Before we begin, allow us to say one thing: Dark underarms are normal and more common than you think, and there is nothing wrong with them. But, this doesn't stop the fact that underarm discoloration is still one of the major beauty concerns of Pinays. In our quest to have flawless pits, we have laid down the five major causes of this, plus all the things you can do to brighten them. Keep on scrolling to know more:
What are the main causes of dark underarms?
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Over-exfoliating
Even though exfoliating is great for your underarms, too much of a good thing can be bad. There is a fine line between gently sloughing away the dead skin cells and rubbing your pits until they're raw and inflamed.
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Chemical irritation
Most of the time, the culprit to your dark underarms is your deodorant. It may be formulated with chemicals that can irritate the sensitive skin of your pits, which can lead to discoloration, rashes, and inflammation.
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Shaving
Your trusty 'ol razor can be another source of irritation for your underarms. When faced with constant rubbing and scratching, your skin responds by becoming a little thicker, and it almost always possesses more pigmentation to resist the abrasion.
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DIY brightening
Before raiding your pantry to try out home remedies to brighten your underarms, take a step back first and reevaluate. For example, the most common ingredient used in kilikili hacks is lemon juice. Its high acidity can lead to itching and burning, which can cause your pits to become darker.
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Tight clothing
Your clothes can be the cause of your underarm probs, too! If you like wearing tops that are tight around the armpit area, this habit might be causing friction, which can lead to darker pits over time.
What are things I can do to brighten my underarms?
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Apply exfoliating toner to your underarms.
As an alternative to your abrasive loofah and soaps, try applying an acid toner to your underarms. Not only will this brighten them, but it can also keep them soft, bacteria-, and odor-free!
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Create DIY masks.
Who said masking is just for your face? Your underarms need them, too! Popular ingredients to include in your concoction are aloe vera, cucumber, turmeric, honey, milk, and tomato.
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Use a brightening skincare set.
Aside from swapping out your loofah for an exfoliating facial toner, try a brightening skincare set that's made especially for your kilikili. (Check out our review of the Skin Potions' Pit Potions here.)
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Buy a natural deodorant.
When your usual deo is doing you more harm than good, it may be time to switch to a milder formula. All-natural deodorants are made without harsh chemicals that may darken your pits. It also helps control funky odor and excessive sweating. (Check out our top picks for the natural deos here!)
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Switch to another hair removal method.
Swap out your razor and get waxed instead. Waxing pulls the hair directly from the root, resulting in a cleaner finish. For a long-lasting or almost-permanent solution, you can opt for laser hair removal.
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