Sometimes, no matter how much you shave, shower and moisturize your underarms, there’s still a darker tone to armpits than the rest of your skin. While common, underarm hyperpigmentation is not often discussed due to self-consciousness. We asked the experts to break down the causes and solutions for dark underarms so we can get your skin even and smooth in time for summer.
Featured Experts
The Causes of Dark Underarms
Understanding the cause is the first step toward finding the right solution for you. “Dark underarms are most commonly caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which occurs when the skin produces excess melanin after repeated irritation,” says Southlake, TX dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD. “Frequent shaving, aggressive hair removal, friction from tight clothing and the use of irritating deodorants can all trigger inflammation.” Some of this might fall into the category of contact dermatitis, says Glenn Dale, MD dermatologist Valerie Callender, MD which can be associated with itching and burning alongside discoloration.
“Hormonal changes, certain medications and genetic predisposition may also contribute,” says Dr. Hopkins. “Less commonly, buildup of dead skin cells and bacterial overgrowth can create a dull or shadowed appearance,” she adds. Dr. Callendar notes that darkening armpits can also simply be a “normal skin change in people of color.”
Alternatively, dark underarms could be a sign of an underlying condition at play, like hidradenitis suppurativa or acanthosis nigricans, which is “a condition associated with insulin resistance that leads to thickened, velvety, darkened skin,” explains Dr. Callender. In this case, the underlying problem must be fixed before the skin improves, says Delray Beach, FL dermatologist Dr. Janet Allenby.
Solutions for Dark Underarms
The solution for your dark underarms is dependent on the cause that’s plaguing you, so be sure to consult with your doctor to ensure a new treatment or product is right for your skin type, concerns and goals.
In-office treatments
Dr. Hopkins says a 2025 systematic review published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that the most effective treatment for axillary hyperpigmentation is a “combination of both topical therapies and in-office energy-based devices with Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers among the most frequently used treatments associated with pigment reduction without severe adverse effects.” She adds that IPL devices were also reported to be beneficial in select skin types. Topical treatments such as PRX Derm Perfexion (formerly PRX-T33) or the acid peel Chrysalis Peel System are Dr. Allenby’s go-tos for treating underarm discoloration. Ask your doctor about the best option for you.
Laser hair removal
Dr. Callender says laser hair removal could help reduce darkness on the underarms by cutting out one of the main culprits. “Laser hair removal can play an important role by minimizing one of the most common drivers of underarm discoloration—chronic irritation from repeated shaving,” says Dr. Hopkins.
At-home skin care
“For many patients, treatment begins with medical-grade skin care. Incorporating chemical exfoliants such as lactic acid or glycolic acid can accelerate cellular turnover, while brightening ingredients like niacinamide, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid and cysteamine help regulate melanin production safely,” says Dr. Hopkins. “These are particularly helpful when pigmentation is caused by shaving irritation, friction or post-inflammatory changes,” she notes. Dr. Allenby likes to use Neova 5-Second Daily Peel ($98) for herself and recommends the Ourself Complexion Brightening Serum ($189) to patients.
“Ingrown hairs, folliculitis or friction from shaving can be improved by the use of a topical antibiotic—like clindamycin gel or lotion—prescribed by your physician,” says Dr. Callender. If contact dermatitis is the culprit, Dr. Callender recommends switching to a mild deodorant like Dove’s sensitive deodorant ($8) and applying a topical cortisone cream to address the inflammation. Once the skin irritation resolves, then skin lightening products—containing hydroquinone, melasyl serum or nicotinamide—could be helpful, she adds.
