Summer is the season of breezy dresses and sleeveless tops. It’s that time of year when the parts of your body that are usually covered up get their fair share of sunshine. That’s why they deserve some extra care and attention. Take your underarms, for example — not only should they be hair-free, but the skin tone should also be even and pleasant to look at.
You might wonder, “What does skin tone have to do with underarms?” Quite a lot, actually. Many people have noticed that the skin in the underarm area is often darker than the surrounding areas. This is common, especially among those who shave frequently or experience friction from tight clothing. But the good news is that with just a little extra care, you can brighten the skin in that area, reduce sweating, and even prevent body odor. Want to know how? Let me walk you through my favorite three-step routine that gets the job done in just 15 minutes.
Why Underarm Care Matters — Especially in Summer
Your underarms require attention all year round, but in the summer, it becomes especially important. Why? Because underarms are home to a high concentration of sweat glands. Sweating is a natural, essential function of our bodies — it helps regulate body temperature. When we overheat, sweat glands produce perspiration, which rises to the surface of the skin and evaporates, cooling the body in the process. This mechanism is key to preventing overheating.
However, while sweating is beneficial physiologically, it can be socially uncomfortable — especially when it leads to unpleasant odors.
Here’s something you might not know: sweat itself has no smell. That’s right — it’s actually the interaction between sweat and the bacteria living on your skin that creates body odor. This fact alone makes underarm hygiene even more critical.
Another common issue is darkened underarm skin. Frequent shaving, friction, and dead skin buildup are some of the main culprits. Fortunately, there are simple, natural remedies to help you restore the brightness and softness of your underarms.
Let’s jump into the three steps.
Step 1 – Exfoliation with a Natural Scrub
Exfoliation is the foundation of any good skincare routine — and your underarms are no exception. For this step, we use a powerful natural combination: lemon and sugar.
Lemon is well-known for its brightening properties and antibacterial effects. It helps protect against infections and significantly reduces odor. Sugar, on the other hand, acts as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and surface buildup.
How to make it:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with 1/2 teaspoon of granulated sugar.
- Apply this scrub to your underarms in circular motions.
- Let it sit for a minute or two while gently rubbing the skin, then rinse with warm water and pat dry.
This will instantly leave your skin feeling smoother and fresher.
Step 2 – Brightening Mask
After exfoliating, it’s time to target pigmentation. This brightening step helps reduce the appearance of dark patches and brings out your natural skin tone.
For this, you’ll need:
- Dried orange peel powder (you can blend dried peels into a fine powder)
- 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
Instructions:
- Mix the orange peel powder with the yogurt until you get a thick, creamy paste.
- Apply this mask to your underarms and leave it on for 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
This step not only brightens the skin but also makes it softer and more nourished thanks to the lactic acid in the yogurt and the natural citrus oils in the orange peel.
Step 3 – Moisturize and Nourish
Hydration is key to maintaining healthy skin — and underarms are no different. This final step helps lock in moisture, further lighten the skin, and soothe any post-exfoliation sensitivity.
You’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons of flour (gram flour or regular flour works)
- A small amount of water to create a thick, sticky paste
- Optionally, a pinch of turmeric for its skin-brightening and antibacterial properties
Instructions:
- Mix the ingredients until you get a consistent paste.
- Apply it evenly to your underarms and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
You’ll notice your underarms feel smoother, softer, and look visibly brighter after just one use.
Final Thoughts
This simple yet effective 3-step routine only takes 15 minutes and uses ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. When repeated 2–3 times a week, it can dramatically improve the look and feel of your underarms. No more hesitation when it comes to sleeveless outfits — you’ll feel confident and fresh all day long.
Try this method regularly and say goodbye to dark underarms and unwanted odors. Clean, bright, and soft underarms are just a few steps away!
