Dark Underarms: What Are They?
The term “dark underarms” describes the noticeable discoloration or darkening of the skin beneath the arms. Medically speaking, the illness is usually benign, but it can have a big emotional and social impact. Many people are self-conscious about wearing sleeveless clothes, swimwear, or engaging in activities that expose the underarms, especially those with medium to deeper skin tones.
Frequently occurring friction, regular shaving, accumulation of dead skin, and discomfort from harsh deodorants or hair removal techniques are the main causes of this discoloration. Melanin production can be further increased by hormonal disorders including PCOS or insulin resistance, which can result in persistent discolouration. Because the skin under the arm is thinner, more reactive, and subjected to frequent mechanical and chemical stress, it is more vulnerable to these alterations.
A person’s lifestyle, skincare choices, underlying medical issues, and genetic predisposition can all contribute to the development of dark underarms. Melanin, the pigment that causes skin darkening, can be overproduced in the sensitive underarm skin due to its high sensitivity to stimulation. The most frequent causes are detailed below:
Regular shaving can result in little wounds and irritation, and wearing tight clothing, particularly made of synthetic materials, causes friction all the time. Over time, the skin becomes rougher and darker as a result of the repetitive stress stimulating melanocytes (pigment cells) to create more melanin.
Chemical irritants and deodorants
Alcohol, potent scents, and preservatives are common ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants, which can irritate delicate underarm skin. Long-term contact to these substances may result in inflammation or allergic reactions, which can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Buildup of Dead Skin Cells
Regular skincare regimes frequently overlook the area under the arms. Dead skin builds up and retains perspiration, germs, and debris if it isn’t exfoliated. This accumulation causes discoloration and dullness, which are sometimes confused with permanent pigmentation.
Thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance, and PCOS are among the hormonal conditions that can cause thick, velvety, dark patches beneath the arms. Acanthosis nigricans is a kind of pigmentation that cannot be treated with cosmetics alone and necessitates medical intervention.
Inflammation and disturbance of the skin barrier can result with waxing, epilation, and depilatory treatments. Patchy, persistent pigmentation results from the skin’s overproduction of melanin in response to repeated damage over time.
Dark patches are more likely to appear in places that are prone to friction or irritation in those with deeper skin tones or in those with a family history of pigmentation problems. In some situations, noticeable darkening may result from even minor causes.
The skin beneath the arms is more prone to inflammation and discolouration than other parts of the body because it is thinner and more sensitive. Underarm darkening can be avoided or reduced with proper treatment.
Here are a few easy yet powerful safety measures:
- Select the proper deodorant: Steer clear of harsh, alcohol-based sprays and go for mild, fragrance-free, or dermatologist-tested products that don’t cause skin irritation.
- Give up using a razor: Shaving might result in microtears due to friction. Make the switch to gentle hair removal lotions or laser hair reduction that are appropriate for delicate skin.
- Wear airy, loose-fitting clothing: Wearing tight clothing, especially made of synthetic fabrics, can cause heat and friction, which can cause pigmentation and repetitive stress.
- Gently exfoliate: Once a week, use gentle chemical exfoliants or scrubs designed specifically for the underarms.
- Stay hydrated: To calm and repair the skin barrier, apply a niacinamide-based underarm cream or a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer.
Treatments for Dark Underarms at Rasa Derm
We offer a comprehensive range of advanced treatments that gently and effectively reduce underarm pigmentation. Each solution is tailored to suit the sensitive skin of the underarms, delivering safe, visible results.
Q-Switch Laser Toning
A non-invasive laser that breaks down melanin clusters and reduces.
- Session Duration: 20 minutes
- Sessions Required: 4–6 sessions
- Gaps Between Sessions: 2–3 weeks
- Results: Even skin tone, Brighter underarms
Dermapen-4 (Microneedling)
This advanced microneedling technique improves cell turnover.
- Session Duration: 30–45 minutes
- Sessions Required: 4–6 sessions
- Gaps Between Sessions: 3–4 weeks
- Results In : Smoother texture, Reduced pigmentation
Chemical Peels (Pigment Correction Peels)
Medical-grade peels exfoliate the upper layers of skin to remove pigment buildup.
- Session Duration: 20–30 minutes
- Sessions Required: 3–5 sessions
- Gaps Between Sessions: 2–3 weeks
- Results In : Brighter skin, Improved clarity
Vampire Facial
Advanced growth factors micro needling for active acne and texture improvement.
- Session Duration: 45–60 minutes
- Sessions Required: 3–4 sessions
- Gaps Between Sessions: 4–6 weeks
- Results In : Firmer, Youthful Skin
