How can you lighten dark underarms? Dermatologist shares some tips

There are many products in the market promising to lighten dark underarms, the most common being whitening antiperspirant deodorants.

But Dr. Jean Marquez said you should actually avoid harsh antiperspirants if you want to lighten the delicate skin in your armpits.

"Kung gusto niyo talaga magpa-lighten ng underarms, unang-una just avoid harsh chemicals on your underarms. Kagaya ng mga harsh na antiperspirant," she said in an episode of Pinoy MD.

The dermatologist advised to instead keep your underarms moisturized by using moisturizing soaps.

You can even put moisturizers, but these are better used at night only.

"'Wag lang sa umaga, kasi 'pag may moisturizer at mag-sweat, prone ka naman to develop body odor. So sa gabi, lalo na pag dry yung skin," she said.

"'Pag moisturized ang skin mo it will prevent irritation doon sa underarms, so kung masisikip ang mga damit mo or medyo mataba yung bata, nagkikiskisan, maiiwasan yung irritation and possible pigmentation," she added.

If the problem is red, itchy, and dry underarms, Marquez said the solution is cortisone cream, which can be bought over the counter.

There are also antihistamine and anti-allergy products, but she said it would be better to be examined by a dermatologist.

"Since nairritate, dapat din ma-check kung merong mga secondary infection or baka naman meron nang mga openings sa skin," she said.

—JCB, GMA News