, the pigment responsible for natural skin colour, is overproduced in certain areas. In the underarms, this discolouration tends to appear diffuse and resembles typical pigment spots less closely.
By the way: if you generally have darker skin, your underarms are also more likely to be darker because of the higher melanin production. The causes of dark underarms are therefore varied. In the next section, in addition to genetic causes, we would like to introduce further possible reasons that lead to dark underarms.
Cause #1 of dark underarms: Shaving
The number one cause of dark underarms is shaving. When shaving, you only remove visible hair at the surface, while the hair roots remain intact. This is problematic because it can create the optical impression of denser hair follicles, making your underarm skin appear darker. Shaving itself also causes irritation and micro-injuries to your skin, particularly if you do not do it properly or apply too much pressure.
These irritations can in turn lead to increased melanin production in the affected area, which also causes darker patches. You should also avoid using dull blades or shaving your skin too frequently, as this further increases the likelihood of dark areas.
Cause #2 of dark underarms: Certain deodorants and antiperspirants
Products you like to use for underarm hygiene generally contain allergy-triggering compounds such as alcohol or perfume. It is best to study the exact ingredients of your favourite skincare products to rule out this cause. They have the potential to irritate your most sensitive skin areas and thus trigger inflammation. If your body reacts excessively to the irritants, this can result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, making your underarms appear darker.
When choosing deodorants and antiperspirants, therefore, look for skin-friendly formulations that explicitly contain no irritating ingredients.
Cause #3 of dark underarms: Illness
In rare cases, dark underarms are a warning sign of a condition such as diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). People with diabetes often experience a change in skin metabolism that leads to an increased accumulation of melanin in certain areas of the skin. This in turn causes dark, thickened, velvety-looking patches of skin in the underarms, as well as on other parts of the body such as the neck, groin, or knees.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and darker underarms can also be connected. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects your hormonal balance and leads to a range of symptoms. One possible accompanying effect of PCOS is increased production of male hormones, especially 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 advisable to see a doctor in any case.
Cause #4 of dark underarms: Friction
The underarm area is naturally prone to friction—after all, we move our arms and sometimes wear tight T-shirts and jackets. In the worst case, this friction causes your outermost skin layer, the epidermis, to thicken, and dead skin cells loaded with melanin to accumulate. This makes your underarm skin darker.
We have now learned about the four most common causes of dark underarms: shaving, certain deodorants, illnesses, and friction. But what can you do specifically once the problem has occurred?
Besides a range of home remedies, there are two effective cosmetic treatments for dark underarms that we would like to introduce to you in detail: laser treatment and waxing.
Lightening dark underarms: Laser treatment
The best option for lightening your dark underarms is laser hair removal. The procedure not only offers long-lasting hair removal, but also helps reduce the dark discolouration in your underarms. The type of laser hair removal is determined by the laser type—that is, the wavelength of light used by the device. There are Alexandrite, diode, and Nd:YAG lasers. At Sanft & Schön, we use only a 3-wavelength diode laser that can be set to wavelengths of 755 nm, 808 nm, or 1064 nm. This is ideal for reaching deeply situated hair follicles.
Back to your dark underarms. During laser treatment with our diode laser, high-energy light pulses are directed at the hair follicles in your underarms, selectively destroying them. This not only inhibits hair growth, but also specifically targets the excess melanin responsible for the dark colour.
The result: with each session, your hair becomes finer and less visible, while your skin gradually appears lighter and more even.
Good to know: permanent laser hair removal is generally safe and effective, but requires several sessions. Before laser hair removal, please also avoid anything that irritates your skin, for example exfoliants, sun exposure, or alternative hair-removal methods such as waxing, epilation, or depilatory creams. You can find everything worth knowing about preparing for laser hair removal in this article.
Lighten dark underarms instantly: Waxing
In addition to permanent laser hair removal, waxing can also help with unattractive dark underarms. What many people do not know: this popular method not only offers long-lasting hair removal, but also helps lighten the dark discolouration in your underarms.
When waxing, a special wax mixture is applied to the skin and removed with a quick pull, removing hair along with its roots. This process not only removes your dark hair but also gently exfoliates the uppermost layer of skin, which can lighten the skin.
At Sanft & Schön, we use a quick-drying film wax that is particularly pleasant on your skin because of its comparatively low application temperature, opens the pores, and thus helps make your treatment less painful.
The result: smooth, hair-free underarms—and a reduction in dark discolouration. For an optimal result, post-waxing care is also important!
Lightening underarms: Conclusion
Whichever you choose, you should avoid shaving if you have dark underarms. Instead, choose one of the two proven options for lightening dark underarms: laser hair removal or waxing.
While laser treatment directs high-energy light pulses at the hair follicles to selectively destroy them and specifically target excess melanin, waxing not only removes your hair but also gently exfoliates the upper layer of skin, which lightens your underarms.
Both methods offer long-lasting results, and we perform both 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, lightened skin all summer long.
Would you like to know which treatment is better suited to your underarms? Then contact us today and experience our comprehensive, professional service firsthand.