Dark underarms: Experts answer the most common questions and concerns

Even in the age of body positivity, plenty of Filipinas still feel self-conscious about having dark underarms. Beauty forums have several threads dedicated to it, a lot of women shy away from wearing sleeveless clothes, raising arms, and exposing their armpits. 

First things first: There's nothing wrong with having dark underarms. We’re all for embracing your true self, dark underarms and all.

But if your confidence is taking a nose dive because of them, or they’re keeping you from wearing the things you like or participating in activities you want to try, or even from just hailing a cab or asking for the bill in a restaurant (admit it, this has happened before), then maybe it is a cause for concern.

Sadly, when it comes to lightening dark underarms, we’ve heard—and tried—it all, from expensive creams to popular home remedies, and TBH we’re still none the whiter…er, wiser, we meant wiser. So we thought it was high time we turn to the experts for some answers.

Illustration by Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/GMA News

What are the causes of dark underarms?

Leslie Colleen Acosta Tiongson MD, DPDS, a dermatologist at Metro North Medical Center, says that the causes of dark underarms range from excessive scrubbing or friction from clothing to the harsh chemicals [found] in deodorants and anti perspirants to the application of acids like calamansi to repeated shaving or any form of manipulation or trauma.

Additionally, she says that dark underarms could also be caused by a condition called acanthosis nigricans, which may be associated with diabetes mellitus or obesity.

Do deodorants and anti-perspirants really lead to dark underarms?

According to Tiongson, “There is no hard and fast rule [when it comes to choosing deodorants or anti-perspirants]. Try a deo for a month, and if no darkening occurs, best to stick to this brand. Frequently [switching] brands may cause irritation and lead to darkening.”

Dr Stephanie Sy-Chua, a fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society, however, warns that fragrances, whitening ingredients, and even aluminum chloride (AlCl), the main ingredient in deodorants, may act as allergens that can lead to dark underarms. “Some patients may be allergic to AlCl, so it’s not advisable [for them] to use ordinary deodorant.” If that’s the case, it’s best to ask your derma about suitable alternatives.

Does rubbing calamansi on your underarms really help?

Sorry, ladies. It’s all #FakeNews. Instead of bleaching your underarms, acids found in calamansi and apple cider vinegar do the exact opposite. “Calamansi may cause irritant contact dermatitis that could lead to dark underarms,” Sy-Chua remarks.

Does exfoliation lighten underarms or does it make them even darker?

To exfoliate or not to exfoliate, that is the question. We’ve heard cases made for either side of the argument, so we went to the experts to finally get to the bottom of this debate.

Sy-Chua, for one, is not a big believer in exfoliating underarms, explaining that the repeated friction and skin trauma could actually contribute to darkening and discoloration. Tiongson agrees. “Scrubbing or the use of any exfoliating agents can further darken underarms,” she observes.

Does waxing eventually help lighten underarms?

Waxing doesn’t lighten underarms but according to Tiongson, it may be a better alternative to shaving because waxing causes less friction. An even better alternative, she adds, is laser hair removal.

“Getting rid of underarm hair permanently with laser treatment helps lighten dark underarms,” Tiongson states. 

And you know how your waxing technician is always telling you to exfoliate to prevent ingrown hair on your armpits? With laser treatment, you won’t have to choose between getting dark underarms due to exfoliation or suffering from painful and unsightly ingrown. As Sy-Chua points out, “Ingrown will always be a consequence of waxing, that’s why dermatologists recommend laser hair removal [instead].”

How do you lighten underarms that are already dark?

Tiongson suggests you avoid frequent scrubbing, shaving, or manipulation of any sort, and notes that there are lightening agents your doctor can prescribe that are mild enough to apply on your underarms.

Sy-Chua adds that product ingredients like arbutin, licorice, or niacinamide are effective in whitening underarms, but advises you consult with your derma before trying on any product. “Do not try to experiment with anything for your underarm unless prescribed by a certified dermatologist,” she cautions.

“There are several ways to lighten underarms, mostly clinic procedures done by a dermatologist over several sessions, depending on the depth of pigmentation,” Tiongson concludes. — LA, GMA News