Dark underarms are simply yucky, would you agree with me? Why is that? Well, because they are unsightly? They are not nice to look at? Is it perhaps because dark underarms are associated with poor hygiene? All these can be the reason why most people frown upon dark underarms.
Now here’s the thing: do we really know why some people have dark underarms? Are we even aware that some people just developed dark underarms later in life and that they used to have fairer underarms before? If you want to know more why some people have dark underarms and the reasons for dark underarms, then you’re in the right place.
Causes of Dark Underarms
According to health experts, there are four (4) possible causes or reasons why people have dark underarms or why people develop dark armpits. The four (4) reasons are as follows: 1) is a condition called Acanthosis Nigricans; 2) hyperpigmentation; 3) dead skin cells accumulation; and 4) shaving.
Acanthosis Nigricans
Have you noticed that your armpits suddenly look darker? And not only your armpits but you also see the same skin color in your nape and in most folds and creases in your body. This is Acanthosis nigricans, a skin conditionthat is normally associated with people who are obese or who have or are predisposed to diabetes. So if you are overweight or worst obese, developing this skin condition is highly probable.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is very common and is generally considered harmless. With hyperpigmentation, patches of skin in different parts of the body turn into a darker shade, normally darker than the rest of the skin in the body. The darkening happens when there is an excess of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the brown pigment that is responsible in producing normal skin color.
Too Much Dead Skin Cells
Maybe there’s just too much dead skin cells in your armpit. The best way to remove dead skin cells in the body, most especially in the armpit is to gently scrub the area with a soft loofah or sponge or soft face towel. Daily exfoliate your underarms to remove any buildup of dead skin cells. There are many exfoliating creams with alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, and others and these are very helpful in maintaining clean looking armpits.
Shaving
Do you know that shaving can cause dark underarms? This is because shaved underarm hair can actually be seen from just below the surface of the skin. This makes the armpit look dark and dirty. If you want to remove your armpit hairs, try using wax or you can also pluck instead of shaving it. Plucking can be painful but it’s better than dark armpits.
This is a guest post by Siena Lombardi of www.accessrx.com. Visit Accessrx.com Health Articles and read articles on other health related issues.