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Dark underarms usually are not a sign or symptoms of anything serious. However, some people may find this condition embarrassing, especially during swimsuit and tank top season. Dark underarms make us self-conscious and uncomfortable while wearing sleeveless and off-shoulder dresses and tops. This condition is caused by shaving, overuse of antiperspirants and deodorants, accumulation of dead skin cells, bacterial infection, pregnancy, and diabetes. In addition to underarms, some common areas of darkening consist of the neck, elbows, knees, and groin. Here are the most effective home remedies for dark underarms and knees, neck, and elbows that work naturally. Keep reading this post on Effective Remedies to understand more.
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23 Effective Home Remedies For Dark Underarms, Knees, Neck, & Elbows
I. Effective Home Remedies For Dark Underarms & Neck
The skin of the neck and underarms are vulnerable to darken, as dead skin cells are likely to accumulate in these regions. Thankfully, there are many natural home remedies that can fight against dark underarms and neck. Let’s check out!
1. Home Remedies For Dark Underarms & Neck – Almond Scrub
Why This Works
Almond is rich in vitamin E, which works well on lightening the dark neck and keeping your skin rejuvenated. Plus, it embraces the skin lightening properties that help to correct skin discoloration. Along with that, the potent phytochemicals present in almond can be beneficial for brightening the dark underarm skin.
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- Almonds – 5 to 8
- Honey – one teaspoon
- Milk – one teaspoon
How To Do
Firstly, grind the almonds in one bowl and add the milk along with honey to it. Mix everything well and start applying the mixture to the dark areas of the neck and underarms. Keep it for roughly half an hour before rinsing with normal water. Repeat the process every day.
Side Effects Of Almond
Eating too much almond can cause allergies. But, it is likely safe when applied to the skin.
2. Home Remedies For Dark Underarms & Neck – Baking Soda
Why This Works
Baking soda is a natural exfoliant so that it is helpful in ridding your skin of dark and discolored patches and soaking excess oil from the skin. Besides, thanks to its natural skin lightening properties, baking soda can reduce the melamine production – reason behind the skin discoloration, providing a shinier and lighter finish. It further works as a natural deodorant and aids in preventing bad odor.
Method 1:
What You Need
- Baking soda
- A glass of water
How To Do
Pick up some baking soda in one bowl and add the water to it. Mix these elements carefully and apply it on the dark areas such as underarms, neck and inner thighs. After ten minutes, wash off by using cold water. Repeat this process four times per week to help lighten your underarms and neck.
Method 2:
What You Need
- Baking soda – one tablespoon
- Rosewater- three teaspoons
How To Do
Take the rosewater and baking soda in a bowl and mix them to form a paste. Apply this paste evenly to your underarms and neck and wash it off after 15 minutes with cold water. Follow the process daily to see desirable results.
Side Effects Of Baking Soda
After using baking soda, the skin seems to be inflamed and red. Plus, you start to develop visible black spots and scars on the skin with the frequent use of baking soda.
3. Home Remedies For Dark Underarms & Neck – Lemon
Why This Works
Lemon juice is a natural bleach that helps to lighten skin tan, treat pigmentation, age spots, and hyperpigmentation. Plus, it has antiseptic and anti-bacterial qualities, which are useful for cleansing the underarms. It comes with excellent exfoliating and cleansing effects that are perfect for removing dead cells and clearing the dark patches of the skin on your neck. Moreover, it is rich in the citric acid that functions as a natural bleaching property to lighten the dark neck. Last but not least, vitamin C housed in lemons assists in eliminating dead cells and dirt from the skin.
Method 1:
What You Need
- Lemon – 1
How To Do
Cut the lemon into halves and rub ½ of lemon on your neck and underarms for ten minutes. Wait for around 20 minutes and wash off with water.
Method 2:
What You Need
- Lemon – 1
- Brown sugar – three teaspoons
- Baking soda – two teaspoons
How To Do
Just mix all the elements in a bowl to get a paste. Then, apply this paste to your underarms and neck with a cotton swab while massaging gently. After 20-25 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water. Follow this remedy only at night since exposure to the sun may lead to the opposite effect.
Warnings
After applying the lemon juice on the skin, don’t step out in the sun because it can cause dark spots and blisters.
