Sugar - Mix a cup of brown sugar with 3 tablespoon (44. 4 ml). extra-virgin olive oil. Apply to wet skin for a minute or two during a shower or bath and rinse. Try using the mixture twice a week when you bathe. [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source [3] X Research source Baking soda - Make a thick baking soda-and-water paste to use as a scrub. After scrubbing, rinsing and drying the area, you can apply a dusting of baking powder to the skin to give it a lighter appearance. Baking soda and rosewater - Make a somewhat thick paste of baking soda and rose water. Apply to the underarm area, then wash off with warm water. Dry your arms. Do this until you see lightening of armpits. Orange - Peel an orange and put the peels out in the sun to dry. Grind the peels to form a powder and make a paste by adding rose water and milk. Scrub your underarms with the paste for 10 to 15 minutes to remove dead skin cells and rinse with cold water. [4] X Research source Pumice stone - Gently remove dead skin cells from under your arms with the use of a pumice stone. This light-weight, abrasive volcanic rock is sold in drug stores and beauty supply stores. Wet the stone thoroughly and gently scrub the underarm area.
Milk - It’s the vitamins and fatty acids in milk that make it effective in lightening dark skin. Create a paste of two tbsp. milk, one tsp. curd and one tbsp. flour. Apply to the skin, let sit for 15 minutes and rinse with cold water. Skin should be softer and free of dead skin cells, which will make the area look much lighter. You can get even better results with full fat milk cream. [5] X Research source Vinegar - For a lighter look and germ-free, sweet-smelling skin, mix vinegar with rice flour to form a paste. Take a hot shower and then apply the paste to the underarms, let dry for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water. Coconut oil - The Vitamin E in coconut oil can help lighten dark skin over time, so for best results it should be used daily or every other day. Before bathing, massage the oil into the skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with a mild soap and lukewarm water. Another benefit of coconut oil–it’s a natural deodorant.
Potato - Thinly slice a potato and rub a slice on the dark area. Or, you can grate some of the potato to release the “juice. " Apply this juice to your underarms, let it dry 10 minutes and rinse. Cucumber - Just as you did with the potato, you can rub cucumber slices on the affected area or grate some of the cucumber and use the juice. You can go a step further and add a few drops of lemon juice and some turmeric (enough to make a paste) to the cucumber juice. Apply the paste, wait a half hour and wash off. Lemon - Rub a thick slice of lemon on the dark area; the fruit will remove dead skin cells and lighten the skin. Follow-up by washing and, if necessary, applying moisturizer. (With continued use, lemons can dry out the skin). Add a small amount of tumeric, plain yogurt or honey to lemon juice to make a paste that can be left on for 10 minutes and then rinsed clean. [6] X Research source Egg oil - Gently massage egg oil on the dark area and leave on overnight; the omega-3 in egg oil promote re-epithelisation (new skin cells) which make the skin smooth and light. Wash in the morning with a pH balanced soap or body wash.
This condition can occur as a result of obesity or an endocrine (glandular) disorder. It is frequently found in people with diabetes or a tendency towards diabetes and is most common among people of African descent. [9] X Research source Other possible causes of acanthosis nigricans include Addison’s disease, pituitary gland disorders, growth hormone therapy, hypothyroidism or the use of oral contraceptives. [10] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
The most widely used ingredient in skin lighteners sold in the U. S. is hydroquinone, which is regulated by the FDA. [13] X Research source Dermatologists can write prescriptions for lighteners that contain up to 4% hydroquinone. [14] X Research source Over-the-counter skin lighteners can contain no more than 2% hydroquinone. Over-the-counter skin lighteners can contain up to 2% hydroquinone. Always check with your doctor before using a product that contains hydroquinone. [15] X Research source Use skin lighteners sold by trusted brands. Although the FDA banned the use of mercury in skin lightening products in the U. S. in 1990,[16] X Research source lightening creams that contain this toxic metal have been found here. These products were manufactured in other countries but sold in stores in the U. S. , so read labels very carefully when shopping for this product.
