Flawed kili-kili? These women have learned to love their imperfect underarms

These women have learned to love and be proud of their underarms despite of its flaws.

In Saleema Refran’s “Brigada” report, Lane Manlapaz said she’s always been a fan of sexy and fashionable outfits, including sleeveless and fitted ones.

But up until two years ago, she's been too embarrassed to wear them.

“My underarms have discoloration. They are dark. When I fit clothes and I see myself putting my arms up, I think it’s ugly. My self-esteem goes down,” she said in Filipino.

“I feel like people will judge me when they see my dark underarms and it has also greatly affected me because I cannot accept myself then,” she added.

According to Lane, she's tried various regimens like rubbing calamansi for minutes, but nothing's helped.

Her outlook changed in 2019 when she and her family went to Bohol.

“The view, the people were beautiful. [I thought] why would I waste the opportunity to make good memories just because I can’t accept myself and how I look?” she said.

“I realized that when you love yourself, no one can tell you how you should look like. No matter what they will say, as long as you accept yourself, it’s okay,” she added in Filipino.

To advocate for body positivity, Lane have decided to post a photo with her arms up. It garnered 43,000 reactions and 26,000 shares from netizens.

There were some hate comments but Lane said she didn't care. "The love for myself outweighs them," she said.

“You don’t have to make yourself uncomfortable for others to feel comfortable. Why put them first? It’s hard but when you love yourself, it’s worth it,” she added.

Lane is currently a brand ambassador for local fashion brand KxK Fashion, who proudly has models of different body types.

According to owners Krizza and Karina Dela Cruz, even they are not shamed to admit not always shaving their armpit hair, because it’s normal.

“Our brand became diverse and inclusive because we have also been victimized by other fashion brands who promote unattainable and unrealistic beauty standards,” Krizza said.

“We want to feature the real stories of our customers,” Karina added. “Let’s normalize it because not everyone has access to waxing and laser hair removal.”

Mary Rose Sidlao, meanwhile, admitted that shooting for "Brigada" was her first time to wear a sleeveless outfit outside and among others. She admits to being ashamed before.

“When I saw that a lot of people are now accepting that having dark underarms is normal, I started to accept myself, too,” she said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“This is the first time I did this since I have embraced my flaws and I now love and accept myself even more,” she added.

According to dermatologist Dr. Jean Marquez, the discoloration of underarms is sometimes caused by a condition called Acanthosis Nigricans, which is a result of gaining weight.

“When the patient gets fat or is obese, the tendency is for the blood sugar to increase, then the insulin will go up, as well,” she said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“The insulin can cause deposition of pigments in the underarms or back of the neck. It can also cause skin to get thick,” she added.

Through the years, having dark and hairy underarms have been accepted. Even celebrities including Gigi Hadid, Madonna and Bella Thorne have shown theirs on social media.

Put your arms up, ladies! Those underarms of yours are gold — no matter what they say. — Francheca Viernes/LA, GMA News