Left: Sheetal Rawal, scientist (human genetics) & founder of Apsara Skin Care
Home remedies by Sheetal Rawal
With winter finally over and the dawn of beach season upon us, it’s time to get out of the house and start enjoying the crisp, warm weather. Well, we would enjoy it more if we didn’t have to struggle with dark underarms. Before, we could cover up our armpits with layers and layers of long clothing. But once it gets hotter outside, who wants to be stuck wearing a jacket or a long-sleeved shirt at the beach?
Even if you are okay with dark underarms, that area is sensitive and as vulnerable to infection and irritation as your other body parts. In fact, there could be bacteria in your armpits that could be causing an uneven skin tone. Therefore, it is important to nourish and soothe our underarms, especially if doing so will lighten them up in the process. Over time, these remedies can help you lighten your underarm skin and keep it healthy too. You don’t have to be afraid of sleeveless shirts anymore!
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
The malic acid present in apple cider vinegar helps remove dead skin cells and lighten dark underarm skin. It also contains antiseptic properties that help neutralize the microorganisms present in the area that are responsible for darkening the skin.
Ingredients
2 tbsp. of apple juice
1 tsp. of apple cider vinegar
6 drops of lemon juice
Method
Mix ingredients together.
Dab the mixture onto the area. Leave on for 15 minutes.
Wash off with warm water. Follow with your massage oil.
Use 1 to 2 times a week.
Information
Using a high-quality massage oil will help further the effects of skin lightening.
“Ever since I started using these products, I started to see a vast improvement [in] my skin. It looked… healthier, more vibrant, more color[ful].”
2. Lemon Juice
In addition to its antibacterial properties, lemon is a natural exfoliating and bleaching agent because it contains ascorbic acid, otherwise known as Vitamin C. Since lemon juice
can also help with keeping your underarms smelling lemony fresh, it is the perfect natural ingredient to use to lighten dark underarms.
Ingredients
10 drops of fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp. of powdered brown sugar
2 tbsp. of coconut oil
Method
Mix ingredients together.
Gently scrub the area for 3 to 5 minutes. Leave on for 10 minutes.
Wash off with warm water. Follow with your massage oil.
Use 1 to 2 times a week.
Information
If you have discoloration on your face, use our Rosehip and Citrus Nighttime Facial Serum to get more even-toned and even-colored skin.
3. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a powerhouse of important nutrients and antioxidants that can even out the skin tone in your armpits. The Vitamin E and monounsaturated fats in olive oil will also nourish the skin and keep it soft and supple.
Ingredients
1 tsp. of olive oil
½ tsp. of castor oil
1 tbsp. of pineapple pulp
Method
Mix ingredients together. Grind it up until you get a smooth paste.
Massage onto skin for 3 minutes. Leave it on for 10 minutes.
Wash off with warm water. Follow with your massage oil.
Use 1 to 2 times a week.
4. Castor Oil
Castor oil effectively cleanses your skin and absorb impurities such as excess oils, dead skin cells, and dirt buried deep inside your pores. It is one of the best recipes to lighten the dark underarm skin. Castor oil also nourishes the skin because it contains healthy fats and antioxidants such as Vitamin E; nourishing your underarms regularly with castor oil can help lighten the area over time.
Ingredients
5 drops of castor oil
½ tsp. of tamarind pulp
1 tbsp. of aloe gel
Method
Mix ingredients together. Grind it up until you get a smooth paste.
Massage onto skin for 3 minutes. Leave it on for 10 minutes.
Wash off with warm water. Follow with your massage oil.
Use 1 to 2 times a week.
