Having dark underarms is a nuisance to many people. It’s an issue that runs more commonly than most people think. 

However, there are quick fixes to dark underarms that are rising in popularity. From lasers to chemical peels, newer and safer formulas and treatments are all the rage among beauty enthusiasts.

To help you achieve smoother and lighter underarms, we compiled details spilling all you need to know about underarm whitening in Singapore.

What is underarm whitening?

Underarm whitening is a set of treatments aimed at lightening underarm skin. 

Several methods incorporate skin rejuvenation and hair removal to help speed up the fading of dark pigments on the skin. 

Underarm whitening in Singapore comes in various forms, either natural or cosmetic. 

These treatments are prescribed and performed by experienced dermatologists or made at home using natural ingredients. 

What causes dark underarms?

Dark underarms are caused by various factors like health, natural skin pigmentation levels, hormones, and hygiene habits. 

Determining the causes of dark underarms helps you find the most effective underarm whitening treatment that suits your skin type. 

Here are a few of the most common causes of dark pigments on your underarms:

1. Genetics

While hard to believe, genetics play a role in your skin’s overall health. Thickened or darkened skin is attributed to genes that run in families. 

If several of your family members suffer from dark pigments around the neck, groin, and underarms, your dark underarms may be caused by genetics. 

2. Shaving

Hair removal is a common practice for better hygiene. Many people, especially women, use razors to quickly remove unwanted hair from legs, arms, and underarms. 

However, shaving your underarms frequently exposes your skin to friction and abrasion. This increases the risk of ingrown hair, bumps, and scarring that lead to darker-looking underarm skin. 

Shaving improperly, such as omitting cream or lubricants and using blunt or old razors, also increase the risk of dark pigments on the skin. 

3. Hormonal Imbalances and Disorders

Hormonal imbalances or disorders caused by conditions like hypothyroidism, pregnancy, menstruation, and polycystic ovary syndrome may cause dark and thickened skin. 

The affected areas are often the neck, groin, and underarms. Certain lifestyle habits and environmental changes may also cause hormonal imbalances. 

If you’re experiencing sudden weight gain, joint stiffness, and chronic fatigue, you might want to consult your doctor about possible hormonal imbalances. 

Learning about underlying conditions may help you understand why your underarms are darker than usual. 

It may also help you determine the right kind of treatment for your body based on the advice of a gynaecologist. 

4. Medications 

If you’ve noticed dark underarms forming after taking a new set of vitamins or medication, it might be best to ask your doctor about the side effects of your prescription. 

Certain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and retinoids may cause hyperpigmentation. 

Hyperpigmentation occurs when your body receives an increase in melanin. You might notice dark spots in parts of your body attributed to the medications you are taking. 

5. Abrasive Deodorants or Chemical Sensitivity to Deodorants

Since underarm skin is relatively more sensitive to chemicals than the rest of the body, deodorants and abrasive particles in certain products can promote dark underarms. 

Chemical sensitivity is quite common, and many experience adverse side effects after a few applications. Scrubs and creams that contain too many hard particles can scratch underarm skin. 

Deodorants and creams containing alcohol, fragrances, or parabens induce skin inflammation, promoting dark pigments on the skin. 

While the side effects don’t show up instantly, consistent use of harsh chemicals on sensitive skin like your underarms will gradually cause darkened and thickened skin. 

6. Improper Hygiene

Not exfoliating or cleaning your skin correctly and regularly can lead to the buildup of dead skin cells, bacteria, and dirt. 

These may cause your skin to inflame and itch, leading to ingrown hair and dark spots. 

Improper hygiene also causes terrible odour. It’s always best to wash your body, in particular your underarms, every day. 

7. Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases like diabetes and acanthosis nigricans are attributed to causing dark pigments on underarm skin. 

Having too much insulin in your body causes dark spots and patches across your body. The skin is usually inflamed and may sometimes get flaky when left untreated. 

These are common signs of an underlying disease that must be overseen by a medical doctor.

What are typical treatments for underarm whitening in Singapore?

There are several treatments for underarm whitening in Singapore, such as chemical peeling, laser therapy, permanent hair removal, and whitening creams.

These treatments are performed by trained specialists and involve using high-tech equipment and tools such as lasers and needles. 

While effective, these treatments should always be subject to a skin specialist’s advice and supervision. 

Not all patients are ideal candidates, and they should seek medical advice for better underarm whitening methods that suit their skin. 

