FOR YEARS I have tried to make my underarms smooth and white. I tried using deodorant with whitening formula, but it only made my armpits dark and smelly. I need a natural way to whiten it but I am allergic to calamansi, which my friend recommended, and only irritated my skin more. With what other ways can I whiten my underarms without spending too much money for it?
—Michelle B.

There seems to be a secret obsession for whiter underarms. Hyperpigmentation affects more women than you think, which means you are not alone in this. There are many reasons our underarms turn dark: It can be a reaction to your deodorant, plucking or shaving, dead skin buildup, rubbing against tight, synthetic clothing or plain genetics.

Proper hygiene and finding the right products that work for you can all help whiten underarms. You’ll probably need to do a process of elimination to be able to pinpoint the causes of your skin darkening, so patience is a must.

If the old lemon or calamansi doesn’t work for you, try using other foods with whitening properties. Papaya and milk are known to gently whiten skin (these can be mixed together and applied on your underarms), but using these may take time to work.

A more effective way would be reaching for papaya soap and using it twice a day. Or find an underarm whitening program that suits your skin type and budget. There are a lot of brands out there with different active ingredients, such as Vitamin C, AHA and licorice extract.

It can take a lot of trial and error, but give the product time to work before you move on to the next one. If you’re fazed with the idea of trying so many products, consult a dermatologist who can prescribe you a bleaching cream that works.

Many women still shave their underarms, and there’s nothing wrong with it if you do it the right way. However, instead of just using a razor against your skin before applying deodorant, use shaving cream while at the shower (this is more gentle on your skin).

Waxing is also a more ideal choice, but is usually easier when done by a professional. Laser hair removal is the best way to get rid of underarm hair, but is the priciest. Depending on your time and budget, you will be able to find a way to remove hair on your underarms without causing it to darken. Just be gentle on your skin and, again, be patient. You’ll see results in a couple of weeks.

Lastly, it might be your antiperspirant or deodorant that is causing your underarms to darken. It could be your skin is reacting to it, or there has been a build-up over time. An antiperspirant/deodorant made with more natural ingredients will be gentler on your skin. Try going to a health or wellness shop that sell products with organic or natural ingredients.

Rougher skin

I am 26 years old and a mother of a four-month-old baby. Since my pregnancy, I’ve noticed my skin has become rough and dry, especially on my face. I’ve tried lots of moisturizing products but they don’t help at all. I am unable to go to a facial center because it is very expensive, and I have no time after work, especially when I have to rush home to take care of my baby. Can you give me tips on how to have glowing and healthy skin again?
—Ruby G.

I can imagine the changes your body has been going through these past few months and, needless to say, it will get better again.

A few of my closest friends got pregnant a few years back so I asked them about your problem. One of them recommended a heavy moisturizing cream (the consistency has to be rich and thick) for your face, and body oil to keep the rest of your skin moisturized. You may have to apply these many times during the day, or whenever your skin feels tight and dry.

Avoid your typical soap, too, as this may cause your skin to dry up. Instead, switch to a light cleanser (if it’s gentle enough for babies, then that’s the one for you). Another friend of mine used a moisturizing atomizer the whole time she was pregnant, which works well, too, for this fickle weather. Rosewater also soothes skin and reduces redness.

Lastly, your skin must have become sensitive as a result of your pregnancy, so it may also be reacting to the products you’ve been using for years. Switch to products with ingredients like calendula and chamomile, which are said to be soothing and anti-inflammatory.

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