With summer’s hitting us hard already, we bet you’re bringing back the sleeveless tops into your wardrobe. If there’s one thing we really dread about this time of the year (actually, any time of the year), its dark underarms. But no need to start worrying about that again because here are 5 natural ways to lighten dark underarms, the unsightly discoloration before summer properly sets in:
Lemon
Lemon is one of nature’s best-known bleaches, having the power to even lighten the darkest hair. It is also an excellent anti-bacterial. Using lemon juice to lighten scars and any skin discoloration is one of the oldest tricks in the natural beauty book. The best part, you also get rid of any sweaty smells. Just rub a lemon wedge over the area. You could sprinkle sugar on the wedge for a little extra exfoliation. Leave it on for ten minutes then rinse off. Make sure to put on some moisturiser if your skin dries up.
Potato
Did you know that you can do so much more with potatoes than just adding them to your favourite dish? It is great in treating skin problems too. Like acne and scars and dark underarms too, thanks to its mild acidic properties. Just rub a slice of raw potato over your underarms and leave it on for ten minutes before you wash it off. Repeat twice daily for best results.
Baking Soda
The best natural cleaning ingredient that has ever been made, baking soda makes an excellent scrub to exfoliate away layers of dead skin cells that are darkening your underarms. Mix some baking soda with a little bit of water or even with lemon juice to form a paste and use this to scrub your underarms. You can also use this as a natural talcum powder to avoid body odour without using alcohol based deodorants.
Sandalwood
Another skin lightening substance, sandalwood is a commonly used ingredient in face creams and treatments due to its excellent cosmetic properties. It also has a cooling effect on the skin which leaves you feeling refreshed. Make a paste out of sandalwood powder and rose water or plain water and apply this thick paste on your underarms. Wash off after 15 minutes and repeat daily for smooth underarms with zero discoloration. It smells great too.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a good option too because like lemon, it kills the body odour causing microorganisms. Simply make a paste out of rice-flour and vinegar and apply this on your underarms. Wash off after 15 minutes and repeat daily for lighter skin and reduced body odour.