The Whys and Hows of Dark Underarms and Inner Thighs

April 2, 2024
by rey

Radiant and uniformly toned skin is a common goal for most, however, dark underarms and inner thighs and other body parts is relatively common. Despite those body parts being less exposed than other body parts, they tend to become more common to hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation is what happens when your body produces excessive melanin which in turn darkens certain areas. But what are the most common causes of hyperpigmentation and who are the most susceptible to it? Are there ways to prevent it or help treat hyperpigmentation?

What causes darkening of the skin on the underarms and inner thighs

There can be a number of factors or causes of darkening of inner thighs and underarms. To name a few:

• Chafing
This can occur due to excessive friction that may be from doing anything from exercising to more mundane tasks like walking or normal swinging of the arms.

• Hormonal Imbalance
Though more prevalent to women who are having their menstruation, lactating, or pregnant, hormonal imbalance can promote the production of excess melanin which leads to darkening of the skin.

• Sun exposure
Although not a main cause, can lead to darkening of inner thighs when exposed to the sun for long hours with no proper skin protection.

• Tight Clothing
Constant friction that causes discolouration doesn’t only come from rubbing of skin, tight clothing that tends to hug the body which in turn scratches the skin can make a particular body part to darken overtime.

• Medical Condition
Medical conditions like Diabetes Mellitus can also be one of the reasons for having darkened underarms and inner thighs. Overproduction of insulin prompts skin cells to increase rapidly. In individuals with higher skin pigmentation, these new cells contain increased melanin, resulting in the formation of darker patches compared to the surrounding skin.

• Obesity
Due to excessive friction of skin, obese individuals are more prone to darkening of underarms and inner thighs.

Now that we understand what the causes are, we should also learn how to prevent underarms and inner thighs from darkening.

• Avoid excessive shaving
Shaving can cause damage on the first layer of your skin and may cause it to thin. Thinning skin can be easily irritated and may case itchiness, sensitivity, and darkening.

• Avoid vigorously scratching
Scratching of the skin creates friction that causes skin darkening. When certain areas within your body, especially the underarm or inner thighs feel itchy, you can resort to gentle pats, moisturising, or washing it to take care of the itchy sensation without causing darkening.

• Avoid tight clothing or underwear
As mentioned earlier in this article, excessive contact or friction coming from your

Although may take longer time and may not promise noticeable results, there are home remedies that one can try to help with whitening dark underarms and inner thighs.

There are home remedies that one can try to help cure underarm and inner thighs darkening, some to name a few are:

• Home-made scrub
By combining lemon juice, sugar, and honey, you have a pasty concoction of sugar scrub that you can use to exfoliate skin, get rid of dead skin cells, and also lighten the skin overtime. Lemon juice contains a natural bleaching agent while honey typically has hydrogen peroxide that helps with skin lightening.

• Baking Soda paste
Combine baking soda with a little bit of water that can be used either as a mask or a scrub on the darkened area. Baking soda contains natural bleaching ingredients that when used regularly can help with lightening of the skin

• Potatoes
Potatoes are rich in azelaic acid, renowned for its skin-brightening properties. Applying potato slices or juice to your skin can help diminish the appearance of scars, blemishes, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation.

Home remedies, though arguably more natural, may or may not show improvement on the skin. As it is with most skin conditions, it is always recommended to see a professional or a medical doctor to get advice on what specific treatments would work on your specific condition.

At Dermstétiq Clinic, treatments are targeted and the number of sessions recommended are curated towards an individual’s needs and requirements. Some of the effective treatments offered are:

• Broad-Band Light (BBL) Treatment

Cosmetic treatments like BBL are effective due to the intensity of energy applied to the skin, which heats and damages the target structures while preserving normal skin. BBL delivers light energy to gently heat the upper layers of your skin, prompting targeted areas to absorb this heat. This stimulation encourages skin cell regeneration and effectively diminishes or lightens pigmentation.

• Chemical Peel

When done correctly in clinics, a chemical peel treatment is an effective way to tackle hyperpigmentation. An exfoliating solution will be applied on your skin. Its formulation can help remove the upper layer of the epidermis, resulting to clearer, more even-toned, and lighter skin.

• Fotona Laser

Fotona’s StarWalker and QX MAX laser systems serve as the ideal tools for addressing a diverse array of pigmented lesions, facilitating treatment for conditions ranging from moles and sunspots to melasma.

The efficacy of StarWalker and QX MAX stems from the selectivity of Q-switched light, which specifically targets pigments without affecting surrounding cells. This targeted approach enables pigment destruction without ablating the skin, a distinctive feature that also opens avenues for other treatments, including the safe and efficient removal of intricate, multi-colored tattoos and hyperpigmentation.

In addition to the treatments that you can have done at an aesthetic clinic for treating hyperpigmentation, at-home products or a proper skincare routine can also help add that boost and speed up the process of rejuvenating your skin’s complexion and tone.

DSQ Elite’s Luminage by Lavier is an effective whitening supplement that can help with treating darkening of underarms and inner thighs

It stands as the pioneer oral sachet product designed to illuminate and revitalise the skin by promoting cellular regeneration. In an era where biology is increasingly personalised, this ethos extends to skincare, merging the realms of Biology and Science into a collaborative partnership.

LuminAge epitomises Beauty through “Bio Intelligence.” It represents the first formulation that goes beneath the surface of your skin, addressing issues at their source. The formulation effectively halts the formation of new pigmentation while also breaking down existing pigmentation.

Dermstetiq Clinic boasts the coveted approval of the Ministry of Health, Singapore (MOH), cementing its status as a trusted medical aesthetic clinic. Some of its main services include: Botulinum Toxin for the forehead, Profhilo, Pico Laser, and Dermal Fillers.

DSQ Elite proudly stands as the official distributor of multiple world-renowned, scientifically-proven effective skincare, haircare, and weight loss products. Our journey began with a simple yet profound commitment: to unlock the power of cutting-edge research and technology to create products that go beyond the surface, delving deep into the science of beauty.

Free islandwide shipping for orders above $150

Are you a DSQ Elite Yet?