4. Home Remedies For Dark Underarms & Neck – Oatmeal
Why This Works
Oatmeal contains the saponin that is beneficial for cleansing the skin to eliminate the toxins causing discoloration. Also, it’s rich in the amino acids that help to lighten scars, discoloration and dark spots. The presence of antioxidants is helpful for repairing the damaged skin. Along with that, oats help to fade away the dryness that contributes to the darkening of the skin on the neck.
Method 1:
What You Need
- Ground oats – two tablespoons
- Fresh tomatoes – two tablespoons
How To Do
Add the fresh tomatoes to the oats and mix well to create a thick paste. Later apply it to your affected areas and massage slightly in a circular motion. After roughly 20 minutes, wash off using cold water. For best results, repeat the procedure two times per week.
Method 2:
What You Need
- Oatmeal – two tablespoons
- Honey – one tablespoon
- Lemon juice – one teaspoon
How To Do
Combine the lemon juice, oatmeal and honey in a bowl and mix thoroughly to make a paste. Use the cotton swabs to massage this paste onto the neck and underarms. Wash after ten minutes with warm water. Follow the remedy twice in a week.
Warnings
After using oatmeal if you experience irritation and redness, avoid using it in all forms.
5. Home Remedies For Dark Underarms & Neck – Walnut Scrub
Why This Works
Walnuts are flooded with omega-3 fatty acids, which can clean clogged skin pores and get rid of the dead skin cells, effectively treating dark underarms. It additionally embraces vitamins and minerals, all of which wok on nourishing the skin. Apart from that, it can moisturize the skin and treat a variety of skin issues including dark neck.
What You Need
- Walnuts – 8 to 10
- Curd – two teaspoons
How To Do
Crush the walnuts at first and add the curd to it. Blend well to make a dense paste and apply it on the neck and underarms. Scrub this paste gently by massaging the applied areas for ten minutes. Wait for around 30 minutes before washing off with water.
Side Effects Of Walnuts
If applied to your skin on a regular basis, walnut can cause lip cancer because they have a chemical called juglone.
Apart from that, when applied topically on your skin, the walnut leaf can cause acne, ulcers, eczema together with some other skin infections.
6. Home Remedies For Dark Underarms & Neck – Cucumber
Why This Works
Cucumber exhibits the natural bleaching effects, which are ideal for lightening the dark discoloration under your arms. It additionally improves the appearance of the neck area. Besides, it assists in removing dead skin cells and adding a glow to the skin thanks to its soothing properties.[1] It can also help whiten the skin and boost the healing process.
Method 1:
Just apply cucumber juice or grated cucumber all over your underarms and neck. Gently scrub for around 10 minutes and wash it off by using cold water or rosewater.
Method 2:
What You Need
- Cucumber – 1
- Lemon juice – two tablespoons
- Turmeric powder – a pinch
How To Do
Blend the cucumber to extract its juice and take four tablespoons of cucumber juice in one bowl. Then, add the turmeric powder and lemon juice to it. Mix these elements well and apply it to your affected areas. Let it sit for half an hour and clean it with water afterward. Use the remedy daily for two weeks.
Warnings
Avoid consuming cucumber if you are allergic to melons, ragweed pollen, sunflower seeds, bananas and ragweed pollen.
7. Home Remedies For Dark Underarms & Neck – Coconut Oil
Why This Works
Coconut oil is chock-full of vitamin E that can nourish and moisturize the skin, thus healing the dark marks and scars quickly. It additionally assists in lightening the underarms. Besides, it comprises skin soothing and anti-inflammatory abilities, which are useful for soothing the irritated skin caused due to armpit rashes. It is also enriched with proteins, which help to repair tissue, and product healthy new skin cells to remove the darkness on the underarms. Furthermore, it helps to nourish the patchy and dry skin around the neck region.
What You Need
- Coconut oil – three tablespoons
- Lemon juice
How To Do
Take the coconut oil in one bowl and add a little amount of lemon juice to it. Mix these elements thoroughly and start applying the mixture to your underarms & neck. Massage it for roughly 15 minutes and keep it on for ten minutes before washing off with warm water. Reapply it once per week.
Warnings
People with oily skin should not use coconut oil because it can lead to acne breakouts.
