During the hot summer, many people want to wear sleeveless clothes to stay cool, but hesitate due to darkened underarms. One of the primary causes of pigmentation in the underarms is the repetitive shaving with a razor, which irritates the skin. In this post, we'll delve into the causes of underarm pigmentation and explore professional methods to prevent and improve it.
Causes of Underarm Pigmentation
Irritation from Razors
The razors commonly used for underarm shaving are made of metal, which repeatedly irritates the skin surface. This process can lead to pigmentation as the pores of the skin darken due to irritation. Particularly, repeated shaving to achieve a close shave exacerbates the irritation.
Increase in Melanin
People with darker skin tones tend to have more melanin pigmentation, leading to more pronounced underarm pigmentation. Melanin moves to the epidermis and causes specific areas of the skin to darken.
Skin Disorders
Skin conditions like Acanthosis Nigricans can also cause underarm pigmentation. This condition occurs due to insulin resistance caused by obesity, resulting in rough brown patches in areas where the skin folds, such as underarms, knees, elbows, and groin.
Preventive Measures for Underarm Pigmentation
Limit Razor Usage
Instead of using a razor to remove underarm hair, opt for less abrasive methods. Consider discontinuing shaving altogether or exploring alternative hair removal methods to reduce irritation.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal provides a permanent hair removal solution without causing continuous irritation to the skin. By destroying hair follicles directly, lasers prevent hair from regrowing, eliminating the need for repetitive shaving.
Use Whitening Products
Using whitening creams or cosmetics can help maintain lighter underarm skin. However, using whitening products in situations where continuous irritation occurs may only provide temporary effects.
Methods for Improving Underarm Pigmentation
Laser Toning
Laser toning is a procedure that removes pigments, including melanin, from the epidermis. Laser light destroys melanin, resulting in lighter skin. This method requires periodic sessions to achieve gradual improvement.
Chemical Peels (Scaling)
Chemical peels remove dead skin cells, promoting skin regeneration. Removing the outermost layer of dead cells can brighten the skin and alleviate pigmentation.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation involves physically or chemically removing the surface layer of the skin. This process removes melanin-containing dead skin cells and aids in skin regeneration. Exfoliation is effective for areas with severe pigmentation.
Patience is Key
Improving pigmentation takes time. Generally, it may take twice the duration of pigmentation for noticeable improvement. For instance, if pigmentation has occurred over six months, it may take about a year for significant improvement. Therefore, consistent care and patience are necessary.
Underarm pigmentation can occur due to various reasons, and preventing and improving it requires selecting appropriate methods and consistent maintenance. By reducing razor usage, opting for laser hair removal or whitening products, and seeking advice from dermatologists for suitable treatments, you can protect your underarm skin. Remember, maintaining healthy skin requires continuous care and effort.
