Dark underarms are completely normal—and there's nothing wrong with them. But if you're looking to even out your skin tone, that's perfectly fine, too. Remember: You do you!
There are many ways you can *safely* brighten your armpits. But before anything else, it's helpful to know what may be causing your kilikili to darken in the first place.
What are the common causes of dark underarms?
According to board-certified dermatologist Alicia Zalka, hyperpigmentation on the armpits is usually caused by irritation or an underlying medical condition. "The skin's response to this insult of friction is to become hard," she tells Yahoo!News. "This response makes the skin darker in color."
- Shaving - Shaving, especially without lubricant, leads to inflammation, which may not only cause rashes but also hyperpigmentation. As much as possible, try to replace your razor blades every now and then. When you use a dull blade, you're likely to go through your underarms multiple times.
- Friction caused by tight clothing - FYI, underarm skin is very thin and delicate so it easily reacts to any kind of friction.
- Over-exfoliating - Exfoliation is key to smoother pits, but going overboard will only do more harm than good. Exfoliate your kilikili once every week or twice a month, and avoid using abrasive scrubs that will just trigger irritation and discoloration.
- Chemical irritations from deodorants - Deodorants do a great job in blocking odor. However, some may contain ingredients like alcohol and fragrance, which can irritate the skin and cause it to darken over time. (READ MORE: Is An *Underarm Detox* The Secret To Brighter, Flawless Kilikili?)
How can I get rid of discolorations on the underarms?
Aside from letting go of certain bad habits that trigger irritation, committing to an underarm skincare routine can help you score more even-toned pits. You can simply start by using a brightening cream every night!
Underarm Creams You Can Try For Smoother And Brighter Armpits
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Belo Underarm Whitening Cream
This non-sticky night treatment from Belo is loaded with alpha arbutin and hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid to even out discoloration. It's alcohol-free and hypoallergenic too, which makes it ideal for sensitive skin types.
beloessentials.comBelo Underarm Whitening Cream, P369.75 (Buy 1 Take 1), Belo Essentials
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One Earth Organics Underarm Complete Therapy Set
If you want to improve the overall appearance of your kilikili, this underarm kit from One Earth Organics has everything you need: A natural deodorant spray, a skin-refining serum, and a brightening cream! The latter is formulated with exfoliants and whitening agents including beta arbutin, which helps reduce pigmentation. To use this kit, start by spritzing the deodorant on cleansed skin, massage a few drops of the serum on your pits, and apply the underarm cream.
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oneearthorganics.comOne Earth Organics Underarm Complete Therapy Set, P1,339, Lazada
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Luxe Organix Intensive Whitening Underarm Cream 10% Niacinamide
This underarm cream contains a high concentration of niacinamide, which not only brightens the skin but also repairs the skin barrier, leaving you with ~smoother~ pits. It helps soothe irritations and minimize redness too, thanks to licorice extract. According to the brand, it's best to skip deodorant when you apply this at night.
www.watsons.com.phADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Luxe Organix Intensive Whitening Underarm Cream 10% Niacinamide, P299, Watsons
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Hello Glow Underarm Whitening Set
This underarm set will help you score more even-toned underarms in three easy steps. Cleanse your kilikili with its brightening soap that's made with papaya extract, kojic acid, and arbutin. Use its clarifying toner to refine skin texture, and apply a light layer of its vitamin C-infused cream to your underarms.
Instagram/helloglowofficialHello Glow Underarm Whitening Set, P275, Lazada
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Skin Potions Sorcery Cream Underarm Brightening Cream
Aside from fading discolorations, this niacinamide-infused cream promises to refine skin texture, too! It also contains tea tree oil to reduce redness and calm irritations. It's best paired with Skin Potions' alcohol-free spray deodorant called Wizard's Spell, which helps keep underarms fresh and dry.
skinpotionsph.comSkin Potions Sorcery Cream Underarm Brightening Cream, P199, Beauty MNL
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BodyXpert Underarm Whitening Cream
Packed with milk, bergamot, and aloe vera extracts, this armpit cream claims to not only brighter uneven skin tone but also keep your underarms feeling soft and smooth!
watsons.com.phBodyxpert Underarm Whitening Cream, P99, Watsons
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Hello Gorgeous Deo Whitening Cream
Give your underarms some TLC before your sleep with this overnight cream that works to ~nourish~ the armpits and reduce hyperpigmentation. It's formulated with papain enzymes, licorice extract, shea butter, and kojic acid.
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beautymnl.comHello Gorgeous Deo Whitening Cream, P199, BeautyMNL