How to whiten dark underarms

Dear Lucy And Tingting,

I have fair complexion, but I’ve got dark underarms without hair. I tried using Extraderm for whitening underarms and also tawas, but nothing happened. What cream or product can you recommend to whiten and, at the same time, deodorize my underarms. I think all the deodorants and antiperspirants available on the market darken the underarms. I’ve also tried lemon, but nothing seems to help. I’m really desperate!

Pilar

Your best bet would be to go and see a reputable dermatologist about your dark underarms. In previous articles, I mentioned several bleaching and whitening options (you can check Style SOS archives) but to sum it up, you can try the following:

• Pluck or wax underarm hair, thus making the skin look more even-toned.

• Be sure to wash off properly any deodorant product you use – improper washing may leave residue which in turn can irritate skin, darkening it in the process.

• Try using some lightening cream (the same one you use for your face). There are a lot of choices out there on the market.

• I know of some people who swear by papaya soap to lighten the skin so maybe that can be an option as well.

• Check out bleaching, whitening treatment options from reputable salons and/or dermatologists.

• As with any treatment, being consistent is key. For a product to work, it has to be done for a specific period of time. Do not be impatient and expect remarkable overnight results.

Lucy

There is a deodorant I have seen in drug stores that whitens, too. Take a trip and scour the shelves.

You can use a separate deodorant or antiperspirant and then a whitening product on top. Or you can use a deodorant in the morning and a whitening cream at night. Watch out for whitening creams containing agents such as hydroquinone, melawhite, liconia and kojic acid.

Make sure to do a skin test before you use any.

Tingting

Dear Mary,

What is the proper attire when attending funerals? I see people wearing barong and elegant black dresses, and then I see people looking so casual in denims. Please comment on this.

Arlene

It is not necessary for one to wear black at funerals. White or gray or a combination of dark and light colors is also appropriate. Wearing denims shows lack of respect for the deceased person. For the men, a dark suit, barong or a white shirt with black tie is fine.

Mary

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