Experts Reveal Solutions for Fading Dark Underarms

Dermatologists share the common causes and effective treatments to get smooth, even underarm skin before summer.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Underarm hyperpigmentation is a common but often overlooked skin concern. Experts explain the main causes, including irritation from shaving, friction, and certain medical conditions. They recommend a combination of in-office treatments like laser hair removal and Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers, as well as at-home skincare with exfoliants, brightening ingredients, and topical antibiotics to address the underlying issues.

Why it matters

Underarm discoloration can be a source of self-consciousness, especially as warmer weather approaches and more skin is exposed. Understanding the causes and having access to effective solutions can help people feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.

The details

Underarm hyperpigmentation is most commonly caused by post-inflammatory changes from repeated irritation, such as frequent shaving, tight clothing, and use of harsh deodorants. Hormonal changes, medications, and genetic factors can also contribute. In some cases, it may be a sign of an underlying condition like hidradenitis suppurativa or acanthosis nigricans. The experts recommend a multi-pronged approach, including in-office treatments like laser hair removal and Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers, as well as at-home skincare with exfoliants, brightening ingredients, and topical antibiotics to address the root causes.

  • The review on effective treatments for underarm hyperpigmentation was published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2025.

The players

Janine Hopkins, MD

A board-certified dermatologist in Southlake, Texas.

Valerie Callender, MD

A board-certified dermatologist based in Glenn Dale, Maryland.

Janet Allenby, MD

A board-certified dermatologist in Delray Beach, Florida.

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What they’re saying

“Dark underarms are most commonly caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which occurs when the skin produces excess melanin after repeated irritation.”

— Janine Hopkins, MD, board-certified dermatologist (newbeauty.com)

“Laser hair removal can play an important role by minimizing one of the most common drivers of underarm discoloration—chronic irritation from repeated shaving.”

— Janine Hopkins, MD, board-certified dermatologist (newbeauty.com)

“For many patients, treatment begins with medical-grade skincare. 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.”

— Janine Hopkins, MD, board-certified dermatologist (newbeauty.com)

The takeaway

Underarm discoloration is a common but often overlooked skin concern that can be effectively treated through a combination of in-office procedures and targeted at-home skincare. By addressing the root causes, people can feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin as summer approaches.