Care for dark underarms and dark groin area

Does these sound familiar?

“I did  not pay attention to my underarms until I started taking tennis lessons and wearing tank tops to the gym. Only when someone close friends told asked me what deodorant brand I use did I start taking care of my underarms because they embarassingly dark,” says Leila, 32 year old marketing exec.

Here’s what Mylene, 18 yr old nurse recounts. “My close friends and I went to the beach and we shared about how bikini line skin can darken. We have that in common and we like to wear two-piece swimsuits and worry over how it can cause embarassing moments.”

There are areas in the body that we hardly pay attention to unless they become noticeable and, as in the case of dark underarms and dark skin in the bikini line, cause embarassment. Other problems such as excessive sweating and body odor, only close friends can tell you when you yourself don’t notice. Research say we can sometimes be immune to our own bodily odors but people who come close are sensitive to them so if a close friend tells you you smell (or stink for that matter) better believe it.

There are various ways to remedy dark underarms and groin area, but in order to avoid resorting to expensive treatments, because this happens when the problem has worsened due to neglect, try a few at-home remedies and weekly rituals.

For the underams, find a deodorant product that eliminates odors and is formulated to whiten the underarms.Some deos do not darken the armpits but provide minimal protection against body odors. Some, on the other hand, do offer maximum protection yet can be very harsh on the skin and really cause darkening.

If possible, use two kinds of deodorant depending on your daily activity — one full strength you use only when you engage in physical activities that will make you sweat a lot. Another kind that you use when you will only have to stay indoors, like in the office or to the mall.

If you’re at home , don’t use deodorant at all. The trick is to minimize use of products on your skin to allow them to breath.  It’s pretty much like going without makeup when you’re at home. Deodorants are chemicals and exposing skin to them day in and day out can cause adverse effects.If you start to smell, jump into the shower. Or, use the sink and wash your underarms and dry it with a washcloth. The soap you use can also help. Try kojic acid soap as these contain whitening agents. You may alternate with a strong anti-bacterial soap to kill odor-causing bacteria.

Underarm skin is delicated so you can use whatever facial wash you use to clean your underarms if you want. You may also use baking soda for washing. A facial wash that contains microbeads can help exfoliate skin on a daily basis. You simply don’t want deodorant residue when you go to bed at night after your shower. Apply an underarm lightening cream before you sleep at night because this really helps.

Once a week, do try using a medium strength exfoliating product to further lighten armpits. Or try this: Get a slice of lemon or calamansi and mix with milk. Apply on armpits  from 30 minutes to an hour before you take a bath in the morning. Lemon contains ascorbic acid while milk has lactic acid. These are mild and gentle acids that can counter the darkening and can also be used on the face.  You may do this  every other day if you have plenty of time to spare. Some swear by cider vinegar since it can whiten and counter excessive sweat. To save time, after application, take your coffee and read the morning paper first as I do.

Once a month, go to a dermatologist and get an underarm diamond ultrapeel to go with your monthly underarm lightening treatment.  If you have money to spare, why not also get a permanent hair removal program for the underarms since waxing and plucking darken the skin. The trick is to minimize trauma to skin bacause this is one of the causes of darkening. Same for the groin area.

Speaking of the groin area, caring for them is not difficult to do. Follow a daily and weekly ritual which includes use of whiteing soap or scrubs when you shower. Before you dress up, apply whitening lotion on the groin area before you wear underwear. Wear skirts more often and pants that are not too constricting as friction from tight clothing darkens it. At night apply whitening cream before you go to bed. At home, don’t wear underwear; or, opt for short shorts or silk pantylets that let your skin breath.

Choose underwear that has minimal or no shearing on the leg hole. Garters that rub off on the groin skin can cause darkening. Look at the fabric as well. Full cotton fabrics are best. Silk underwear is more luxurious if you can afford it.

What do we learn from all these  tips? It’s not about how expensive the stuff you put on your skin is.It’s how often you follow a ritual or care regimen is what ultimately counts. Beauty comes with a price — time and effort.