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Dark underarms are very common in India, and a lot of glutathione products are sold for exactly this. Before you buy anything, it helps to know why the skin there has darkened, because the cause decides what will work.
What causes dark underarms?
- Friction, from tight clothes or skin rubbing against skin
- Shaving and other hair removal, because razors and waxing irritate the skin
- Deodorants and antiperspirants that don't agree with your skin
- A build-up of dead skin
- Sweat and humidity, which most of India has plenty of
- Hormonal and metabolic causes, such as acanthosis nigricans. This is linked to insulin resistance, PCOS, diabetes and weight gain.
One thing to watch for. If the dark skin feels thick or velvety, or you also see it on the back of your neck, please see a doctor. It can be a sign of insulin resistance, and treating that matters far more than any cream.
Can glutathione help dark underarms?
It may help with darkness caused by friction and irritation. It does this by supporting a more even skin tone and fighting oxidative stress. Very little research looks at underarms specifically, though, so expect slow, modest change and not a dramatic difference.
If the darkness comes from an underlying condition like insulin resistance, glutathione won't fix it unless that condition gets treated as well.
A gentle underarm routine
- Wash gently with a mild cleanser. Don't scrub hard.
- Pat the area completely dry.
- At night, apply a thin layer of glutathione cream.
- Try a gentler deodorant, or go without it on some days.
- Pick a hair removal method that irritates less, like trimming, and moisturise afterwards.
Patch test first. The skin in your underarms is thin and sensitive. Never put the cream on skin that's freshly shaved, cut or irritated.
Everyday habits that help
- Wear loose, breathable cotton.
- Keep the area dry.
- Moisturise every day so there's less friction.
- Try to stay at a healthy weight, and get your blood sugar checked if the darkness is thick or spreading.
Elbows, knees and inner thighs
These areas darken for much the same reasons, mostly friction and dryness. So the same routine works here too. Cleanse gently, moisturise, cut down on friction, and use a leave-on brightening product. There's more in our guide to glutathione for pigmentation.
Before you buy
If your underarm darkness comes from friction, glutathione can be one part of the routine, along with gentle care and less irritation. If the patches are thick and velvety, see a doctor before you try anything.
Also worth reading: glutathione for tan removal · glutathione for men
From the makers of this guide
Glutanex Glutathione Night Cream
It can be used on body areas prone to dullness. It contains kojic acid, so always patch test and avoid freshly shaved or broken skin.
Follow @glutanexofficial on Instagram
Disclosure: Glutanex is our own brand. Individual results vary.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Consult a doctor or dermatologist before starting any supplement or treatment.
This article is for general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or dermatologist before starting any supplement or treatment. Disclaimer · Disclosure