8. Home Remedies For Dark Underarms & Neck – Gram Flour
Why This Works
When applied regularly, gram flour or besan is perfect for clearing dead skin cells and whitening the underarms. It also works as a great scrubber to fade away dark skin patches on the neck. It’s also helpful for eliminating dead skin cells all over the body and flushing excess sebum and dirt out of the skin.
What You Need
- Gram flour – two tablespoons
- Sour curd
- Lemon juice
How To Do
Take the gram flour in one bowl and add a tablespoon of sour curd and lemon juice to it. Mix thoroughly to create a paste and begin applying to your affected parts. Wash off by using warm water after 30 minutes. For quick results, repeat the treatment daily for two weeks.
Warnings
Avoid gram flour if you’re sensitive to legumes.
9. Home Remedies For Dark Underarms & Neck – Orange Peel
Why This Works
Orange peels are effective for eliminating dark underarms since they own exfoliating and skin lightening effects. It works as an excellent scrub for the armpits and inhibits the darkness by easing the dead skin cells. They are also full of antioxidants and vitamin C, which help to lighten the dark neck efficiently.
What You Need
- Orange peel powder – two tablespoons
- Milk – 2 to 3 spoons
How To Do
You need to dry some orange peels and later grind them to have a smooth powder. Then, take the orange peel powder in one bowl and add the prepared milk to it. After that, mix these elements to form a heavy paste. Apply this paste gently to your dark areas and wait to dry for half an hour before washing with cold water. Redo the process for 15 days.
Side Effects Of Orange Peel
When applied to the skin, orange peel does not pose any side effect.
10. Home Remedies For Dark Underarms & Neck – Sandalwood
Why This Works
Sandalwood is useful for combating dark underarms owing to its skin lightening agents. It further helps to alleviate body odor caused by excessive sweating thanks to its fragrance. It can also be used to sooth the dark neck, harsh sunburns, and clear skin tanning. Apart from that, the natural oils housed in sandalwood are ideal for clearing skin complexion and adding a healthy glow to the skin.
What You Need
- Sandalwood – two tablespoons
- Rosewater – one tablespoon
How To Do
Firstly, take the sandalwood in a bowl and later add the rose water to it. Combine these components well to attain a thick paste. Start applying it to your armpits and neck and after thirty minutes, wash off by using normal water. It’s best to follow the procedure every day for 2 to 3 weeks.
Side Effects Of Sandalwood
Sandalwood can cause dermatitis in people with sensitive skin.
11. Home Remedies For Dark Underarms & Neck – Aloe Vera Gel
Why This Works
Aloe vera not only lightens your underarms but also calms the rashes and redness caused by shaving. It’s abundant in beta-carotene, anti-aging qualities and vitamins A and E, which make it an ideal remedy for many skin ailments including dark underarms and neck. It can also guard the skin against bacteria and other pathogens causing the skin infections.
Method 1:
What You Need
- Aloe vera – two tablespoons
- Almond oil – one tablespoon
How To Do
Mix the aloe vera and almond oil in a bowl. Then, massage the mixture gently on your armpits and neck. After a couple of minutes, use lukewarm water to wash off. Follow the method every day for around two weeks.
Method 2:
What You Need
- Aloe vera – two tablespoons
- Vitamin E oil – 10 drops
How To Do
Take the aloe vera gel in one bowl and add the vitamin E oil to this. Afterward, apply it to your neck and underarms and use normal water to wash off after fifteen minutes. Repeating this process twice per day will help battle the dark underarms and neck quickly.
Side Effects Of Aloe Vera
Prolonged use of aloe vera gel can lead to skin allergies such as hives and widespread inflammation. After a skin peel, apply aloe vera to the face can cause burning and redness.
II. Effective Home Remedies for Dark Underarms and Elbows, & Knees
Dark kneecaps, underarms, and elbows may rod us of all the confidence to wear favorite dresses. Don’t worry because many natural ways can help solve these problems. Here’s a list of the best home remedies for dark underarms and elbows and knees.
1. Home Remedies For Dark Underarms, Elbows, & Knees – Baking Soda & Milk
Why This Works
Baking soda is a gentle cleanser that is perfect for treating dark underarms, elbows, and knees. It can also help get rid of dead skin cells and decrease hyper-pigmentation forming around the armpits, knees, and elbows. Milk contains the vitamins and fatty acids, which can remove dark underarms naturally. It additionally assists in softening the skin and rendering the skin tone lighter. Along with that, milk aids in smoothening the skin and moisturizing it due to its amino acids.
