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Generally, dark underarms are harmless, but they can shake your confidence and make you hesitant to wear sleeveless shirts or swimsuits. Moreover, they can emit an unpleasant aroma, which may affect your interactions with others and potentially create discomfort in intimate relationships, especially in the early stages. However, the good news is that regardless of how dark they are, there are effective ways to alter their appearance and regain your confidence.
The goal of underarm whitening treatments in Dubai is to lighten the skin tone of the underarms, which may have darkened due to various factors. This treatment allows you to wear any type of clothing and move confidently without worrying that others might notice your dark armpits.
What Is Dark Underarm?
Dark underarms refer to a skin condition in which the underarms appear darker than the surrounding skin. This condition happens when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) produce more melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, than usual. This excess melanin production in the underarms area makes them look darker. Underarm hyperpigmentation can be caused by various factors such as frequent shaving that irritates the skin, obesity, genetics, certain medical conditions like diabetes, the use of deodorants, and sometimes poor hygiene, which can lead to infections that darken the skin.
What Are the Causes of Dark Underarms?
Medical science has yet to pinpoint one single cause for dark underarms. However, over the years, various studies and research have identified several possible factors that contribute to this condition:
Obesity: Studies suggest that more than half of adults who weigh 200 percent more than their ideal body weight can have acanthosis nigricans. This condition can ultimately lead to darkening of underarms and other areas.
Genetic factors: Some people may inherit a tendency for darker underarms.
Hormonal imbalances: Some studies suggest that change in hormones, such as during pregnancy or with certain medical conditions, can lead to hyperpigmentation, darkening underarms.
Reaction to deodorants: Constant use of certain deodorants can irritate the skin and cause darkening.
Increased melanin production: Hyperpigmentation increases melanin, which darkens the skin.
Skin irritation: Frequent shaving or using low-quality razors can cause irritation and discoloration.
Cosmetic products: Using prohibited or harsh products on the underarms can worsen pigmentation.
Diabetes: Some people with dark underarms have a condition called insulin resistance, where the body doesn’t respond properly to insulin. Studies suggest that this can lead to type 2 diabetes, which is often associated with a skin condition called acanthosis nigricans that causes dark, thick patches, especially in areas like the underarms.
Smoking: Smoking increases hyperpigmentation, contributing to darker underarms.
What are the treatments available for dark underarms?
As a whole, there are two ways to whiten your dark underarms:
- Medical Treatments
- Natural Remedies
What Are the Treatments Available for Dark Underarms?
There are several treatments available for dark underarms, each addressing the issue in a different way. Some people will advocate for at-home remedies, while for others, the solution lies in cosmetic medical science. However, it is recommended to consult your dermatologist to understand the main cause of your darkening underarm skin. In this regard, the following treatments can provide you with a glimpse of how they work and how effectively they address the core issue, i.e., dark underarms.
Treatments for Dark Underarms
- Topical Creams
- Chemical Peel
- Laser Treatment
- Microdermabrasion
- At-home Remedies
1. Topical Cream for Underarm Whitening
Among non-invasive underarm whitening treatments, people use creams and lotions as the first option to get rid of dark arms. There are several creams, lotions, and ointments available in the market that claim to be a valuable source for lightening the skin. However, you have to ensure that you use only those products that have been approved by the FDA. Moreover, products that include ingredients like hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, and retinoic acid can reduce melanin production. So, in short, first consult with a board-certified dermatologist and then use the prescribed creams/lotions only.
2. Chemical Peel Underarm Whitening
In this technique, the dermatologist uses chemical peels like Alpha Hydroxy Acid and Beta Hydroxy Acid to peel off the upper layer of skin and uncover the bright skin. Though this technique can beautify your armpit, the armpit can again get dark with time.
3. Laser Treatment
A minimally invasive treatment, laser underarm whitening treatment is getting famous because of its productive results. In laser therapy, the laser therapist directs a concentrated beam of light (laser) to the dark armpit. Because of the heat, the pigment breaks down and thus brighter skin appears. Nevertheless, you cannot expect results from only one session.
4. Microdermabrasion
During this treatment, the doctor will apply a numbing gel to the armpits because it is a little more invasive treatment than laser therapy. After that, he will use a specially designed wire brush to eliminate the top layer of the skin. Once the top layer is removed, the brighter skin uncovers. However, you will have to undergo several treatments to see the desired results.
5. Natural Remedies
Before advances in cosmetic treatments, many people relied on homemade natural remedies to treat hyperpigmentation, including for underarm whitening. Although some of these remedies are still popular today, there is no conclusive evidence proving their effectiveness. Because of this, we cannot recommend them. However, many people continue to use natural treatments to lighten dark underarms. Some of the most common remedies include:
- Mix baking soda and water to make a thick paste and then apply it to the armpit.
- Cut the lemon in half and then rub each half in the armpit.
- Rub cucumber slices in each underarm for a few minutes.
- Mix orange peel powder with rose water and then apply that paste to the underarm for a few minutes.
- Massage underarms with coconut oil for 15 minutes and then wash them with lukewarm water.
Possible Side Effects of Dark Underarms Treatments
Following are some of the common side effects:
- Several skincare products for underarm whitening contain powerful acids which sometimes react adversely to the skin and can cause irritation and redness.
- Sometimes, people leave creams or lotions on the skin longer than what is recommended. As a result, the dark underarms get darker than before.
- Some treatments like dermabrasion can leave scars on the armpits.
- The disadvantage of natural remedies is they are not scientifically proven, so anytime, you are on the verge of facing the repercussions.
How Much Does it Cost to Whiten Your Armpits in Dubai?
The cost of whitening your armpits in Dubai varies depending on the type of treatment being performed. For example, a laser therapy session typically costs more than a chemical peel. Below, we discuss the different treatment options and their associated costs.
| Type of Treatment | Estimated Cost |
| Laser therapy | AED 450-1200 per session |
| Chemical Peel | AED 400-800 |
| Microdermabrasion | AED 400-900 |
| Over the counter products | Depending on the products, consultation cost etc |
Bottom line
We can conclude that underarms need special care as they can enhance your beauty, give you the freedom to express yourself, and somehow, romanticize your relationship. However, if they get dark, you need to visit a proficient doctor and don’t try products or remedies on your own.
Consultation
At Euromed Clinic Dubai, our dermatologists and skin care specialists are providing free consultancy regarding underarm whitening treatments on a regular basis. You can book your appointment by filling out the following form or call us at +971 4 394 5422
