What Causes Dark Underarms?
Just like underarm hair, dark underarms may be viewed as undesirable, which leads to self-consciousness and reduced confidence when wearing certain type of tops such as when going sleeveless or wearing a swim suit / bikini.
Dark armpits may be due to underlying medical conditions such as eczema, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or abnormal levels of hormones. These should also be addressed when undergoing underarm whitening treatments.
More commonly, dark underarms are due to a condition known as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). PIH can be more common in darker skin toned individuals. It is associated with inflammation due to eczema, repetitive friction from shaving / waxing, burns and skin infections.
Skin care products such as deodorants or perfumes may sometimes irritate the skin and contribute to PIH. The inflammatory process results in increased deposition of melanin (pigments) in the skin which gives the appearance of a dark underarm.
Underarm Whitening Laser Treatment
Dr Edwin recommends either the Spectra Q Switch Nd YAG laser or PICOlaser for underarm whitening because they safely and effectively target the pigments in the skin which causes dark underarms.
The lasers work by using energy to break down pigments (photoacoustic effect) in the skin.
Lasers do not have downtime and there is no peeling or scabbing.
Discomfort is minimal and may feel like small ant bites. Cold air will also be blown concurrently at the treatment area to reduce redness and discomfort.
Underarm Whitening Creams
In addition to underarm whitening lasers, Dr Edwin would recommend using depigmentation creams daily for better and quicker results.
Key ingredients in underarm whitening creams include Arbutin, Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Hydroquinone and Tretinoin.
Learn more about lightening creams here.
Is Underarm Whitening Laser The Same As Hair Removal Laser?
No, underarm whitening laser and hair removal laser are completely different treatments. For hair removal laser, the aim is to permanently remove hair by destroying the hair roots using laser energy.
Underarm whitening lasers focus on destroying melanin (pigmentation) to lighten dark underarms.
As such, hair removal lasers do not whiten underarms and underarm whitening lasers do not remove hair.
For clients who wish to undergo both underarm whitening and hair removal, Dr Edwin recommends spacing the laser treatments 2 weeks apart.
Underarm Whitening Laser Versus IPL, Which Is Better?
IPL stands for intense pulsed light and is available at many beauty salons and spas. Using a broad spectrum of light wavelength, IPL can help to remove hair and lighten pigments. However, compared to lasers, laser is much more precise (using only 1 or 2 specific wavelengths) which allows laser treatments to be more powerful, more effective, and yet safer than IPL.
Of note, only medical clinics are authorized to carry out laser treatments in Singapore.
How do I find the Best Underarm Whitening Clinic in Singapore?
Every clinic offers different Underarm Whitening treatment options. No one clinic is same as the other. If you want to make sure that the Underarm Whitening treatments are performed safely and effectively, make sure that the clinic is experienced in Underarm Whitening lasers. The clinic should also offer information on the various types of Underarm Whitening lasers before proceeding.
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