What good is wearing tank tops, tube tops or bikini tops if you're embarrassed to lift up your arms? Underarm discoloration is a typical skin care problem for many women. But what causes this condition and how do you get rid of it?
Having someone say to you, "Hey, I think you need to shave under your arms. It's a little dark there" is embarrassing enough, right? But what makes this particular situation worse for many women is the fact that they've already shaved--it's the skin under their arms that's dark.
Underarm discoloration is a subject that hasn't been widely talked about, nor are there any studies done that provide medical information on it. Well, I've researched and managed to dig up some specks of information in the hopes to find some sort of treatment for those of you who suffer from this embarrassing skin care problem.
What causes underarm discoloration?
The skin under our arms is very sensitive and daily hair removal techniques such as shaving and waxing do their part in damaging the skin. However, irritating ingredients found in deodorants and antiperspirants are the main culprits in causing skin discoloration under the arms, according to Dermadoctor.com. No matter the causes, though, any skin inflammation can lead to such discoloration.
In some cases, especially concerning people with darker complexions, skin discoloration is a product of genealogy. According to Yestheyrefake.net, keloids and hypo, or hyperpigmentations, form in specific ethnicities.
What can be done?
There are various options available for anyone who wants to treat their skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation. For those of you who don't want to go the route of cosmetic operations, Indiaparenting.com suggests routinely waxing under your arms. In these cases, underarms appear dark due to stubble and thick hair lying underneath the skin from everyday shaving. Because waxing removes the hair from the root, regularly waxing will reduce the amount of hair, as well as the thickness of the hair shaft, giving the appearance of lighter, cleaner skin.
There are products on the market that are designed to lighten underarm skin without irritation. It is helpful to keep in mind that any process for skin lightening can take anywhere between six to 12 months to show results, depending on the degree of discoloration. The next time you're in the store, check deodorants/antiperspirants that contain any of the following ingredients:
Aluminum Zirconium Tetra Chlorohydrex Glycine: Don't be intimidated by the long name. This ingredient is very effective as an antiperspirant and is less likely to clog pores or cause any inflammation.
Kojic Dipalmitate: This is a powerful and well-known skin brightener. With continued use, skin discoloration is improved while balancing skin tone.
If you've tried all these options, as well as a number of others, then it's time to talk to a doctor about hyperpigmentation removal. A qualified surgeon or dermatologist will first determine the cause of your skin discoloration and then discuss which option will work for you. It is important to consult with a doctor before undergoing any treatment, since every person's skin type is different.
Hydroquinone treatments are usually the most common method for dealing with skin discoloration. This procedure is inexpensive and noninvasive. Although it is known as a skin-bleaching agent, hydroquinone is a melanin blocker, which keeps your skin from producing more hyperpigmentation.
Other methods for treating skin discoloration involve chemical peels and the use of AHAs and BHAs. For these kinds of treatments, a thorough consultation with a doctor is needed to ensure that these procedures will indeed help with skin discoloration. Depending on the individual, there have been cases where an allergic reaction was formed, as well as further skin irritation.
No matter the degree of skin discoloration you are experiencing, take the time to do your homework on these methods and evaluate the risks involved.