How to keep underarms blemish-free

IF I WERE to rank beauty dilemmas according to popularity or the number of times they come up in surveys, caring for dark underarms would be number one. There seems to be a fascination to brighten skin on this area, or at least keep it clear and blemish-free.

With the help of dermatologist Rhesa May Martinez, a fellow at the Philippine Dermatological Society and member of the American Academy for Laser Medicine and Surgery, we address the most pressing armpit questions.

1) What causes underarm darkening?

“The most common cause of underarm hyperpigmentation is post-inflammatory reaction resulting from an irritant or allergic contact dermatitis,” explains Martinez. This happens when skin reacts to certain ingredients such as the fragrance in deodorant or chemicals from detergents.

“Hormonal changes from pregnancy are also a frequent cause of underarm discoloration,” adds Martinez. “But this condition is usually temporary.”

2) Is tawas good for whitening dark underarms?

“Tawas – or alum crystal – has been used traditionally as an antiseptic-deodorant. It leaves a film which may give a temporary appearance of underarm whitening, [but] can also cause irritation.” As a general rule, Martinez recommends anti-perspirants without fragrances and dyes. As with any product, if you see something doing more harm than good, toss it. If it works, keep it.

3) How can I avoid underarm skin hyperpigmentation?

Your first line of defense is to minimize irritation on the area: The less you fiddle with skin on armpits, the better. “Avoid too much plucking and shaving,” advises Martinez. “[It also helps to] change anti-perspirants,” especially when the one you’re using seems to be contributing to pigmentation.

4) What are my options to lighten skin on the area?

“It is best to see a board-certified dermatologist who can evaluate the cause of your underarm darkening and who can prescribe a lightening agent or perform mild chemical peels.” According to Martinez, results are faster than over-the-counter regimens, and in the long run, can even save you money. “Having laser hair removal can [also] help lighten dark underarms, since you would [no longer] be shaving or plucking,” she adds.

5) What kind of laser treatments work?

Pigment-specific lasers or intense pulse light (IPL) sources combined with radiofrequency are common solutions to hyperpigmentation, not just on the armpits but also on other parts of the body (where there are freckles or sun spots). These treatments come at a premium: Be prepared to spend at least P4,000 for a session and up for a series.

Mariel Chua is the former beauty editor of Cosmopolitan, Seventeen and Ok! Magazine Philippines. Ask a beauty question at http://BeautyintheBigApple.com.

Rhesa May Martinez, MD, Ortigas Medical and Surgical Center Ste., 1615 Medical Plaza Ortigas Condo., 25 San Miguel Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Tel. 6340724; http://www.skinlasermanila.tk.

(Original Inquirer article link here.)



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