MANILA—Have you been feeling conscious about your dark underarms, elbows that you cannot wear sleeveless tops? Or you cannot wear short skirts because of your dark knees?
The good news is, there are already ways to manage these dark problems or hyperpigmentation is those parts of your body.
A dermatologist Dr. Jean Marquez, recently shared on program Pinoy MD, some skin care tips specifically for these spots.
Underarms
Doc Jean said the one of the main reasons why there are dark underarms is due to friction, including shaving and wearing tight clothes.
Because of this, shaving or waxing should only be done every three weeks and should be accompanied by shaving gels or foams.
She also warned on products being applied to it, like deodorants and anti-perspirants, which according to her have which have aluminum or aluminum chloride. This contributes to having dark underarms.
“They actually clog the pores and then… cause micro-inflammation around the pores, around the hair follicles, and this can further become pigmentation,” she said.
Products containing alcohol and strong scents should also be avoided because they irritate sensitive skin and cause dryness.
Knees and elbows
Doc Jean revealed that contrary to popular belief, the elbows and knees should not be scrubbed much because it removes oil, causing them to be darker and drier.
Peeling products should also be stopped because it also irritates the skin. Instead, use gentle whitening creams that contain niacinamide, licorice or arbutin.
Underlying diseases
Hyperpigmentation can also be caused by diseases, such as acanthosis nigricans. According to Mayo Clinic, this is a skin condition that causes a dark discoloration in body folds and creases.
It can also be symptoms of diabetes, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or hormonal imbalance caused by contraceptive pills.
To prevent the situation from getting worse, Doc Jean recommends to consult a doctor first instead of relying on the internet for solutions or remedies.
