Story by Raksha Bhattacharjee
Is it possible to get rid of dark underarms using natural methods? A doctor has reacted to a beauty influencer’s recommendation to use lemon and turmeric.
Dark underarms require patience and time to lighten. Beauty influencer Sid, however, says that regular, mild maintenance might assist produce the intended effects. On January 11, she uploaded a video on Instagram that showed how to get rid of dark underarms naturally. Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals’ senior dermatology expert, Dr. DM Mahajan, responded to Sid’s home cures in an interview with HT Lifestyle.
Dark underarms are a common dermatological concern, he said, and are frequently brought on by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from shaving, friction, using irritating deodorants, or underlying metabolic diseases like acanthosis nigricans. Natural home cures like coconut oil with baking soda, lemon juice, potato juice, and turmeric are frequently promoted on social media as possible fixes. Although these substances have some potentially advantageous qualities, their effectiveness and safety differ from an allopathic perspective.
Yogurt, lemon pack, and turmeric
“Your underarms are dark,” she said. I’m able to resolve that. One teaspoon of turmeric, half a lemon, and three tablespoons of yogurt will be combined. If your complexion is fair, you can use honey instead of turmeric. After combining these ingredients, you will apply them to your underarms and let them sit there for 20 minutes. You will then use a warm towel to wipe it.
Mixing water with baking soda
Sid shared her second trick, saying, “Baking soda works.” A tablespoon of baking soda will be combined with a small amount of water to create a paste. The next step is to wash your underarms. This can be done three times a week. To end, apply aloe vera gel to your underarms. It will feel wonderful, be calming, and hydrate your underarms.
Using water and apple cider vinegar
“You don’t need a lot,” she continued, “just a 1:1 ratio of apple cider vinegar to water. Combine the two in a cup, gently apply to your underarms, let sit for five minutes, and then remove with a cloth. Additionally, she advised switching to natural deodorants free of harsh chemicals that can irritate skin and discolor it. “Lastly, if you shave, always use a sharp razor and shaving cream or oil,” Sid said. He also advised using natural deodorant.
Do these natural solutions truly work?
“Curcumin, which is found in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities,” Dr. Mahajan told HT Lifestyle. In clinical settings, a slight decrease in pigmentation has been observed with certain topical preparations. Because of its high citric acid content, lemon juice is frequently utilized. However, because it is acidic, it can irritate or burn sensitive areas, such as the underarms. The gentle enzymes in potato juice are said to brighten skin, however the data is still mostly anecdotal. While coconut oil can calm and hydrate the skin, combining it with baking soda, which is alkaline, can upset the skin’s natural pH balance and cause irritation.
“Clinically, treatment is guided by identifying underlying causes and using evidence-based therapies,” Dr. Mahajan continued. Topical medications including azelaic acid, glycolic acid, and niacinamide are frequently given. Chemical peels or laser treatments performed under a doctor’s supervision could be suggested in more severe situations. Closing remarks? To ensure safe, effective, and customized therapy, those with dark underarms should see a dermatologist, even though natural therapies may have cultural or anecdotal value, Dr. Mahajan stated: “A cautious and informed approach is key to achieving the best outcomes.”
