Before we explore the nuances of underarm pigmentation, it's essential to remember that the flawless underarms often depicted in Photoshop advertisements have led many to believe that smooth and clear underarms are the norm. If you have darker underarm skin or some hair, particularly if you have deeper skin tones, know that this is completely normal. With the overwhelming amount of misinformation circulating on social media regarding this topic, this article aims to clarify the truths and dispel the myths surrounding underarm hyperpigmentation.
Some individuals go to extreme lengths to lighten the dark skin under their arms, a practice that is unnecessary and potentially harmful. Alarmingly, some even resort to skin lightening treatments on infants, which can have serious consequences. The shame associated with dark underarms—especially when they contrast significantly with the rest of the body—has made many people acutely aware of their appearance, driving them to seek effective solutions for underarm hyperpigmentation.
Wearing sleeveless tops, swimsuits, or participating in sports in sleeveless attire should be a source of confidence, but unfortunately, dark underarms can act as a barrier to this sense of freedom.
In this article, we will delve into the various causes of underarm pigmentation, explore the most effective methods to lighten existing pigmentation, and discuss preventative measures to avoid this skin condition in the first place.
Understanding the Causes of Underarm Pigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is derived from two components: "hyper," meaning excessive, and "pigmentation," which refers to color. As a result, hyperpigmentation manifests as spots or patches that can appear in shades of gray, black, brown, or pink. In essence, underarm hyperpigmentation signifies an increase in skin coloration in the underarm area.
Ideally, your underarms should match the skin tone of the rest of your body. However, hyperpigmentation can be triggered by various factors, including chemical irritants found in deodorants and antiperspirants. Additional contributors include irritation from shaving, the buildup of dead skin cells due to infrequent exfoliation, friction from tight clothing, and skin conditions such as melasma and acanthosis nigricans.
To simplify the understanding of why underarm hyperpigmentation occurs, we can categorize these causes into the following groups:
1. Physiological or Normal Causes
Physiological causes refer to the natural hyperpigmentation that can occur due to physiological changes in the body throughout one's life. It's common to experience increased pigmentation in certain areas, such as the underarms, during puberty or pregnancy. Other areas where women might notice changes include the cheeks, perioral region, around the nipples, and in the groin area, all of which can exhibit slight darkening during periods of hormonal fluctuation.
Apart from these typical changes, the primary drivers of increased pigmentation in the underarms can be attributed to two main factors:
a) Melanocytes
Melanocytes are the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Various factors can stimulate these cells, including hormonal changes or imbalances, infections, and inflammation. It’s noteworthy that individuals with skin types 4 to 6 are particularly susceptible to hyperpigmentation following any inflammatory response. Inflammation triggers increased blood flow and an influx of white blood cells to tackle any underlying issues, which can inadvertently stimulate melanocytes in the basal layer of the skin, leading to irritation and heightened chances of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Thus, the causes of hyperpigmentation often stem from irritational stimulation of melanocytes that leads to excess melanin production. Conditions such as Acanthosis Nigricans, where skin thickness increases, can also contribute to hyperpigmentation, although the darkness observed in these areas is generally thought to result from skin thickness rather than an increase in melanin production.
b) Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans is a prevalent skin condition characterized by dark, velvety patches, commonly seen on the back of the neck, underarms, and groin. If you notice thickened skin accompanied by hyperpigmentation, it may indicate an underlying health issue, such as obesity, metabolic disorders, or polycystic ovarian syndrome. For effective treatment of hyperpigmentation, it's crucial to assess and address these underlying conditions first.
Now let’s explore the various strategies to prevent underarm hyperpigmentation.
Preventing Underarm Darkening
1. Avoid Shaving Your Underarms
If you're accustomed to shaving your underarms, and your dermatologist has ruled out other potential causes of increased pigmentation, consider switching to alternative hair removal methods like waxing or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair removal. IPL is a safe hair removal technique that avoids the common side effects associated with shaving, such as ingrown hairs. Many dermatologists recommend the Sapphire Air3 at-home IPL hair removal device from Ulike for its effectiveness.
Shaving can increase the likelihood of ingrown hairs, which occur when hairs get trapped in the follicles, leading to a darker appearance in the underarm area. Additionally, ingrown hairs can irritate the skin, potentially resulting in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Moreover, certain razors contain nickel—an ingredient often found in metallic alloys—that can trigger allergic reactions, leading to contact dermatitis. For individuals sensitive to metal, frequent shaving can result in minor inflammation, which over time, stimulates the melanocytes and contributes to widespread hyperpigmentation. Not to mention, improper shaving techniques can lead to cuts, which further inflame the skin.
To minimize the risk of dark pigmentation in your underarms, consider discontinuing the use of razors. At-home IPL hair removal devices target and eliminate hair from the root, and since the intense pulse light destroys hair follicles, regrowth takes at least four weeks. With consistent use of IPL devices, you can achieve hair-free, smooth skin.
2. Avoid Scrubbing the Skin
Steer clear of physical exfoliators that can irritate the melanocytes beneath the skin's surface. Such irritation can provoke the production of additional melanin, which ultimately leads to further pigmentation issues.
3. Refrain from Using Fragrant Products
If you find that scented products or certain natural deodorants are unsuitable for your skin and contain irritating ingredients like sodium bicarbonate, it's wise to seek alternative natural deodorants and antiperspirants that are gentle on your skin. Always conduct a patch test on the inner arm or thigh before trying a new skincare product to ensure its compatibility. Alternatively, opt for fragrance-free deodorants or skincare products devoid of baking soda.
Conclusion
To effectively tackle underarm hyperpigmentation, consider incorporating
