Dark underarms could be due to a medical condition, or they might be a response to certain factors that you can avoid in the future once you know what could cause them.

Discoloration in the armpits are usually a result of shaving, using creams for hair removal, excessive sweating, hyperpigmentation, buildup of dead skin cells, improper ventilation of the underarms, certain diseases, bacterial infection, and using deodorants and antiperspirants with strong ingredients that damage the skin.

Some usual habits could also cause dark underarms, like scratching your armpits especially after shaving or plucking. Underarm friction, genetics, wounds or scars in the armpit, and some medications could also cause skin darkening.

Here we have listed a few simple ways for you to get rid of dark underarms using natural ingredients that can be found in your kitchen or your garden.

1. Cucumber

Cucumbers are natural skin bleachers that can help in lightening your dark underarms. The good thing about it is that you can just grab a few slices from your kitchen.

Apply the slices directly onto your armpits by gently massaging them on your skin. You could also grate the cucumber instead and place the juice on your underarms.

To make this even more effective, mix in a small amount of turmeric powder and lemon juice into the cucumber juice to make a paste. Apply it on the desired area and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing it off with water. Repeat this once or twice a day until you get satisfied with the result.

2. Potato

Just like cucumbers, potatoes also provide excellent natural bleaching properties. It does not cause skin irritations since it is only mild on the skin.

All you have to do is get a slice of potato and rub it on your underarms. You could also do a similar process to the cucumbers, by grating them and then applying the juice on the dark area. Let the juice sit for about 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse it off with water; do this two times a day for better results.

3. Baking Soda

To make a natural and exfoliating facial scrub, just grab some baking soda from your pantry. It is a great remedy for dark underarms since it helps get rid of dead skin cells and unclogs your skin’s pores at the same time.

Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water. Once it has thickened, gently scrub the paste to your underarms. Wash the remaining paste off along with the gunk it has extracted. Do this a few times in a week until you get your desired result. You can even use baking soda mixed with cornstarch as a natural deodorant.

4. Lemon

Lemon is an antibacterial agent that also acts as a natural bleach for your underarms. It is usually used to treat a number of skin-related problems, and can be used to help treat dark armpits. However, it is important to note that lemon can make your skin dry, so be sure to have a moisturizer ready after applying this onto your skin.

Slice a lemon into wedges and use a piece to rub onto the darkened area of your underarm. Let the juice sit for a few minutes, and then wash off the juice well. You can even sprinkle in a bit of sugar onto the lemon wedge in order to exfoliate your armpits better. Repeat this 2-3 times a week.

Other ingredients you can mix into lemon juice would be turmeric powder, plain yogurt, or honey. Do the same procedures as above and repeat until you are satisfied with the result.

5. Orange Peel

Orange Peel

Orange peel is a natural ingredient that aids in clearing your dark underarms, due to its exfoliating and skin lightening properties.

All you have to do is dry out some orange peels by exposing them to the sun for a few days. Turn the dried-out peels into powder by grinding them. Mix your homemade orange peel powder with enough amount of rose water to create a thick paste.

Apply the paste on your underarms by gently scrubbing it, and then let it stay for 10-15 minutes. Rinse the applied area using cold water, and repeat twice or thrice a week.

6. Coconut Oil

Another natural way to help get rid of dark armpits is by using coconut oil. It contains vitamin E, a skin lightener. Aside from this, coconut oil could also be used as a deodorant.

Simply put the coconut oil on the dark area and massage it. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse off using a gentle soap and lukewarm water. Do this 2 to 3 times a day until you get the desired result.

7. Gram Flour

Gram flour is also another natural remedy for dark underarms. This is also known as besan, and it can be used to make your own homemade skin whitening pack.

Just combine 2 tablespoons of gram flour, 1 teaspoon of plain yogurt, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and a small amount of turmeric powder. Mix them together until you create a paste, and then apply this to your armpits. Let it stay for about 30 minutes before washing it off with warm water. Do this every day until you see changes on your skin.

All these natural remedies are easy to make and apply, but make sure to be mindful about the effects that these bring to your skin. In case of any signs of irritation, visit the dermatologist immediately.