self esteem

Want to ‘throw yuh hands in the air and shake it like you just don’t care’ when the music hits…?  Here are some solutions!

First thing’s first though…  most women have armpits that are darker than the rest of their bodies.  It’s not the end of the world and there’s no shame in it.  Actresses in magazines, TV ads and movies seem to have perfect underarms but they also have airbrushing!

 

When dead skin accumulates,  your underarms can appear discolored.

Clean your armpits every day and exfoliate at least once a week (some people exfoliate everyday BUT if you do that, be gentle… over-exfoliation can also cause skin irritation and discoloration).

You can exfoliate using a pumice stone (gently), an exfoliator pad or you can create a DIY sugar scrub (add half a cup of sugar to 2 tablespoons of olive oil).  After you have cleaned your underarms and they are still wet, rub the sugar scrub under your armpits for 1 – 2 minutes and then wash off.  Do this three times a week.

If you shave or use depilatory cream (hair removal creams e.g. Nair), those thick hair roots just under your skin will give the effect of darker underarms…  Though these hair removal methods are convenient, they don’t get rid of the hair at the root… And the acids in hair removing creams change the pH of your skin and can also cause skin discoloration.

And remember, electrolysis as a method of hair removal can also cause hyperpigmentation (especially for those with gorgeous, darker skins).  So be careful.

Waxing is the best way to remove underarm hair (it removes those thick hair roots) BUT it’s said to be painful and messy!

So I’ve heard…  Truth be told, I have yet to wax my underarms – I’m pretty, darned low maintenance!

Use a natural deodorant instead of one filled with alcohol or chemicals e.g. parabens, aluminium, strong fragrances etc. (it has been suggested that these contribute to underarm discoloration).  If you must use an alcohol or chemical filled deodorant clean it off thoroughly before you go to sleep at night.

The friction can irritate your skin and cause discoloration.

If you’re carrying extra weight, the rubbing of skin around the underarms can lead to discoloration.

Bleaching creams often cause hyper pigmentation and they are dangerous to your health (some complications include cancer, toxicity that damages the kidney and the liver, causes thinning skin and more).  You’re beautiful and so is your skin and nothing is worth permanently damaging that.

– Diabetes

– Certain oral contraceptives (the Pill)

– A disease called acanthosis nigricans

If you feel your problem requires the help of a medical professional, go to your family doctor or a dermatologist.

I’m here rooting for you!

love,

The Lifestylista

xox