By Patricia Uyeh

Having dark underarms could be quite embarrassing particularly when you are wearing a sleeveless dress or blouse  Dark underarms is usually caused by shaving, regular use of hair removing creams, excessive sweating, poor ventilation of underarms, accumulation of dead skin cells, and use of alcohol-based deodorants and antiperspirants.

However, you can get rid of unsightly arms with simple homemade remedies that are not only natural but also affordable. They include:

1. Potato
Simply rub a thin slice of potato on your underarms.
You can also grate the potato and apply the juice to the affected area, allow it to dry for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

2. Cucumber
Simply rub a thin cucumber slice on your underarms or grate a cucumber and apply the juice under your arms. Do this once or twice daily until you are satisfied with the results.

3. Lemon

To remove dead skin cells and lighten your underarms, rub a lemon wedge on the skin for a few minutes. Leave the juice on your skin for about 10 minutes and then wash the area thoroughly. For better exfoliation, you can sprinkle a little sugar on the lemon wedge and then use it. Do this a few times a week

4. Baking soda
Mix baking soda and water to make a thick paste. Use this paste to scrub your underarms. Wash it off and pat dry the area thoroughly.
Repeat a few times a week.

5. Orange peel
Put some orange peels in the sun for a few days until they dry out completely.

Grind the dried peels into powder form.

Mix two teaspoons of powdered orange peels with enough rose water and milk to make a thick paste.

Gently scrub your underarms with the paste and then leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Finally, wash the area with cold water. Repeat the process two or three times a week.

6. Coconut oil
Massage the dark underarms with coconut oil. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.

Wash it off with mild soap and lukewarm water. Repeat two or three times daily until you achieve the desired results.

Photo credit: pintetest