What You Need
- Baking soda – one tablespoon
- Milk – one tablespoon
How To Do
Mix the milk and baking soda well and apply the mixture to your underarms, knees, and elbows and rub gently for 2 to 3 minutes before washing it off. For quick results, repeat every alternate day.
Side Effects Of Milk & Baking Soda
People having acne-prone skin should choose yogurt or buttermilk to whole fat or fresh milk. Super sensitive skin mightn’t tolerate milk since it has a pH of 6.5 to 6.7, making it slightly acidic.
Some people undergo an allergic reaction to baking soda. Signs may include itching, hives wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing chest tightness, fever, throat closing, skin turning blue and facial or mouth swelling
2. Home Remedies For Dark Underarms, Elbows, & Knees – ACV
Why This Works
Apple cider vinegar comes with anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties, which kill bacteria and eliminate dirt, excess oil, and other toxins leading to the discoloration of the skin. Also, it possesses the amino acids and alpha hydroxyl, which help to dissolve fat deposits in your skin and dead skin cells. Moreover, its acetic acid can remove ashy knees and elbows by exfoliating and lightening the skin.[2]
What You Need
- Apple cider vinegar
- Water
How To Do
Take one part of water and apple cider vinegar and mix these things well. Take this mixture in a cotton ball and start applying on your armpits, elbows and knees. Wash it off after fifteen minutes. It’s best to try this treatment 3 to 4 times per week till you notice a difference in the color.
Warnings
If your skin is sensitive, use a mixture of one teaspoon water, one teaspoon ACV, and baking soda.
3. Home Remedies For Dark Underarms, Elbows, & Knees – Potato
Why This Works
Potatoes contain mild bleaching properties that are potent in lightening the skin naturally. In addition, they are beneficial for nourishing and brightening dry and dull skin. Its antioxidants can fight against wrinkles and stretch marks. Apart from that, they can prevent breakouts and bacterial infections causing scarring and skin discoloration. Last but not least, the starch housed in potatoes helps to make the skin smooth and soft.
Method 1:
What You Need
- A potato
How To Do
Cut thick slices of potato at first and later rub them on your affected areas for several minutes. Leave the juice on for around 15 minutes before rinsing it off. For quick results, do the process once or twice every day.
Method 2:
What You Need
- A potato
- A tomato
- Honey – two teaspoons
How To Do
Take a bowl and mix all the components in it to create a mixture. Begin applying the mixture on dark regions of your skin. After its application, leave it to dry for 5 to 10 minutes. Once it dries, remove with a cloth piece or a tissue paper. For quick results, use this mixture once per week.
Warnings
Green or damaged potatoes have harmful chemicals that cause a headache, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, restlessness, and even death. However, it is possibly safe when applied to the skin.
4. Home Remedies For Dark Underarms, Elbows, & Knees – Olive Oil & Sugar
Why This Works
Olive oil is helpful for moisturizing and nourishing the skin owing to its fatty acids.[3] It further holds antioxidants and other components, which make skin look beautiful, brighten the skin and prevent body odor. Sugar granules are helpful for exfoliating dead skin cells and softening the skin. This combination will aid in hydrating and nourishing the skin to get rid of the dark discoloration on the underarms, elbows, and knees.
What You Need
- Olive oil
- Sugar
How To Do
You just mix sugar and olive oil in equal amounts to get a thick paste. Then, apply the paste on your armpits, elbows & knees and rub it around with circular motions for five minutes. Afterward, wash off with the help of a mild soap & warm water. Redo it once daily and repeat the remedy on a weekly basis.
Side Effects Of Olive Oil
Overuse of olive oil may harm the skin and increase the risks of developing acne.
People with dry and oily skin should avoid using olive oil.
5. Home Remedies For Dark Underarms, Elbows, & Knees – Almond Oil
Why This Works
Almond oil comes with potent phytochemicals that are useful for lightening and brightening the dark underarms in just several applications. It’s flooded with vitamin E, which helps repair the skin around the knee area and remove the darkness.
