Truth about dark underarms: It's a health issue, not a beauty fad
When Aarti turned 24, she stopped wearing sleeveless tops-not because of modesty, but because her underarms had darkened noticeably over the past few years. She tried whitening deodorants, lightening serums, even homemade scrubs made of lemon and turmeric. Nothing worked."I thought I wasn't doing enough self-care," she says, "until my doctor told me it had nothing to do with my hygiene-and everything to do with my hormones."Dark underarms, knees, neck folds, and inner thighs are often sold to us as aesthetic flaws. But in reality, these patches may be early warning signs of underlying metabolic or endocrine disorders.advertisementTHE SCIENCE BEHIND SKIN DARKENINGSkin darkening in folds like the underarms, groin, or neck is often caused by a condition called acanthosis nigricans (AN). This isn't a skin issue; it's a systemic signal. AN is most commonly linked to:Insulin resistancePolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)ObesityType 2 DiabetesThyroid disordersAccording to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, up to 74% of people with acanthosis nigricans also have insulin resistance. The darkening occurs when high insulin levels stimulate skin cells (keratinocytes) to grow more rapidly and produce extra pigment (melanin).HORMONES, FRICTION, AND MELANIN: THE REAL CULPRITS
It's not dirt. It's not poor hygiene. It's biology.Friction from tight clothing or frequent shaving can worsen darkening by causing chronic low-grade inflammation. Hormonal imbalances, particularly from conditions like PCOS, can increase melanin production. Obesity adds skin folds and raises insulin levels, both of which accelerate pigmentation.THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY'S DANGEROUS NARRATIVEadvertisementDespite clear links to health issues, many beauty brands continue to market dark underarms as a cosmetic flaw. A 2021 market report by Statista estimated the global skin-lightening industry to be worth over $8.3 billion, with underarm and intimate area creams gaining popularity in Asia and Africa."Many fairness or underarm-lightening creams contain harmful ingredients like hydroquinone, mercury, or high-dose steroids," says Dr. Roshni Deshmukh, a dermatologist in Mumbai. "They might offer temporary results, but can damage the skin barrier or cause rebound pigmentation. Worse, they distract from the real issue which may be internal."WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR INSTEAD OF A DERMATOLOGISTIf you have dark patches in more than one fold (underarms, groin, neck, knuckles), and especially if you also have irregular periods, fatigue, or sudden weight gain, consult a physician, not just a skincare expert.Tests for:Blood sugar / HbA1cThyroid functionHormonal panels (PCOS/androgens)WHAT ACTUALLY HELPSAddressing insulin resistance through diet, exercise, and medication (like Metformin)Weight managementSwitching to gentle, non-frictional hygiene productsOpical retinoids or azelaic acid, under prescriptionLet's Stop Shaming Skin for SpeakingYour skin is a messenger, not a mistake. It's time we stop blaming ourselves or our bodies for changes that are natural or symptomatic."I wasted so much time and money on underarm creams," Aarti says. "I wish someone had told me it was my body asking for help."- Ends
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Women, Here's Why You Should Add 1 Tablespoon Of Flaxseeds In Your Daily Diet
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Truth about dark underarms: It's a health issue, not a beauty fad
When Aarti turned 24, she stopped wearing sleeveless tops-not because of modesty, but because her underarms had darkened noticeably over the past few years. She tried whitening deodorants, lightening serums, even homemade scrubs made of lemon and turmeric. Nothing worked."I thought I wasn't doing enough self-care," she says, "until my doctor told me it had nothing to do with my hygiene-and everything to do with my hormones."Dark underarms, knees, neck folds, and inner thighs are often sold to us as aesthetic flaws. But in reality, these patches may be early warning signs of underlying metabolic or endocrine SCIENCE BEHIND SKIN DARKENINGSkin darkening in folds like the underarms, groin, or neck is often caused by a condition called acanthosis nigricans (AN). This isn't a skin issue; it's a systemic signal. AN is most commonly linked to:Insulin resistancePolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)ObesityType 2 DiabetesThyroid disordersAccording to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, up to 74% of people with acanthosis nigricans also have insulin resistance. The darkening occurs when high insulin levels stimulate skin cells (keratinocytes) to grow more rapidly and produce extra pigment (melanin).HORMONES, FRICTION, AND MELANIN: THE REAL CULPRITS It's not dirt. It's not poor hygiene. It's from tight clothing or frequent shaving can worsen darkening by causing chronic low-grade inflammation. Hormonal imbalances, particularly from conditions like PCOS, can increase melanin production. Obesity adds skin folds and raises insulin levels, both of which accelerate BEAUTY INDUSTRY'S DANGEROUS NARRATIVEadvertisementDespite clear links to health issues, many beauty brands continue to market dark underarms as a cosmetic flaw. A 2021 market report by Statista estimated the global skin-lightening industry to be worth over $8.3 billion, with underarm and intimate area creams gaining popularity in Asia and Africa."Many fairness or underarm-lightening creams contain harmful ingredients like hydroquinone, mercury, or high-dose steroids," says Dr. Roshni Deshmukh, a dermatologist in Mumbai. "They might offer temporary results, but can damage the skin barrier or cause rebound pigmentation. Worse, they distract from the real issue which may be internal."WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR INSTEAD OF A DERMATOLOGISTIf you have dark patches in more than one fold (underarms, groin, neck, knuckles), and especially if you also have irregular periods, fatigue, or sudden weight gain, consult a physician, not just a skincare for:Blood sugar / HbA1cThyroid functionHormonal panels (PCOS/androgens)WHAT ACTUALLY HELPSAddressing insulin resistance through diet, exercise, and medication (like Metformin)Weight managementSwitching to gentle, non-frictional hygiene productsOpical retinoids or azelaic acid, under prescriptionLet's Stop Shaming Skin for SpeakingYour skin is a messenger, not a mistake. It's time we stop blaming ourselves or our bodies for changes that are natural or symptomatic."I wasted so much time and money on underarm creams," Aarti says. "I wish someone had told me it was my body asking for help."- Ends
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