There is no other part of the body more susceptible to dark spots and hyperpigmentation than your underarms and face – the only difference being that the underarms don't call attention as much as they do an area like your face. That is until it warms up outside and the layers start to peel back. Those cute tank tops, bathing suits, summer dresses, and short-sleeves mean your arms are on full display and your underarms are front and center. Of course, lifting your arms to reveal dark marks can really throw off your confidence. You're not alone, millions of people suffer from underarm hyperpigmentation, and for a number of different reasons.  

Dark underarms can happen due to a variety of things, from skin conditions like hyperpigmentation or ingrown hairs, excessive sun exposure, shaving with a razor, or even poor hygiene or diet. There are, however ways to treat and prevent dark underarms from ruining your summer plans. By regularly waxing your underarms, using products like Barra Brightening cream, Ipanema Ingrown Hair Serum, and following basic skin care tips, it's possible to reverse the discoloration effectively, and even prevent further damage to the skin in the future.

Why do underarms get dark?

The skin under your arms has tons of skin folds, which makes it very sensitive and sometimes difficult to manage. This part of the body is very sensitive and prone to discoloration for a number of reasons, which is why our underarms need as much care and attention as any other visible area on our face and body. When we do things like shaving with a razor, it can result in tiny cuts in our skin that can become infected with bacteria or yeast causing inflammation and color change in our skin tone. Alcohol-based deodorants can also irritate your skin causing it to become dark in color as well as sweating a lot which can also cause your armpits to become darker than usual. The most common cause [of underarm discoloration] is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from irritation — generally caused by ingrown hair, overexposure to UV rays, sweat, dirt buildup, and even fabric irritation from the clothing you wear. Repeated exposure to drying and damaging products or irritating chemicals may lead to skin pigmentation and dark marks. Underarm discoloration is also caused by genetics, hormonal changes in the body, like pregnancy, changes in hormonal levels, or side effects due to medication or health concerns. Another common cause is a deficiency of vitamin B3 (niacin), which is important for maintaining even skin tone and treating inflammation.

Preventing Dark Underarms

The best way to Preventing Dark Underarms is by practicing consistent and daily care of the skin on your underarms.

Here are some tips to help you prevent dark underarms:

Apply Sunscreen Regularly

Sun exposure can cause your skin to become darker, so wearing sunscreen is essential for everyone — especially those with fair complexions. Apply sunscreen every day, including your underarms, before you go out in the sun so that you can minimize sun damage and prevent dark underarms.

Exfoliate Regularly

Get rid of dead skin cells that can make your underarm area look darker than usual. You should exfoliate at least three times per week; if you have sensitive skin or have never exfoliated before, add our gentle exfoliants, like Arpoador Gel Exfoliant, to your skincare routine. 

Keep The Area Clean 

Shower daily with warm water and soap. Dry yourself thoroughly after showering or bathing as moisture can cause bacteria to thrive under your arms which can lead to darkening of the skin.

Cleanses Your Underarms

Cleanse your underarms twice daily with an antiperspirant containing aluminum salts that absorb moisture from the sweat glands preventing them from producing excess sweat which would otherwise stain clothes. Test different deodorants to find the one best for you. 

Avoid Friction from fabrics 

Avoiding any unnecessary friction to the area, heavy, harsh, itchy fabrics should be avoided. Breathable fabrics like cotton allow proper ventilation to the underarm area.

Treating Dark Underarms

If you experience dark underarms there are treatment options to consider to minimize the appearance of dark marks. This includes waxing, brightening cream, or skincare treatments for ingrown hair and dry skin.

Waxing

The first recommendation is to wax your underarms every two weeks. This will help to remove any excess hair, dirt, debris, and other irritants that can cause abrasions and ingrown hair from forming on your skin. Our signature hard wax at Depil Brazil nourishes, hydrates, and also exfoliates the skin to keep it smooth, soft, and even skin tone. 

Barra Brightening Cream

Using our Barra Brightening Cream contains vitamins and nourishments to lighten the skin pigment in this area of the body. This cream can also be used on other areas of the body and is effective at reducing dark spots on your underarms. Apply this daily for the best results.

Ipanema Ingrown Hair Serum

Ingrown hairs can make the dark marks look worse and can cause pain and irritation when they grow back. Our Ipanema Ingrown Hair Serum keeps ingrown hairs, redness, and rashes at bay keeping your skin healthy and smooth longer between your wax appointments. 

Whether you're heading somewhere hot, or just want to look good on a hot day, there are steps that you can take to have the ideal underarm. By adopting some of the best practices we've mentioned above, you can benefit from beautiful and soft underarms all summer long—and that's something worth keeping in mind. Start by booking your first wax at Depil Brazil and speak to one of our experienced, professional Wax Pros about your underarm concerns and get a personalized skincare plan to help treat and prevent your hyperpigmentation. When booking, don't forget, all first-time guest get their first service FREE! So your underarm dreams can be made a reality, right here at Depil Brazil.