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If dark underarms make you feel self-conscious, there’s something you should know: It’s a common skin affliction that many people deal with. But just because it’s not unusual doesn’t mean you want to live with it. Lightening dark underarms entails paying a little more attention to that area — beyond just swiping on some deodorant.
To get to the bottom of what causes dark underarms, how to treat them and, even better, how to prevent them in the first place, we consulted two board-certified dermatologists. Below is what they had to say.
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What causes dark underarms?
According to our experts, darkening underneath your arms can be caused by several things. “One common cause is an early sign of insulin resistance — a condition known as acanthosis nigricans,” says Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Dermatology Circle in New York City. “Other signs of insulin resistance may include weight gain, acne, increased body hair density and scalp hair thinning.”
Acanthosis nigricans is a condition that causes the thickening and darkening of skin. It can also make your skin take on a velvety texture, and it is most likely to occur in areas where your skin folds — like under your arms or behind your knees, according to our experts.
Other common causes of hyperpigmentation in that area include friction from clothing, irritation from shaving or other hair removal methods and even reactions to certain deodorants and antiperspirants, says Dr. Jason Emer, a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills and founder of Emer Skin. “In addition to this, hormonal imbalances and even genetic predispositions can play significant roles, with lifestyle factors such as poor diet, vitamin B12 deficiency, and family history increasing the likelihood of developing this condition.”
Are certain people more prone to dark underarms?
Though anyone can develop darker underarms, some people are more likely to notice this condition. “Individuals who are obese or have diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other endocrine abnormalities are more prone to developing dark underarms,” says Kazlouskaya.
Those who naturally have darker skin may also be more at risk for developing acanthosis nigricans and, therefore, developing dark underarms, according to one study. This is likely because those with darker skin already have more melanin, so any irritation could cause even more to develop.
Finally, some research has also suggested that those who get laser hair removal in the area or frequently shave there are more prone to dark underarms. It is thought that these things can also encourage darker skin pigments to be produced.
How to treat dark underarms
“The best way to improve or reverse dark underarms is to address the underlying cause,” says Kazlouskaya. “A board-certified dermatologist can help you to find the right diagnosis.” For example, if your dark underarms are caused by acanthosis nigricans, improving metabolism through a healthy lifestyle is likely going to be the most helpful — but you’ll need a medical professional to help you determine what’s the true cause, says Kazlouskaya.
But what if your darker underarms are caused by friction from clothes or shaving? You may want to take a break from shaving for a bit if you can. Then, be careful with your products — including shaving cream and body lotions — to avoid further irritation and discoloration. “I advise my patients to steer clear of harsh products, choosing instead fragrance-free, dye-free, and preservative-free options,” says Emer. “I also suggest avoiding tight clothing that could cause additional friction and irritation while you’re trying to resolve dark underarms.”
There are also a few in-office treatments that can help prevent further darkening and take care of the already present discoloration. “Botox injections can help control excessive sweating, which can exacerbate skin irritation,” says Emer. “Laser sessions can also effectively reduce darker pigmentation.”
How to prevent dark underarms
Once you’ve resolved your dark underarms, you’ll probably want to work on preventing them from darkening again. Below, tips from our experts on things you can do to avoid pigmentation from darkening in that sensitive area:
- Avoid too-tight clothing: Looser clothes and breathable fabric will help prevent excessive sweating and irritation, two things that can cause darkening to occur, says Emer.
- Stick to a healthy diet: Focus on maintaining a healthy weight and eating a nutritious diet, says Kazlouskaya. This can keep you from developing acanthosis nigricans, the most common cause of dark underarms.
- Consider laser hair removal: If shaving irritates your skin, you may want to think about laser hair removal. This will eliminate the hair under your arms so you don’t have to keep shaving.
- Reach for gentle products: Choose deodorant, body lotion and shaving creams that are gentle and formulated for sensitive skin — ideally, they should be fragrance-, dye- and preservative-free to prevent irritation, says Emer.
Best gentle products for your underarm area
Native Sensitive Deodorant
This deodorant is aluminum-free and made with plant-derived ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter to keep skin hydrated, according to the brand. It’s also free from talc and phthalates, two things that can be irritating to some.
Almay Sensitive Skin Antiperspirant and Deodorant
If you prefer an antiperspirant, consider this option from Almay. It is hypoallergenic and specifically created for sensitive skin. The gel formula is also cooling as it glides on, which can soothe any irritation that may be there and it dries quickly so it won’t transfer to your clothes, according to Almay.
Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion
An O.G. brand in the world of body lotions, Vanicream may not be fancy, but it gets the job done and is gentle on skin. It is free of fragrances, dyes, parabens and sulfates, which Emer says is ideal for preventing underarm irritation. This lotion has also been awarded a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association, making it a good option for those who also deal with eczema.
Billie Whipped Shave Cream
This shaving cream, which has a 4.5-star average rating from 1,481 reviews on Amazon, is fragrance-free and packed with ingredients meant to soothe the skin — like coconut oil and allantoin, according to the brand. The whipped texture also goes on thick, creating a nice barrier between your skin and razor as you shave.
Gillette Venus Sensitive Women’s Disposable Razors
If laser hair removal isn’t possible, consider switching your razor to one made for sensitive skin. These from Gillette have a moisture strip on them that lubricates skin before the razor hits an area, so it glides over skin more smoothly, according to the brand. It also has three razor blades that are surrounded by cushions and rounded edges to prevent friction as you shave.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya is a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Dermatology Circle in New York City.
- Dr. Jason Emer is a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills and founder of Emer Skin.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed dermatologists about dark underarms.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
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