During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes significant changes, with areas of the body becoming darker in color, including darkened armpits during pregnancy. Although this condition does not affect health, it greatly impacts the aesthetics and confidence of pregnant women throughout pregnancy. So, what is armpit darkening, and what causes dark armpits during pregnancy?
1. What is armpit darkening?
Darkened armpits during pregnancy are quite common among most women during the gestation period. This condition refers to the skin in the armpit area suddenly becoming darker compared to before pregnancy. It often improves after childbirth.
Dark armpits during pregnancy do not pose any danger to the health of mother and baby. This condition only causes discomfort in the mother's daily activities, making the mother feel self-conscious.
2. Causes of armpit darkening during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s body increase significantly. This stimulates the production of melanin pigments, causing the skin surface to thin and its color to change from pinkish-white to dark quickly, resulting in armpit darkening.
Additionally, not only the armpits but also other body folds, such as the neck, groin, and thighs, are more prone to darkening. Particularly, the neck and armpit areas, which are frequently exposed to sunlight, tend to darken more noticeably. In some mothers, the placenta secretes hormones that further increase pigmentation, darkening the skin across the entire body.
3. How to improve darkened armpits during pregnancy
Expectant mothers experiencing darkened armpits during pregnancy should not worry excessively, as these marks will gradually fade after childbirth, once hormone levels return to balance. The skin will brighten and return to its original color, no longer appearing dark. However, if the condition causes discomfort, mothers can try the following methods to reduce darkened armpits during pregnancy:
3.1. Vitamin E combined with coconut oil
Vitamin E and coconut oil are highly gentle, safe ingredients that do not cause skin allergies in pregnant women. Moreover, they are considered highly effective remedies for treating darkened armpits, including during pregnancy.
To apply this method, pregnant women only need to mix one teaspoon of coconut oil with one capsule of vitamin E. Clean and moisten the armpit skin, then apply the mixture and gently massage for 5 minutes. Leave it on for 10 minutes to allow nutrients to penetrate deeply, then rinse with clean water and pat the armpits dry with a soft towel.
The best time to apply the mixture of Vitamin E and coconut oil is before bathing. Pregnant women should apply this method daily for optimal results.
3.2. Combining turmeric powder, wheat flour, yogurt, and milk
A mixture of turmeric powder, wheat flour, yogurt, and milk helps brighten, smoothen, and improve darkened armpit skin during pregnancy. These are gentle ingredients suitable for use as skin masks for pregnant women, helping remove dark patches and discoloration.
To prepare, mix turmeric powder, wheat flour, unsweetened fresh milk, and yogurt in equal amounts—one teaspoon each. Apply the mixture to the armpits, allow it to dry completely, and wait another 20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
3.3. Lemon juice and cucumber
Cucumber is highly effective in tightening armpit pores and is also safe for pregnant women's skin.
Pregnant women should mix lemon juice and cucumber juice in a 1:1 ratio, then apply the mixture to the armpit area. Wait for about 25 minutes, then rinse with cool water. The lemon juice and cucumber mixture will gradually lighten the armpit skin of pregnant women and quickly remove the dark pigmentation under the arms.
3.4. Treating darkened armpits during pregnancy with tomatoes
Many pregnant women have successfully used tomatoes to treat darkened armpits during pregnancy with unexpectedly good results through simple steps: slice a tomato into thin pieces and rub them in circular motions on the armpit area for about 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Pregnant women should do this once daily before bathing to quickly achieve brighter and pinker armpit skin.
3.5. Treating darkened armpits during pregnancy with potatoes
Potato juice is also highly effective for treating darkened armpits during pregnancy. Pregnant women only need to apply potato juice to the armpit area about 30 minutes before bathing. This will tighten the pores in the armpit area and make the skin appear brighter.
3.6. Using green bean powder to treat darkened armpits during pregnancy
Green bean powder is an effective and gentle remedy for treating darkened armpits for most pregnant women. Mix green bean powder, yogurt, turmeric powder, and lemon juice together, then apply the mixture to the armpits for 45 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water afterward. By following this method continuously for one month, the darkened armpit skin will show significant improvement.
Although darkened armpits during pregnancy do not affect health, they can cause pregnant women to feel self-conscious. Therefore, you can try these natural remedies to reduce darkened armpits without affecting the health of the fetus.
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