Here are some of the most common treatments for underarm whitening in Singapore:

1. Chemical Peeling

Chemical peeling is the process of rejuvenating the skin using chemical solutions to exfoliate the underarms gently. 

This type of exfoliation method is nonabrasive and can be done on other parts of the body. 

The chemicals are hypoallergenic, but some patients may have to get a patch test before undergoing the treatment. 

Chemical peeling is proven effective in removing unwanted dark pigmentation on the underarms. 

Since chemical peels are routine, your aesthetic doctor will provide a treatment plan and determine the number of peels you’ll need before achieving lighter underarm skin.

How soon can I see the results of chemical peeling?

Chemical peels can be done in one sitting, and results will start to show within one to two weeks. 

It takes about three to four days for the skin to peel fully. From there, the newly exfoliated skin will start to form healthier layers within the recovery period. 

Lighter underarms will show for about a month, after which a client can undergo another round of chemical peeling. 

2. Laser Treatment or Therapy

Laser therapy and treatments are widely used to combat a myriad of skin issues, such as dark underarms. 

It’s an effective tool for underarm whitening, which involves targeting areas with concentrated beams of light to fight melanin buildup. 

The beams of light signal your immune system to remove pigment in your body. The result? Lighter and healthier underarm skin. 

Laser therapy doesn’t have the same side effects as chemical peels, making it an excellent alternative for clients with sensitive skin.

Laser treatments, however, aren’t a one-time thing. Many clients would have to go through several sessions before getting their desired results. 

How soon can I see the results of laser therapy?

You can start seeing desired results after three to six months following a series of laser treatments. 

Even after your first two sessions, your underarm skin will start to lighten and rejuvenate, resulting in fairer-looking skin. The progression is gradual but definite. 

3. Permanent Hair Removal

Permanent hair removal using lasers is also an effective way to prevent dark underarms. It’s a common underarm whitening practice that omits constant shaving. 

Laser hair removal is an effective treatment option to remove unwanted body hair permanently. 

As a laser treatment, concentrated light beams target hair follicles to keep them from growing back. 

This lessens shaving and other physical methods of hair removal, keeping the skin smooth and fair for extended periods of time. 

How soon can I see the results of permanent hair removal?

Permanent hair removal through laser will take about three to six months for your hair follicles to stop growing altogether. 

Results differ between people due to the varying degrees of hair growth and skin type. 

The number of sessions you’ll need to achieve completely hairless underarms also factors in the recovery process. 

4. Whitening Creams

Hypoallergenic whitening creams are widely available in drug stores across Singapore. These creams are formulated to stimulate skin tightening and collagen production to keep your underarms smooth and firm. 

Some whitening creams use bleaching agents to induce whitening over time. However, bleach is still a harsh chemical and should be used under a dermatologist’s supervision. 

Other whitening cream formulas make use of natural ingredients and omit bleaching agents in their ingredients. While creams are effective, the results show up slower. 

Are whitening creams and products effective?

Whitening creams and products that contain bleaching and lightening agents are effective but only to a certain extent. 

Some formulas are gentle exfoliants that mimic chemical peels but are less intense. Others have collagen and retinoids that help in firming the skin over time. 

These chemicals are only topical and remove dead skin cells from the outermost layer of the skin. 

They don’t penetrate too deep into the skin, making the lightening process less visible after a few applications. 

Bleaching agents and glutathione are also common ingredients that induce underarm whitening in Singapore. 

However, excessive amounts may cause side effects ad allergic reactions. It’s best to consult a dermatologist about the correct dosage and formula for your skin type. 

How soon can I see the results of whitening creams?

If your whitening cream has active skin-lightening ingredients like glutathione or kojic acid, it could take up to a month before effects start to show. 

Consistent use of moisturizers can help rejuvenate your skin faster. Creams with bleaching agents should be used with caution. 

Can a dermatologist perform underarm whitening treatments?

Dermatologists are trained and licensed to perform a variety of skin treatments, including underarm whitening, in Singapore. 

They are skin specialists who are experts at diagnosing and prescribing the right kind of treatments according to a patient’s skin type. 

If you’re seeking beauty advice from a medical standpoint, dermatologists are the best doctors to visit, especially for dark spots on your body. 

In an aesthetic clinic, a licensed dermatologist can offer laser treatments, chemical peels, creams, and hair removal treatment plans. 

What are the side effects of underarm whitening?

Redness, swelling, and stinging sensations are all common side effects of underarm whitening. 

While temporary, any side effect that lasts longer than a week should be checked out by a doctor. 

Some treatments for underarm whitening in Singapore have unique side effects that differ in intensity from person to person. 

