Black armpits

Apr 26, 2011

Jane A.

I don't have dark dark dark armpits, but i noticed it's getting tanner. My cousin on the other hand, her's is dark.

This is what her doctor said... 1. she has to lose weight. He mentioned he has creams and what not to make it lighter, but he wanted her to lose a little weight first to see if it could get lighter on its own. He pretty much said, there is no way to reverse it, you can only make it lighter at that point. She mentioned the prescription creams were a lot of money, so she didn't get them.

However, she does use a whitening deodarant. We live in Hawaii, and she gets it at a Chinatown store.

So I think to lighten dark pits, use a whitening cream, whitening deodarant, or wash with a whitening soap (just your pits part). My cousin's pits got considerably lighter.

Oh and I'm not too sure if a popular drug store may carry these items (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, etc.); you may want to check out a local ethnic store around your area.

Apr 26, 2011

Keshonta B.

There are bleaching creams such as ambi you can also use black soap. Vasiline is good for keeping moisture in your skin. It can come from a variety of things hun.

Apr 28, 2011

Tina C.

Darkening of the armpits can be a sign of glucose (sugar) intolerance, especially if accompanied by darkened skin around your neck. This is a rash called acanthosis nigricans. If you have this, you should get checked out by your doctor to make sure you don't have glucose intolerance. Glucose intolerance can mean diabetes down the road if you don't take care of it. So before you go out and try scrubs and creams, check in with your doctor.

This is something that actually happened to my brother. My mom thought he was just a dirty teenager and didn't clean himself well enough when he showered. So she got him this louffa thing and made him make sure to scrub his neck and armpits better. I had no idea of this since I don't live at home. When I found out about his "hygiene" problem, I told my mom that he needs to see his doctor, especially since my brother was overweight. The doctor said he needed to lose weight and that his sugar was pretty high. My brother started frisbee the next fall, and though the rash is not completely gone, it's better and his sugar is better.

Apr 29, 2011

Jane A.

Good be hereditary.

It could also be a lot of other factors, not just being over weight.

About diabetes, there are so many risk factors/causes/etc. to explain here. It's a misconception that skinny people don't get diabetes. Because a lot of thin people have type 2, look at the youngest Jonas brother.

Having GD while I was pregnant, and my auntie mentioning it's hereditary on my dad's side, I'm trying my hardest to do right. But we'll see how that goes. =(

May 2, 2011

Tamara R.

Consider that you may be allergic to your anti-antiperspirant. The aluminium content can be very irritating to the skin, even though it works well to block perspiration.

May 18, 2011

Althea N.

I use lemons.... and I wax my armpits. That epilator terrifies me. I saw a Guru turn hers on, and the sound alone raised my blood pressure! lol

May 18, 2011

Jo J.

I do not have dark armpits, but I certainly would appreciate them a little whiter. I too, have been waxing my armpits for a couple of years now. And recently, I switched my deodorant from Mitchum's to Lavanilla's coconut one, which is all-natural. I'm hoping it will make a difference!

@Althea- I watched a tutorial on YT, where the young lady also said she rubbed lemons on her armpits and it helped with keeping them "whiter". So I will try it myself. You made me laugh with your "epilator" comment! LOL! So true...

May 18, 2011

Nancy-Lee C.

DERMAdoctor Total NonScents is a whitening deodorant. I have used it, it does work - it is also expensive, but if it's a 2-in-1; Deo & treatment. I started to wax under my pits after I noticed the darkening happening. The waxing also lightly exfoliates that area, so I have noticed the skin in my pits lightening. xoxo Let us know what works for you!

May 18, 2011

Hazel E.

i've always hard dark armpits also. have you tried the papaya soap things? i heard those really work

May 18, 2011

Jo J.

@Nancy-Lee Thanks for the recommendation of DermDoctor's deodorant. I agree, it is expensive, but I don't mind paying if it works. I'm going to give it a shot :) 

May 18, 2011

Nancy-Lee C.

My pleasure.

May 18, 2011

Jane A.

I must try this waxing the pits thing. =)

Hazel, my mom uses a papaya soap and a cucumber toner for her face, and her skin lighten up and cleared. I tried that a while back... and nothing. =|

May 19, 2011

Jo J.

@Soriya P.~the girl in the video actually just sliced her lemon up and just used a slice for each armpit.
You can find the DERMAdoctor deodorant at www.dermadoctor.com or click here http://www.dermadoctor.com/product_DERMAdoctor-Total-NonScents-Ultra-Gentle-Brightening-Antiperspirant_825.html

Jul 3, 2011

Mai L.

Hi ladies,
So it looks like I'm not the only one too. I've been fighting with this black armpit issue too. I need to get rid of it. I'm not looking for a something to happen over night. But have been dealing with this for 2 years now. I tried the lemon. Cumin with lemon paste. I even went to the dermatologist and he told me I have acanthosis nigricans. He gave me a prescription cream and I've used it for 6months now and no results I seen. I even got tested for diabetes. But my glucose is good. My doctor did recommend I lose some weight. My BMI say i'm over weight. I eat healthy and I don't exercise on a regular basis. But that doesn't explain why I have this. I shave regularly. My under arm hair doesn't grow as fast so I maybe shave like 2 times a week. So I don't think waxing is really worth it cause it cost money and going to get it wax 2 times a week sounds a little insane. I guess I rather spend that extra 10 dollar on food for my family than waxing. Cause why do that when I can shave in my own house. I don't know But I'm really frustrated. My husband doesn't care he said. He loves me for who I am. But I need this for me. I can't even wear a strapless dress cause I have to worry about my armpit. Or even wearing a swim suit and hiding my armpit. ARGH!!!! I guess I need help with everyone support here. I'm even embrassing to lift my kids up and knowing people around is going to see it. Help!!!! I hope we can all work on getting rid of this. 

Jul 3, 2011

Steff J.

Try Korres' Wild Rose Brightening mask on the areas. That stuff actually works. It's an exfoliaint or anything, it actually has 3 different types of vitamin C that revitalize and brighten wherever you put the mask on. It's $29 if you live in the US and it's available at Sephora. http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P155112&categoryId=B70 You leave a thicker layer wherever you want it, and leave it on for about 15 minutes, rinse off and you see instant results. The more you use it, the lighter your skin will get. It's great because it's a natural alternative and actually works. It's good stuff :)

Jul 3, 2011

Sandra N.

I had no idea that people had this problem. If someone's armpits looked dark I just assumed it was because their dark armpit hair was starting to grow out. (Obviously, I haven't had a close look at anyone's armpits, except my own and I have super blond body hair lol). But this thread was very informative so now I will know what to answer if anyone ever asks me for advice :) Thanks!

Jul 4, 2011

Maricel D.

The reason why doctors recommend the losing weight is because the rash is built up under the skin surface area and not on top. Which explains why most whitening deodorants and creams dont work. You would have so to say "sweat" the bacteria out. 

Jul 5, 2011

Tamara R.

Heather.. that is awesome & beautiful. :] An alternative alternative, I like it!

Jul 5, 2011

Heather H.

Thank you Tamara! I figured if they're going to be dark, I may as well add some art to it. It's not to everyone's taste, but it definitely suits my style. :)

Jul 5, 2011

Sandra N.

@ Heather: That really is a creative solution! Love it!