Creating a life inside your body will show in your skin. However, not all are glowing when it comes to pregnancy. For most mamas, dark skin patches may appear on different body parts. More often than not, this will be on their underarms. But it can also happen in the face and inner thighs. Keep reading to discover how to prevent or reverse dark underarms during pregnancy.
What causes dark underarms during pregnancy?
First and foremost, we want to assure you that getting darker underarms during pregnancy is entirely normal. Asian mamas are even more prone to this.
This is a medical condition known as melasma. You would know you have this when you see blotchy spots of darker skin – especially on parts with a lot of friction.
Your hormones go through so many changes while you are pregnant. This may trigger an increase in melanin.
Melanin provides colour to hair, skin, and eyes. You will get darker in these areas if you have more of this.
Will dark underarms during pregnancy go away on their own?
Yes. Some are lucky enough that their melasma went away after giving birth.
According to some mamas, the effects of melasma were erased within the first year postpartum. But unfortunately, this isn't the case for everyone. That's why prevention is the key, just like in most things.
So, don't worry because there are so many things that you can do to help yourself…and we can start today.
Also Read: Best Aluminium Free Deodorants in Singapore That Are Safe For Pregnancy
Ways to Deal With Dark Underarms During Pregnancy
Here are some practical ways to keep your underarms light during pregnancy:
1. Stop waxing
Now is the perfect time to just let your skin breathe. However, as we all know, waxing can cause more friction to the skin. Because of this, you may get irritated which can worsen your melasma. Aside from that, increased blood flow during pregnancy will be more painful to get your underarms waxed.
The safest way to remove unwanted body hair is to shave. However, it would be best if you were extremely careful. It would be best not to shave very close to the skin. Minor cuts called microabrasions can also be very irritating. This will also darken your underarms more.
2. Wear loose clothing
Now that you are pregnant, you are probably wearing your airy maternity clothes. Aside from your baby bump, you should wear loose clothes in the underarm area.
Again, this will limit your underarms' friction from your movement. Another advantage of wearing loose clothing is that it prevents body odour, which is common to pregnant mamas. But we'll talk about that some other time.
3. Use natural remedies
There is a very long list of home items that you can use to lighten your underarms. But of course, you need to be careful when applying them.
Some safe options are apple cider vinegar, milk of magnesia, lemon juice, and a combination of oatmeal and honey. You may apply any of these for a few minutes. Just be sure to rinse them off properly after doing so. It will also be practical to use these products before taking a shower.
Aside from this, there are also many available recipes that you can follow. But it would be best to talk to your doctor first.
4. Use medical-grade skincare
Speaking of doctors, you may also talk with your medical expert to see if they have medical-grade products that you can use. This will be both effective and safe in treating your melasma. However, just be prepared, as clinical creams are often more expensive.
Aside from this, some may recommend that you wait until after your pregnancy. Some products and treatments, such as lasers, are unsafe for pregnant mamas.
5. Change your deodorant
You may need to say goodbye to your tried and tested deodorant. Now that you're a mama, it would be best to use products specifically made for you. As your pregnancy journey progresses, you will encounter many underarm issues. Aside from discolouration, you will also deal with body odour, irritation, itchiness, and more.
Since you apply your deodorant daily, you must find the right one. This is the time to look for gentler but just-as-if-not-more effective products. Our recommendation? Go for Mama's Choice Dry Serum Deodorant.
Show your underarms some love with this Dry Serum Deodorant!
The struggle is real when it comes to finding suitable products for mamas. There are simply so many out there, and there are a lot of factors to consider.
Well, we are now ending your search when it comes to deodorant. The Mama's Choice Dry Serum Deodorant is specially-formulated for pregnant mamas like you. On top of that, it's also safe for postpartum and breastfeeding mamas.
This deodorant has a triple-action formula that targets three of Mamas' primary underarm problems. It contains niacinamide which is known to lighten the skin, CareMag (Dead Sea Mineral) which prevents sweating and body odour, and lemon extract which has vitamins to nourish the skin. Since you are pregnant, it would be best to use fewer products. Think of deodorant as your entire skincare routine for your underarms!
Mamas in Singapore have nothing but praises for this pregnancy-safe deodorant, too.
"Sweat a lot during pregnancy; this isn't like normal deodorant. Cream[y] texture, absorbed well into the skin, nice smelling, a bit strong scent but when used and absorbed into the skin, the smell [is] very mold. Kept the pits dry and the skin very smooth. Will continue to use this throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding," said one customer on Shopee.
Another good thing about this dry serum deodorant is it doesn't contain harmful ingredients like aluminium, which may be harmful to pregnant mamas despite being effective at reducing sweat.
In addition, it's free of alcohol, fragrance, and paraben. Dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic, Mama's Choice Dry Serum Deodorant is not just effective but safe too. Try this deodorant today, Mama!