Product Recommendation: Total NonScents Ultra-Gentle Brightening Antiperspirant

Alright, I'm going to talk about it. Yes, 'it' being underarm discoloration.

It's not as embarrassing as people make it out to be. Having a discoloration or darker skin in the underarm area is very common, not only in people of color but with all skin tones. The causes of it are usually genetic, but it could also be from irritation as well as a result of a medical condition (though this is usually not the case).

More often, darker skin types or any skin type that has has medium to dark pigment is 'prone' to acquiring discoloration in the underarms. A lot of it goes hand in hand with the anatomy of the body (check out my post on Body Lightening I explain more extensively) in that the underarms are a 'fold' on the body and are prone to rubbing of the skin, exertion, shaving, and irritation. Excessive, pro-longed irritation = post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Furthermore, it can also be a direct result of the antiperspirant or chemical-based deodorant you are using. Many people develop rashes, redness, and irritation from them.

The least common result of darkened and discolored underarms in most people is from insulin resistance. This usually only affects some people with type II diabetes (the actual medical condition is called acanthosis nigricans).

It can be a little tough to deal with, since it makes wearing sleevless dresses and tops more cumbersome. Fortunatley there are ways to treat this.

DermaDoctor has a skin brightening antiperspirant that is ultra gentle, and over time lightens the discoloration of the underarms.

The key to tackling this issue is to be gentle. Old methods of getting rid of discolored underarms was to be as aggressive as possible like using AHAs on that area, or lemon juice. Exfoliating the underarms gently (and I mean gently) is fine, but using peels, or retinoids, AHAs on that area leads to itchiness and irritation which ultimatley leads to increased melanin production, hence post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

DermaDoctor's Total NonScents Ultra-Gentle Brightening Antiperspirant uses Aluminum Zirconium Tetra Chlorohydrex Glycine (try saying that 3 times in a row, lol) which is a much more skin-friendly aluminum. Most antiperspirants use some sort of aluminum salt (and it is safe, so rest assured), unless they are all-natural. I am going to cover all natural or non-aluminum based deodorants near the end ;) Most people can tolerate it so it shouldn't be a problem. Aluminum Zirconium Tetra Chlorohydrex Glycine is probably one of the most non-irritating, non-comedogenic ingredients out there for underarms. It has mild anti-bacterial properties and reduces the amount of prespiration by closing pores greater than other aluminum salts.

The actual 'skin brightening' ingredient in DermaDoctor's Total NonScents Ultra-Gentle Brightening Antiperspirant is a derivative form of Kojic Acid - Kojic Dipalmitate. This form is actually more stable than pure Kojic Acid, and has the same melanin inhibiting properties.

On the official DermaDoctor page (and I am so glad they mention this), they state that full results can take up to a year or more. Like with any skin lightening/brightening regimen, it takes time. It depends on how dark the area is (skin discoloration disparity) as well as other factors (exposure to irritation etc.)

This is kind of a sub-topic in this post, but I would like to cover natural deodorants. Sometimes, if chemical based ones irritate you or inflame your underarm skin, look for natural alternatives. I don't have discoloration on my underarms, but I am prone to irritation so I use zinc oxide ointment on my underarms. I know it sounds odd, but since it's winter and I don't sweat much at all (unless I work out, and even that I work out from home) but I find zinc oxide ointment (there are found at most drugstores or online - just generic zinc oxide ointment (mine is 40%). I find it goes a great job at keeping the area dry and fresh. I get no irritation whatsoever.

If you do have underarm discoloration, first look at other factors that might be the culprit. If your regular deodorant or antiperspirant makes your underarm area itch, perhaps it's too irritating for you. The DermaDoctor Total NonScents Ultra-Gentle Brightening Antiperspirant could be an ideal replacement to your regular one. It is fragrance-free, non irritating, allergy tested, dye free and doesn't leave a white residue. It is safe to use right after shaving as well.

To help aid in the brightening process, you can very gently exfoliate the area with a luffa combined with a lightening soap (ideally with kojic acid or papaya).

It comes in a 90 ml roll on bottle and runs for $28.00 on the official site. If you search, there are TONS of other online vendors that sell it for cheaper. And ofcourse ebay is ideal for cheap prices.
=D

Ingredients:
Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine 11.25%, Deionized Water, Isopropyl Myristate, Sorbitol, Steareth-2, Steareth-20, Kojic Dipalmitate