You’ve seen unnaturally bright underarms in advertisements that somehow showcase an actual glowing body part. But the reality is far from this representation. Most people have a skin tone that varies all over the body. The simplest explanation for pigmentation is that it is the colouration of the skin. Melanin is a pigment produced by our bodies that is responsible for pigmentation. The body releases melanin when the skin is exposed to the UV rays of the sun. Thus, needless to say, sun exposure is the most evident cause of pigmentation. However, it is not the only reason why pigmentation occurs.
Hyperpigmentation Around Certain Body Body Parts
Hormonal imbalances in the body also lead to excessive secretion of melanin. In addition to this, some people are also born with pigmentation disorders. Even though the amount of melanin produced affects the skin colour of the entire body, there are certain parts of the body like the underarms and inner thighs that are more prone to discolouration. The reason for this is friction, chafing, dry skin, tight clothing and sweat. In some cases, pigmentation under the arms and inner thighs could be due to diabetes, effects of certain types of medication, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and skin allergies.
Although pigmentation is a medical condition, there are several desi nukhe that can help get rid of hyperpigmentation on the skin. All of the solutions listed below are 100% natural and have proven to be very effective in treating pigmentation in the underarms and inner thighs. All of these DIYs are hassle-free and require basic ingredients that are present in your house at all times.
10 DIYs To Treat Pigmentation Under The Arms And Inner Thighs
1. Curd & Lemon
This DIY packs the glow restoring properties of lemon along with the moisturization of curd. Regular usage of this pack is sure to not only take care of the pigmentation of your arms and inner thighs but also make your skin soft and supple. You can also choose to add gram flour (besan) for exfoliation. Learn how to use curd for skin to treat pigmentation and get a healthy glow here.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons curd (dahi)
- Juice of one lemon
- 2 teaspoons gram flour (besan) – optional
Method:
- Mix together the curd, gram flour (besan) and lemon juice.
- Apply the mixture to your arms and inner thighs.
- Wait till it is almost dry.
- Gently massage the mixture in upward circular motions.
- Wash and pat dry.
2. Baking Soda
A simple technique that involves the usage of just one ingredient, this pack works wonders in balancing the pigmentation in the underarms and inner thighs. However, it is important to conduct a patch test before adopting this skincare method as baking soda can be harsh on some skin types.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
Method:
- Mix the baking soda with enough water to make a thick paste.
- Apply the paste on your arms and inner thighs and leave for 10 minutes.
- Gently massage the baking soda paste on your skin.
- Rinse off with cool water and pat dry.
3. Lemon Juice & Coconut Oil
Lemon juice is known for its properties of helping reduce skin damage and nothing nourishes the skin more than coconut oil. A combination of these two ingredients is great for battling pigmentation as it not only restores the skin glow, but also leaves it feeling soft and hydrated.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
- Juice of one lemon
Method:
- Mix the coconut oil and lemon juice together.
- Apply it on the affected area and massage for 8-10 minutes.
- Clean the area with a soft, damp cloth.
4. Potato
Potatoes are a tried and tested remedy for dark circles all over the world. Catecholase, which is an enzyme present in potatoes, is known to work wonders for bringing back the glow to the skin. It is this property that makes potatoes ideal for dealing with pigmentation in the underarms and inner thighs.
Ingredients:
- Half potato (raw)
Method:
- Grate the raw potato.
- Massage the grated potato on your underarms and inner thighs for 10 minutes.
- Leave the potato to dry on the skin.
- Rinse off with cool water.
5. Almond Oil & Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is an ingredient that is known to soothe the skin. It is often applied to sunburns for immediate relief. Almond oil is also great for the skin as it consists of vitamin E that has skin restorative properties. When used together, these two ingredients are a great solution for pigmentation.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- 2 teaspoons almond oil
Method:
- Mix both the ingredients together.
- Massage the mixture on the pigmented skin till it is completely absorbed.
- You can choose to wash the residue off, or let it stay on the skin.
6. Sandalwood, Lemon & Cucumber
Sandalwood (chandan) has been a part of the Indian beauty regime for centuries now. Both cucumber and sandalwood (chandan) are cooling agents and hence, are very helpful in soothing the delicate underarm and inner thigh skin. Lemon brings in the required vitamin C which is great for skin rejuvenation.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon sandalwood (chandan) powder
- Half cucumber (grated)
- Juice of half lemon
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients together to form a paste.
- Apply it to the affected area like a pack.
- Let the pack dry completely.
- Wash off with cool water.
7. Sugar, Lemon & Honey
Underarms and inner thighs are often neglected while exfoliating. Sugar works as a great natural scrub for delicate skin. Honey provides the skin with moisture and lemon aids in bringing back the skin glow. Using this DIY for pigmentation leaves a person with exfoliated, smooth and brighter skin.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Juice of half lemon
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients.
- Apply it to the pigmented region and scrub the area till all the sugar dissolves.
- Keep the mixture on the skin for 10-12 minutes.
- Rinse off.
8. Curd, Honey & Oats
All three of these ingredients are powerhouses of nutrition not only for the body, but also for the skin. Oats help in exfoliating the skin, curd is good for moisturisation and honey is known to have antibacterial properties along with being a moisturizer. Check out the recipe for a DIY homemade moisturizer made with oats here.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons curd
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons oats
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients.
- Apply it to the affected area and scrub using upwards strokes for 5-7 minutes.
- Keep the mixture on the skin for 10-12 minutes.
- Rinse off.
9. Orange Peel & Honey
Oranges are very rich in vitamin C, which is found in every skin-brightening product. Combining orange peels with honey results in skin that looks lighter and feels soft and nourished.
Ingredients:
- Peels from half orange
- 2 teaspoons honey
Method:
- Grate or powder the orange peels.
- Mix the orange peels with honey.
- Apply the mixture to your underarms and inner thighs.
- Wash it off after 15-20 minutes.
10. Tomato Juice & Honey
Tomatoes are also very helpful in battling pigmentation as they take care of hyperpigmentation on the skin. This DIY option is recommended for people with extremely sensitive skin as lemon juice can cause irritation on some skin types. Using tomato juice for pigmentation is safe for any skin type. Using honey along with tomato juice ensures that the skin is nourished.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons tomato juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
Method:
- Mix the ingredients together.
- Apply the prepared paste to the pigmented skin.
- Let the mixture dry completely.
- Wash off with cool water.
Key Takeaways
Although using the above DIYs is great for dealing with pigmentation, there are a few things you should note before you start adopting these methods.
- Since all the ingredients mentioned in the DIYs are natural, they will not show results overnight. It is important for one to use these DIYs on a regular basis to see results.
- Even though the above mentioned DIYs use safe ingredients, everyone has a different skin type. Some people might have very sensitive skin and might experience side effects from certain ingredients. Thus, it is recommended to do a patch test first.
- Wherever possible, one should try to use organic ingredients in these DIYs in order to see better results.
- Ones who suffer from hyperpigmentation or pigmentation on account of medical conditions might not see much difference upon using these DIYs. Medical attention is suggested for such cases.
All of us have experienced pigmentation to some extent. While pigmentation is not usually harmful to health, nobody wants dark underarms and inner thighs. People with medical conditions that cause pigmentation can seek help from a medical professional who will most likely recommend oral medication or laser procedures. For others who experience pigmentation due to environmental factors, these DIYs are sure to show results. Along with using these DIYs, reducing sun exposure, using sunscreen, preventing chafing by applying moisturizer and wearing breathable clothing can considerably reduce pigmentation.
