The hectic daily schedule can take a toll on your health and lifestyle. You can suffer from different types of health-related problems. Some of them might be serious and might need special attention, this write-up is about using lemon for dark underarms.
One of the prevalent skin related problems are dark underarm. It is not that a significant medical condition and doesn’t need much attention. There are different reasons for behind dark underarms.
You can get rid of dark underarms without much effort. Different types of creams and lotions are available which are proved very handy to remove the darkness of underarms. But using natural ingredients is always much better than commercial creams and lotions.
Lemon is one of the most useful parts of almost every kitchen, especially in Asian countries. There are numerous benefits of lemon, and it is a single solution for plenty of health-related problems.
It naturally hydrates your body, lemon is an excellent source of vitamin C, it immensely improves the quality of your skin, it aids digestion as well as supports weight loss, and it can freshen your breath.
It’s juice can prevent a lot of harmful conditions like blood clotting, renal stones, urinary problems and much more. In this article we are going to discuss about Lemon for Dark Underarms, its causes, how lemon is effective to remove darkness of underarms, different tips for using lemon to remove darkness of underarms and at last but not least, we will highlight some points about ‘how to keep your underarms whiter and clearer’.
What Causes Dark Underarms?
Before moving further and knowing how effective lemon is to get rid of dark underarms, it is very important to know what the causes of dark underarms are. Let’s have a look.
- Shaving: Shaving your armpits is one of the most important causes of dark underarms. The hair follicles below the skin cause darkness around your armpits, shaving your armpits with a hard razor can only shave the hair from upper layer, not hair follicles. Too much shaving can also cause hardening of the skin and can lead to different skin related infections.
- Deodorants and Antiperspirants: Everyone wants to smell nice and for that uses different types of deodorants. There are a lot of deodorants and body perfumes available in the market. Most of them contain different types of chemicals. Chemicals can causes rashes on your skin. Constant usage of deodorants and antiperspirants can cause darkness of underarms.
- Accumulation of dead cells: Cells of the body tend to die with passing the time. There are higher chances of accumulation of dead skin cells on the surface of your underarms. It means the accumulation of dead cells is another reason behind dark underarms.
- Friction due to clothes: Different types of clothes are available in the market but not every cloth is good for your body. Wearing tight and hard clothes can cause rashes on your skin as well as the darkness of underarms.
- Hyperpigmentation: It is one of the most common causes of abnormal coloration of the skin. Pigmentation is the process responsible for skin color. Any disturbance or abnormality in pigmentation can cause hyperpigmentation as well as hypopigmentation.
- Hyperpigmentation is very common nowadays because of loads of factors including unbalanced diet, lack of fluids in the body, stressful and tensed lifestyle etc. Dark underarms can certainly cause due to hyperpigmentation.
- Acanthosis Nigricans: It is the medical term used for dark and thick patches of skin. The darkness can develop under the arm, around the neck and groin. This abnormal thickness and roughness of the skin might be the symptoms of diabetes, obesity and hormonal imbalance.
- Infection due to bacteria: No other body part can be a better home for bacteria than underarms. Excessive sweat can cause development and nourishment of bacteria. The regular presence of bacteria around the underarms can also cause darkness of underarms including foul smell.
- Corynebacterium minutissimum is responsible for excessive sweating, and its presence can only increase the chances of the darkness of underarm. The foul smell or dark underarms due to bacteria is not something serious, but constant darkness can turn into chronic infection to the deeper layers of skin called erythrasma.
- Smoker’s Melanosis: Constant tobacco smoking can cause different types of health-related as well skin related problems including infections and darkness of the skin. Tobacco smoking aids hyperpigmentation which can be chiefly responsible for the darkness of underarms.
- Melasma: Melasma is not a serious problem, and there are a lot of people already suffering from it. Melasma generally occurs due to constant exposure of skin to the sun. Abnormality in hormones during pregnancy can also trigger melasma in women. Melasma is also one of the reasons behind dark armpits.
- Addison’s disease: Any abnormality or damage to the adrenal gland causes Addison’s disease. There are some prominent symptoms of Addison’s disease including hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation due to Addison’s disease can cause darkness of your armpits.
Related post: Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Dark Underarms?
Does Lemon Whiten Dark Symptoms?
It seems a very interesting question and the answer is a simple Yes! Lemon is very effective to get rid of the darkness of underarms. In this section of the article, we will learn about some properties of lemon and lemon for underarm whitening.
