Six Natural Ways to Lighten Underarms

Lemon juice and coconut oil are two popular, natural ways to lighten underarms.

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Karla Henríquez.

Written by Daniela Echeverri Castro

Last update: 15 December, 2022

Many people want effective, natural ways to lighten underarms. Thus, it’s common to consider some of the following as the best ways to do so in addition to what a dermatologist may prescribe.

Note that even though the use of natural remedies to lighten underarms is sort of common, you must exercise caution. In fact, you must only do so after an allergy test in the forearm.

This is for the purpose of avoiding unwanted reactions such as irritation, redness, itching, etc., as not all types of skin react in the same way to the same products.

Why do armpits darken?

Regular shaving, the passage of time, lack of exfoliation, and other factors can all have an impact on darkening the underarms and other areas of the body. However, the most common cause of all is still the use of razors.

Furthermore, these techniques are quite effective. They’re quite popular, in fact. However, many people prefer natural ways with which to obtain similar effects.

The problem with any natural ways to lighten dark underarms is they’re not completely safe. In fact, they can irritate the skin and even darken the area further. This is why it’s important not to use them without consulting a dermatologist first.

Precautions in the use of natural ways to lighten underarms

As we mentioned above, one must be careful using these types of remedies for two reasons:

• The various types of skin react differently to different substances
• Some mixtures can be too aggressive to the skin, especially when using several ingredients in large amounts

Natural remedies to get rid of dark spots

According to popular belief, these are some of the remedies that can be used to get rid of dark spots on your underarms. Thus, consult a doctor before trying them and follow their instructions.

1. Potato juice

Some people claim that natural potato juice contains acidic substances that can lighten the skin. In fact, they say it makes it easier to exfoliate the underarms and thus lighten them.

How to use it

• Firstly, thinly slice a potato and rub it over the underarms for two to three minutes
• Let it do its thing for a few minutes and then rinse it off with cold water

2. Lemon juice is one of the best natural ways to lighten underarms

How to use it

• Cut a lemon in half and rub it over the dark spot for two minutes
• Let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash it off with plenty of water

3. Orange peel

This is another citrus that can help lighten underarms. Some people use it to exfoliate the area and say it improves the appearance of the skin.

How do you use it?

• Sundry some orange peels and then, grind them into a fine powder
• Mix the powder with a bit of water or milk and rub it over the skin with soft, circular motions
• Let it do its thing for a few minutes and then rinse it off with cold water

4. Coconut oil

How to use it

• Rub a little bit of organic coconut oil over any dark spots with soft, circular motions
• Let it do its thing for a few minutes and then wash it off with neutral soap and lukewarm water

5. Sandalwood

Some people claim that sandalwood dust is a good exfoliant and lightening agent. As such, they believe it can reduce the dark spots on your underarms.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp of sandalwood powder
• Rosewater (as required)

How to use it

• Mix the sandalwood powder with the rosewater to a thick paste
• Rub it over any dark spots with smooth, circular movements and let it do its thing for a few minutes

You may not know it but sandalwood oil is a common therapeutic agent in dermatology and apparently has favorable effects in the labs. Specifically, “it’s proven biological activity as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-proliferative agent.”

6. Natural yogurt is one of the natural ways to lighten underarms

Many people claim that lactic acid in natural yogurt can help lighten, hydrate, and soften underarms.

How do you use it?

• Rub a bit of the natural yogurt into your underarms and let it do its thing for 20 to 30 minutes
• In order to enhance the effects of the yogurt, mix it with a bit of sea salt and apply it with circular motions to exfoliate the skin
• Then, rinse it with warm water

In conclusion

Laser procedures are usually the most effective to lighten underarms in the long term, but it all depends on your dermatologist. This is because every case is different and requires individual treatment.

As we mentioned above, it’s always best to get a check-up before using any natural ways to lighten underarms. Thus, be sure to select the most appropriate technique for you, one that’s safe.