Armpit skin has a similar structure to the skin on the rest of the body. However, due to location, humidity maintained at that level, and other factors, this area may look dark. Darkening of the armpits and any other area of ​​the body is caused by abnormally increased production of melanin, a protein that gives skin its color.

Some people may experience overproduction of melanin due to certain medical conditions such as obesity and diabetes, use of certain medications, endocrine problems, or cancer. This excess melanin production can cause your armpits to look darker than the rest of your body.

However, dark underarms are often simply caused by irritation, the use of certain deodorants, or excessive shaving frequency. You need to know what type of skin you have (normal/sensitive/dry skin - sweats a little/moderately or a lot to choose the most suitable deodorant product. Please refer to scent deodorizing products Breeze's Italian perfume is HERE .

Let's see what the causes could be. Once you have found the cause of your dark armpits, you can choose a method to help reduce dark armpits that is right for you.

Causes of dark armpits

Genetics

Chances are if your mother and grandmother had darker armpit skin than the rest of their body, you have this condition too. This happens especially in darker skin tones, where there are more pigment cells in the skin.

Insulin resistance, diabetes and obesity

Insulin resistance, which can occur with diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome, can lead to a type of melasma called acanthosis nigricans. Obesity is often accompanied by a condition called metabolic syndrome, in which hyperinsulinemia, along with other changes, can lead to dark armpits. Hyperinsulinemia in some patients with diabetes can cause melanocytes to overproduce melanin and the armpit area becomes darker as a result.

Excessive sweating or increased sweating

When the skin folds, if we sweat too much, the presence of moisture can cause a lot of irritation in that area.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Any type of irritation from shaving or sensitivity can cause a rash or inflammation, which can resolve on its own and leave behind post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Natural deodorant

Some natural antiperspirants or deodorants can cause contact dermatitis due to the strong presence of essential oils, which are known to cause allergies in many people.

Medicine

Certain medications have been shown to be associated with axillary hyperpigmentation. Among them can be mentioned:
• Insulin.
• Steroids, such as prednisone.
• Growth hormone.
• Birth control pills.
• High dose niacin.

Endocrine problems
Again, insulin is associated with a number of conditions that alter blood levels, leading to hyperpigmentation. Among these conditions we can consider:
• Enlarged extremities.
• Cushing's syndrome.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Addison's disease.

Cancer
Some types of cancer can cause malignant acanthosis nigricans, in which the folds darken due to hormone secretion.

Smoke
Smoking habit can cause melanin

Other common causes of dark armpits

Irritation and abrasion from shaving, friction from wearing too tight clothing, lemon peeling after use on the skin and exposing the skin to sunlight.

See how to whiten underarm skin HERE