#1 Exfoliation
Natural exfoliants like Vitamin C and ascorbic acid are present in lemon which can improve the tonicity as well as the color of the skin. Vitamin C reduces the cohesion between old cells and helps them to leave the layers of the skin as early as possible.
It also helps new cells to come out on the upper layer of the skin. By removing old cells and adding new cells to come out of the inner layers make vitamin C very important for skin related problems. Constant use of lemon can help you to get rid of dark underarms that too in very short duration.
#2 Can Stimulate Collagen
Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant, and it can minimize the cell damage due to free radicals. It can also stimulate the production of skin collagen.
Therefore applying lemon juice on the skin can improve its complexion and can inhibit the process of cell ageing. Due to its capacity to stimulate collagen, it can be used to reduce the underarm darkness.
#3 Great Moisturizer
Different type of skin related problems can happen due to dryness of the skin. Skin darkness, skin discoloration, the hardness of the skin etc. can happen due to dryness.
Lemon is an excellent moisturizer and can keep your skin moisturized and hydrated for a very long period of time. The darkness of armpits can also happen due to dryness. Using lemon can reduce the darkness by moisturizing the dark areas around your armpits.
#4 Antiseptic and antibacterial properties
Due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, lemon can be an excellent solution for different types of skin related problems. Dark underarms are no exception. Lemon can reduce the effects of bacteria and can whiten the dark underarms.
#5 Reduces body weight
Increased body weight is another very common cause of dark underarms. Using lemon juice has been proved more than handy to reduce excessive body weight. Drinking lemon juice can help you to get rid of excess body fat and hence the darkness of different body parts including underarms.
#6 Natural Cleanser
Lemon is a wonderful cleanser. It can remove unwanted substances from your body as well as can clean skin surface. Due to its cleansing properties, lemon can clear the dark areas of armpits from inside and can give you clean and shiny skin.
#7 Reduces Production of Melanin
Vitamin C is also very helpful to reduce production of melanin. Melanin is very important for our skin as it provides protection from different harmful factors including UV rays.
Overproduction of melanin can cause dark and rough patches on the skin. Underarm darkness can also happen due to overproduction of melanin.
Tyrosinase enzyme is responsible for stimulating the production of melanin. Vitamin C of the lemon interrupt the action of tyrosinase and hence the production of melanin.
#8 A wonderful natural bleach
Lemon is known for its excellent bleaching properties. It can bring the shiny new skin by bleaching the old and dull skin from the surface.
How to Use Lemon for Dark Underarms?
As we have discussed enough dark underarms, its causes and how effective lemon can be to get rid of dark underarms, different ways to use lemon for removing the darkness of underarms can increase its effectiveness. Following any one of these methods can help you to get rid of dark underarms. You just need to have a bit patience.
#1 Slices of Lemon
- Cut a large lemon into 4-5 thin slices.
- Rub the slices on affected parts for at least 10 minutes.
- Leave it for half an hour and wash with fresh water.
- Follow the process every day for better results.
#2 Lemon with Sugar
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon and add 1 tbsp. sugar to it.
- The mixture will serve as an excellent scrubber.
- Keep scrubbing the affected parts for 5 minutes.
- Wash it thoroughly with fresh water.
- Follow the process 3-4 times a week for brighter and clearer underarms.
#3 Lemon Juice with Olive Oil
- Take juice of 1 medium sized lemon and add 1 tbsp. Olive Oil into it.
- Mix it properly and apply on your underarms.
- Leave it for at least 1 hour and then wash thoroughly with fresh water.
- For better results, you can follow the process daily before bed.
#4 Lemon Juice with Aloe Vera and Turmeric
- Take all the ingredients mentioned above in a medium-sized bowl.
- Prepare a fine paste by mixing all the ingredients properly.
- Clean your underarms with the help of a cotton piece dipped into rose water.
- Apply the mixture thoroughly on the affected surface.
- Leave it for overnight and then have a bath with fresh water.
- You can use lukewarm water for quick and excellent results.
Also read: How to Use Aloe Vera Gel for Dark Underarms?
#5 Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Cucumber and Baking Soda
- Cut a small cucumber into thin slices and blend it properly into a blender.
- Add all the ingredients to it and blend again.
- You will get a fine paste.
- Apply it thoroughly on your underarms and leave it for 20 minutes.
- Wash properly with lukewarm water.
- Follow the procedure for 3-4 times a week.
