You’ve likely stumbled upon the suggestion of using lemon juice to lighten your underarms while searching for solutions to hyperpigmentation. As a natural remedy, lemon juice is often presented as a simple solution. However, using lemon juice on your armpits is a myth that has never been proven to work. In fact, it can be a dangerous practice that leads to the very issue you are trying to avoid: more hyperpigmentation.
Why Underarms Darken
Hyperpigmentation, or skin discoloration, is common under the arms. Several factors can contribute to this condition.
- Genetics: Your genes can play a role in determining your skin tone and how it reacts to different stimuli.
- Hormones: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menstruation, can trigger hyperpigmentation.
- Age: As you age, your skin undergoes changes that can lead to discoloration.
- Sun Exposure: Exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can stimulate melanin production, leading to darker skin.
- Allergic Reactions: Deodorants containing harsh chemicals and fragrances can cause allergic reactions, resulting in dark underarms. If this is the case, consider switching to a natural deodorant that is free of these harmful substances.
The Problem with Lemon Juice
Despite many websites promoting lemon juice as a solution for underarm discoloration, the truth is that it can be harmful to your skin. Lemons and other citrus fruits contain chemicals that can cause skin hypersensitivity, especially when combined with sun exposure.
When ultraviolet light interacts with the chemicals in lemon juice, a chemical reaction occurs, resulting in colored patches on the skin where the lemon juice was applied. This reaction is similar to a chemical burn. The dark splotches may not be immediately visible, but they typically appear within two to three days of initial exposure.
Even worse, hyperpigmentation can occur within about a week, which is the opposite of what you are trying to achieve. If hyperpigmentation occurs as a result of using lemon to lighten armpits, keeping the area lubricated is the best remedy.
The Science Behind Why Lemon Juice Can Cause Harm
Lemon juice is composed of citric acid, an AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid). While AHAs can benefit the skin, lemon juice should not be applied directly. Cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Jaishree Sharad, founder of Skinfinitii Aesthetic Skin and Laser Clinic, explains that citric acid should be modified into a formulation that adapts to the skin’s pH.
Human skin has a pH of 4.5 to 5.5, making it slightly acidic. Lemon juice, with a pH between 2 and 3, is highly acidic. This high acidity can disrupt the skin’s natural pH, weakening the skin barrier and leading to irritation, peeling, dryness, stinging, redness, and even dehydration. Severe irritation from lemon juice can cause blistering, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and even permanent scarring.
Additionally, lemon juice contains furocoumarins, compounds that can interact with DNA, including the DNA in your skin. Lemon juice increases the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, potentially causing sunburn-like rashes, irritation, and inflammation in severe cases. Because it is photosensitive, it can also cause skin burns.
What the Study Says
In a study, participants applied lemon juice to their underarms once a day in the morning. Although the study indicated a reduction in underarm body odor, side effects such as itch, irritation, and eczema were relatively common. These side effects resolved upon stopping the use of lemon juice or with a mid-potency topical steroid cream.
Lemon juice may reduce underarm body odor by lowering the skin’s pH, which can affect the bacteria that break down sweat and cause body odor. However, trapping lemon juice against the skin, friction, and sweat can increase the risk of irritation. This irritation can cause dermatitis, rashes, eczema flares, and hyperpigmentation, especially in people with darker skin tones.
Applying lemon juice in the morning and then exposing the underarm area to ultraviolet radiation can cause phytophotodermatitis.
Safe Alternatives for Underarm Lightening
If you’re looking for safe and effective ways to lighten your underarms, there are several alternatives to consider.
- Topical Treatments: Look for over-the-counter or prescription creams containing ingredients like kojic acid, alpha arbutin, niacinamide, or vitamin C. These ingredients can help to inhibit melanin production and lighten dark spots.
- Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation can help to remove dead skin cells and reveal brighter skin underneath. Use a gentle scrub or exfoliating washcloth to avoid irritation.
- Laser Therapy: Laser treatments can target and break down melanin in the skin, resulting in a more even skin tone. Consult with a dermatologist to determine if laser therapy is right for you.
- Natural Remedies: Some natural remedies, such as aloe vera and cucumber extract, have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to improve the appearance of dark underarms.
- Professional Treatments: Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are professional treatments that can help to exfoliate the skin and lighten dark spots. These treatments should be performed by a qualified aesthetician or dermatologist.
Disclaimer
*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before trying any new treatment for hyperpigmentation or other skin conditions.*