Does Using Deodorant Cause Dark Underarms? Dermat Reveals Truth

For years, many people have believed that deodorants are the main reason behind dark underarms. It's one of those beauty remarks that has been passed down through friends, family, and the internet. However, often without any real evidence. So, to finally set this straight once and for all, we reached out to an expert, who broke down what actually causes underarm darkening, whether your daily deodorant is really to blame, and should you stop using it.

Does Deodorant Really Darken Underarms? 

According to Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Consultant Dermatologist, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, the easy answer is that no, deodorant itself doesn't cause dark underarms. But that's not all there is to say. Though deodorants are clear of charges, some ingredients and habits regarding underarm care do contribute toward pigmentation.

She explained, “Using deodorant does not directly cause dark underarms. However, some ingredients and habits can contribute to pigmentation. Products containing alcohol, fragrance, and other harsh chemicals may generate inflammation in sensitive skin of underarms. After some time, this inflammation can stimulate melanin production, which darkens skin tone.

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Many commercial deodorants, particularly those that are heavily fragrant, irritate sensitive skin. When the area of skin under the arm becomes inflamed repeatedly, it may react by producing more melanin, which is the pigment that gives colour to skin, and lead to darkening.

Are Antiperspirants Better or Worse than Deodorants?

Antiperspirants are made with aluminum salts, which block the apocrine ducts temporarily to lessen perspiration. In simpler words what aluminum salts does is that it may block the pores and at times lead to irritation. While the aluminum particularly does not cause the darkening, frequent irritations do.

“Thus, once again, it is not the ingredient involved but the reaction of the skin to irritation, causing underarm pigmentation,” Dr Passi highlighted.

Link Between Shaving Habit and Dark Underarms

Now that it’s clear that deodorant isn't the cause, then one might think what is? According to Dr Passi, one of the most major contributors is shaving. She emphasised, "Poor shaving habits also contribute to this. Dry shaving or using dull blades causes microcuts and inflammation, worsening pigmentation.”

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The skin under the arms is sensitive, and shaving, particularly without lubrication like shaving cream, gel, or even a mild soap, causes microabrasions. A dull razor makes things worse. With every minor cut, there is inflammation, which, in turn, causes increased pigmentation over time.

Tips To Prevent Underarm Darkening

Dr Passi pointed out that the good news is that there are a few simple tweaks that can make a big difference. These include:

• Switch to gentler deodorants: Go for alcohol-free, fragrance-free, or natural formulations.
• Moisturise your underarms: Use a light, soothing lotion or aloe gel prevents irritation.
• Shave smarter: Always use a sharp razor and shave over damp, softened skin.
• Consider alternatives: If shaving irritates you, it may be time to consider trimming, waxing, or using hair removal creams designed for sensitive skin.
• Exfoliate lightly: Exfoliating once or twice a week may help to avoid buildup and ingrown hairs.

Dr Passi concluded, "In short, deodorant isn't the direct cause of it, but irritation is. And this can easily be avoided by opting for lighter products and proper underarm skincare."

Bottomline

Your deodorant isn't darkening your underarms, the irritation caused by it does. Switching to gentler products and taking care of the skin in your underarms can prevent pigmentation.