#6 Lemon Juice with Honey
- Mix 1 tbsp. lemon juice and 1 tbsp. honey.
- Apply the mixture properly on the underarms.
- Keep your underarms covered for half an hour.
- Wash with fresh water and dry using a soft cloth.
- Repeat the process daily before going to bed.
#7 Lemon Juice with Honey and Peanut Powder
- Convert a few peanuts into a fine powder by grinding.
- Add 1 tbsp. lemon and 1 tbsp. honey into it.
- Prepare a fine paste by mixing it well.
- Apply the mixture evenly on your underarms and leave for at least 20 minutes.
- Remove the mixture by applying a little amount of water.
- Repeat the procedure for 3-4 times a week.
#8 Lemon Juice with Honey, Peanut Powder, Turmeric and Yogurt
- Add 2 tbsp. lemon juice, ¼ tbsp. each of honey, yogurt and turmeric.
- Mix all the ingredients properly to make a fine paste.
- Apply gently on underarms and leave for 10 minutes.
- Wash with normal water and dry it with a soft cloth.
- Repeat the process twice a week for better results.
#9 Lemon Juice, Peanut Powder, Avocado and Baking Soda
- Take 1 tbsp. each of all the above ingredients and mix them well.
- You will have a fine paste.
- Gently apply the mixture under your arms.
- Leave for half an hour and then wash gently with fresh water.
- Applying this paste for 2-3 times a month will give you excellent results.
#10 Lemon Juice with Olive Oil and Turmeric
- Take all the ingredients mentioned above in a medium-sized bowl.
- Prepare a fine paste by mixing all the ingredients properly.
- Clean your underarms with the help of a cotton piece dipped into rose water.
- Apply the mixture thoroughly on the affected surface.
- Leave it for overnight and then have a bath with fresh water.
Important Tips for White Underarms
As we have learned how amazing lemon is for getting rid of dark underarms, avoiding the darkness of underarms should always be the priority. Let’s have a look at some very important tips for keeping underarms whiter and clearer.
- Do not use sharp razors: Using sharp razors constantly can certainly cause darkness of underarms. Avoiding sharp razors can be a great idea. You can use trimmers instead of razors. Trimmers aren’t going to cause rashes on your skin, , and hence you can avoid the darkness of your underarms.
- Use mild deodorants: Using mild deodorants is another very handsome option for having soft and clear underarms. Try to purchase deodorants which are mild and free from harmful chemicals. Using naturally made deodorants is another wonderful option. There are a lot of natural ingredients which can be used as deodorants.
- Keep your body clean: Keeping your body clean is always handy to avoid different types of health-related problems. Different types of skin related problems and infections can happen due to germs and dirt. Try to take a shower every day. Use mild soaps for your body.
- Manage body weight: Excessive body weight is another reason behind a lot of problems including diabetes, heart problems, increased blood pressure etc. Excessive body weight is also responsible for the darkness of underarms. Try to have a healthy and active lifestyle. This wonderful habit can avoid a lot of skin related problems including darkness of underarms.
- Keep yourself hydrated: Drinking enough water and other fluids can also help you to avoid different types of skin related problems. Your body needs a lot of fluids. A lot of people doesn’t realize the importance of water and fluids and can suffer from different types of health issues. Underarm darkness can also be avoided by keeping the body hydrated.
- Use body moisturizer: A lot of different types of moisturizers are easily available in the cosmetic markets. You can even prepare some amazing moisturizers at home. Natural ingredients like yogurt, Aloe Vera, orange, banana, cucumber etc. can be used to prepare natural moisturizer. Applying moisturizer on your body regularly can also be handy to reduce underarm darkness.
- Wear soft cotton clothes: Hard and tight clothes can also cause underarm darkness. Wearing comfortable clothes made with cotton or other soft fabrics can be very helpful for avoiding underarm darkness. Try to avoid tight clothes as well. Your body requires some comfort and wearing tight clothes can cause rashes and hardness of the skin.
- Add enough vegetables in your diet: Eating vegetables and salads is always related to your wellbeing. There are plenty of health benefits of vegetables and salads. Eating enough vegetables can also help you to avoid dark underarms.
- Replace your milk tea with green tea: Green tea is full of antioxidants and some other very healthy nutrients. Green tea can help you to keep your body as well as skin healthy and safe from different problems and infections. Underarm darkness can also be avoided by constantly using green tea instead of milk tea.
Did you ever use lemon for dark underarms? Please share your recipe in comments.