For example, chemical peels expose a layer of your skin, leaving it vulnerable to infections. 

Laser hair removal is known to inflame the skin, causing discomfort for a few hours. 

How much do underarm whitening treatments cost?

• Laser therapy can range between $180 to $250 per session. 

• Chemical peels cost around $150 to $200. 

• Laser hair removal prices are between $200 to $500, depending on the area and thickness of your body hair. 

• Underarm whitening creams can be bought in stores or from aesthetic clinics. Each product may cost anywhere between $50 to $120 per unit. 

Since underarm whitening in Singapore is a cosmetic procedure, treatments may not be insurance claimable. Consult your financial planner about your policy’s medical coverage. 

Are underarm whitening treatments painful?

Most underarm whitening treatments are virtually painless, and if any discomfort or pain occurs, they go away within several hours. 

It’s normal to feel warmth or tingling sensations during a laser treatment or chemical peel. If you start feeling intense stinging during a session, inform the specialist right away.

Just make sure to contact your dermatologist about prolonged side effects and pain. 

How to Prevent Dark Underarms

• Wear loose clothing around your underarms.
• Refrain from shaving and switch to waxing.
• Use gentle exfoliants on your underarms.
• Avoid using deodorant with strong fragrances and alcohol content.

While dark underarms have several possible causes, it’s entirely preventable. Even if you already have dark underarms, there are several ways you can prevent them from getting worse after undergoing underarm whitening treatments. 

Loose Clothing

A great way to prevent your underarms from getting dark is to wear loose cotton clothing. 

Frequent friction between tight clothing and your skin may cause dark pigments on your underarms. 

Waxing Instead of Shaving

Waxing is an excellent alternative to shaving if you’re looking for a quick fix to hair removal. 

Waxing uproots your hair follicles, leaving smoother skin surfaces and less ingrown hair. 

Waxing also won’t leave your underarms prone to scarring and itching. Since hair is taken out from the root, hair growth is much slower. 

Why is my underarm dark after shaving?

Shaving causes dark underarms because the razor only cuts the visible hair from the skin’s surface, and doesn’t uproot the follicle. 

This leads to ingrown hair and faster hair growth, which leads to constant hair removal. Shaving too frequently can be abrasive on the skin and may cause scarring over time. 

The constant abrasion and scarring promote dark pigmentation on your underarms. The shadows on ingrown hair may also reflect dark pigments on your skin.

Gentle Exfoliants

Swap your abrasive scrubs with finer granules and exfoliate your skin no more than twice a week. 

Safe Deodorants

Deodorants and antiperspirants with large amounts of alcohol and fragrances can cause skin irritation, darkening, and clogged pores. 

Opt for paraben-free and aluminium-free formulas. 

What are natural underarm whitening treatments I can do at home?

If you’re keen on trying out natural underarm whitening methods, there are several ways you can achieve smooth and fair underarm skin at home. You can use natural organic like baking soda, sunflower oil, aloe vera, and believe it or not, potato!

These remedies are safe, even for lactating or pregnant women experiencing dark underarms. Learn more about natural ways to whiten your underarms from ingredients you can find at home:

Baking Soda

Baking soda balances the pH levels on your underarm skin and helps prevent odour. Simply make a paste by mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with tiny drops of water. 

Apply the paste onto your underarms after showering. You can also use it as a gentle scrub once a week. 

Sunflower oil

Sunflower oil is rich in Vitamin E and Linoleic Acid, which have excellent lightening properties. 

Massage a few drops of natural cosmetic-grade sunflower oil onto your underarms before bed and wash it off in the morning. 

Potato

Potato contains starch, which is a great natural bleaching agent that lightens the skin without causing irritation. It’s also a popular remedy against itchiness. 

You can use potatoes for underarm whitening in two ways. You can slice a potato and rub the smooth end onto your underarms or grate the potato to extract its juice and 

apply it to your skin. 

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a wonderful plant that offers many healing properties. For underarm whitening, rub dollops of aloe vera gel onto your underarms and leave them on for about 15 minutes. 

Wash off the aloe vera mask and repeat the process at least thrice a week. Aloe vera is also great in combatting redness and irritated skin after shaving or waxing. 

What kind of deodorant is best for underarm whitening in Singapore?

The best deodorant for underarm whitening should contain natural ingredients that don’t contain alcohol or fragrances. 

Many deodorant brands promise to combat odour and lighten underarm skin. However, an overload of harsh chemicals can do more harm than good.