dark underarms

[puzzled]

I have dark underarms! I dont think its by nature.. but i only come across women with dark underarms only after pregnancy. I havent been pregnant before, therefore i wonder whats the course? Anyone know of any products that can help to lighten dark underarm tones?

[Editor_CS&B]

Hi puzzled! My name is Dan, and I am editor of a magazine about cosmetic surgery that is distributed in Malaysia and Singapore. I noticed your question on the board, as skin darkening is actually something that we regularly spend quite a few pages talking about.

Your best course of action might be to see a dermatologist. This is for two reasons, actually. First of all, a medical skin specialist will be able to get their hands on the best potential treatments -- I've heard that prescription bleaching creams containing hydroquinone are often used for darkening of the armpits. Laser or IPL treatment might be indicated, depending on your particular case.

The other reason, however, is to determine the actual cause of the colour change. There are dozens of different things that can cause someone to have dark armpits. A lot of the time it's nothing to worry about, but sometimes systemic diseases -- such as adrenal disease or diabetes -- can be the reason. A properly trained doctor can determine if your dark armpits are simply a pigmentation problem or a sign of a more serious health condition.

Hope this helps!

[earthfriendly]

OP, I have dish out this same advise a gadzillion times. This is a very common problem.

Try waxing your underarm, even if if you are hairless. It has the effect of removing the dead skin cells that accumulates over time. Not to mention it is the best way to remove hair as the hair grows back finer and at a slower pace.

Let me know how it goes if you try it. So I know the efficacy rate. I will then know if I should continue giving out the same advice .

[Miss Swan]

I find the lightening cream from Strip very useful. Strip is a well-known salon for waxing services. They have a branch in Wheelock, Paragon,Holland V and Shaw Centre. I got the cream for $60+, yes a bit expensive I know but if you'd like to invest that is a good option and because you only apply a little, the jar can last you a good 6 months.

Another cheaper option is Nivea whitening deodorant. I used it too and I've seen good results. Try it! You can start off with Nivea if on a budget. Gets to lighten your underarms and you smell fresh too.

I have dark underarms! I dont think its by nature.. but i only come across women with dark underarms only after pregnancy. I havent been pregnant before, therefore i wonder whats the course? Anyone know of any products that can help to lighten dark underarm tones?

[puzzled]

[quote="Miss Swan"]I find the lightening cream from Strip very useful. Strip is a well-known salon for waxing services. They have a branch in Wheelock, Paragon,Holland V and Shaw Centre. I got the cream for $60+, yes a bit expensive I know but if you'd like to invest that is a good option and because you only apply a little, the jar can last you a good 6 months.

Another cheaper option is Nivea whitening deodorant. I used it too and I've seen good results. Try it! You can start off with Nivea if on a budget. Gets to lighten your underarms and you smell fresh too.

I've tried Nivea whitening deodorant, but it doesnt work for me at all.
To Dan, I've visited a dermatologist at the National Skin Center, she couldnt find the cause of it all. Should i seek advice from another dermatologist instead?

[Elf]

I find the lightening cream from Strip very useful. Strip is a well-known salon for waxing services. They have a branch in Wheelock, Paragon,Holland V and Shaw Centre. I got the cream for $60+, yes a bit expensive I know but if you'd like to invest that is a good option and because you only apply a little, the jar can last you a good 6 months.

Another cheaper option is Nivea whitening deodorant. I used it too and I've seen good results. Try it! You can start off with Nivea if on a budget. Gets to lighten your underarms and you smell fresh too.

I've tried Nivea whitening deodorant, but it doesnt work for me at all.
To Dan, I've visited a dermatologist at the National Skin Center, she couldnt find the cause of it all. Should i seek advice from another dermatologist instead?

I've read somewhere that deodorants can cause darken armpits. Maybe not using anything would b better..

[Editor_CS&B]

Hi there puzzled! To answer your question, you could seek another derm's opinion. But I know how the costs can add up with repeated visits...

Did the dermatologist you saw at least prescribe a course of action, even if she couldn't determine the cause? Also, could she rule out any causes (such as certain health conditions, etc)? It would be awful if you walked away from the doc visit empty-handed -- those are the worst kind of doc appointments!