What You Need
- Warm water
- Almond oil – one tablespoon
How To Do
Pick up the almond oil and use it to massage your affected areas for roughly 5 minutes. Let it act for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Use this method one a regular basis for two weeks.
Side Effects Of Almond Oil
Almond oil is likely safe for anyone to use. But it’s still a form of almonds, and people suffering from nut allergies should avoid using products containing almond oil.
6. Home Remedies For Dark Underarms, Elbows, Knees – Glycerin & Rosewater
Why This Work
Rosewater provides you with multiple skin advantages such as skin brightening, moisturizing, soothing, stimulating circulation, and balancing the skin’s pH. Glycerin is a potent humectant, which helps to soothe dry skin.
What You Need
- Rosewater – ¼ teaspoon
- Glycerin – four teaspoons
- Lemon juice – three tablespoons
How To Do
Combine all the elements in a bowl and create a mixture. Apply it on dark skin areas and when it dries up, wash it off using lukewarm water.
Side Effects Of Glycerin
Sometimes applying large amounts of glycerin can lead to clogged pores.
Some people might experience glycerin allergies, so it is best to stay away from products containing glycerin. Itching, rashes, and redness of skin are some of the common allergies, which glycerin causes.
III. Home Remedies For Dark Underarms – Reasons For Dark Underarms
1. Dead Skin Cells
The buildup of dead skin cells will make your armpits look darker. Dead cells usually become accumulated in the folds of your skin, leading to discoloration.
How to avoid it: Use mild soap to gently exfoliate your underarm two times per week. Don’t overexfoliate since it can break and irritate the skin.
2. Shaving
Shaving only helps to cut off the hair on the skin’s surface. Regular shaving can also cause skin irritation that causes the skin to darken.
How to avoid it: Don’t use the razor and try laser hair removal or waxing.
3. Tight Clothes
Wearing tight clothing around your armpit area can lead to skin darkening and discoloration.
How to avoid it: You should wear loose clothing to avoid this problem.
4. Deodorants
Though antiperspirants and deodorants help to eliminate body odor, they have harsh chemicals that irritate and discolor the skin.
How to avoid it: Choose natural remedies to battle body odor such as baking soda, or change your current deodorants to a mild one.
5. Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation can cause your skin to produce too much melanin.
How to avoid it: Destroy the excess melanin by using a skin bleaching cream. You can also opt for laser treatment to battle the pigment.
IV. Home Remedies For Dark Underarms – Prevention Tips
In addition to these remedies, you should also follow the simple tips below to help prevent dark underarms:
- Avoid Using Deodorants: The deodorants have the chemicals that darken underarms. Instead, you should use natural deodorants and antiperspirants including coconut oil, baking soda, or rose water.
- Moisturize: It’s best to use natural moisturizers such as aloe vera, coconut oil or lecithin to moisturize the armpits at least twice a day.
- Skip Hair Removal Creams: They have harsh chemicals that can lead to rashes, irritation, itching, and other skin disorders. Instead of them, it’s best to adopt waxing.
- Stop Shaving And Start Waxing: Shaving will thicken the hair and lead to discoloration under your arms. If your skin is sensitive, use some herbal wax formulation suitable for sensitive skin.
- Control Your Weight: Fat gets accumulated under your arms, rub against clothes and cause dark discoloration under the armpits.
- Let Your Skin Breathe: Stay away from wearing tight clothes because they cause friction that leads to rashes. Thus, you should wear cotton and skin-friendly clothing.
- Don’t Skip Shower: Neglecting bath can result in accumulation of bacteria that cause pigmentation and sweat. You can take several drops of any citrus oil and mix it to your nothing water to help inhibit dark discoloration under your skin.
- Do Not Compromise With Basic Hygiene: Exfoliating regularly helps eliminate the accumulated dead skin cells causing dark spots and bumps. While exfoliating, remember to be gentle because the skin under the arms is thin. Harsh exfoliation may lead to rashes and scars.
Follow these natural treatments as needed to battle dark underarms and enjoy smooth, soft, and lighter skin. However, you need to see your primary care doctor or dermatologist right away if you suddenly notice dark patches under the arms and on other parts of the skin. If you know any other effective home remedies for dark underarms and neck, elbows and knees, then share with us. All of the contents provided in this article are for informational & educational purposes. We recommend you consult a healthcare professional to determine which method is appropriate for you.
