Nature’s Secrets to Brighter Underarms
Summer is almost here which means tank tops, tube tops, and bikinis! Aside from hair removal during this sunny season, another thing that most women worry about is dark underarms. Everything was fine and well when we can still hide them under our long sleeves, jackets, and t-shirts, but what if the weather’s too hot to wear any of those?
Fortunately enough, there are simple remedies to counter this dark problem. Most of these can even be found in your kitchen!
1. Potatoes
The next time you’re making mashed potatoes, mojos, hash browns, or French fries, you might want to set a few slices aside for your underarms. Potatoes contain catecholase, an enzyme that helps in gradually lightening the skin. It also has mild bleaching properties and anti-oxidants to help make skin not only look smooth, but feel smooth as well.
How to use potatoes
- Grate some potatoes, or
- Create thin slices
Gently massage them on your underarms for 3 minutes. Let it sit for 30 minutes, and rinse it off with warm water. It’s best to do this before taking a shower.
2. Lemon
Lemons are one of the most popular home remedies for dark underarms, and for good reason. It is rich in Vitamin C and thus contains lots of antioxidants. Most whitening soaps in the market have lemon extract in their ingredients owing to its natural bleaching effect.
How to use lemon
- Gently rub a slice of lemon on your underarms and let it sit for 20-30 minutes, or
- Squeeze some lemon juice on a small bowl and dab it on your underarms
- You may also mix in your lemon juice some sugar or baking soda to help exfoliate the skin
3. Cucumber
Another popular ingredient you can find in most whitening products, cucumbers also have natural bleaching properties to help lighten discolored skin.
How to use cucumbers
Similar to potatoes, you may either peel and grate them or create thin slices for you to gently rub on your underarms. Apply it on your underarms and leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is one that is widely used to lighten up dark underarms. It exfoliates the skin to remove dead and damaged skin cells, and bleaches the skin without harming the area where it is applied.
How to use baking soda
Create a paste by combining 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda and 3 tablespoons of water. Stir well and combine the mixture on the dark area. Massage gently in circular motions for a few minutes and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and dry the armpits thoroughly.
5. Sugar or Salt Scrub
Sugar or salt scrubs are definitely a must-have! You can find them in your local drugstores, body shops, or you can even make your own. The texture of these scrubs help in exfoliating the skin, revealing a smoother, whiter skin.
How to create and use your own sugar scrub
- Combine 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in 1 cup of brown sugar. Stir well.
- Gently massage on your underarms in a circular motion.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes and rinse off with water.
How to create and use your own salt scrub
- Mix 1 tablespoon of: (a) olive oil; (b) sea salt; and (c) honey with 3 drops of lemon juice and 1/4 cup of sugar
- Stir well and apply on wet armpits.
- Gently massage on your underarms in a circular motion.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes and rinse off with water.
All of the abovementioned methods are recommended to be done twice a day for best results. You’ll surely say goodbye to dark underarms and say hello to a bright, happy summer!
