Different Types of Underarm Treatments Which One Is Right for You

Dealing with underarm issues like too much sweating, bad odor, and dark patches can be frustrating. These problems aren’t just about looks—they can mess with your comfort and confidence too. 

Imagine sweating so much that it soaks through your clothes or feeling self-conscious because of body odor. It happens more often than you think. In fact, studies show that around 367 million people worldwide struggle with excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis.

Body odor, on the other hand, is usually caused by sweat mixing with bacteria on the skin. It can be embarrassing, especially in social situations. Then there’s underarm discoloration, which makes many people feel uneasy about wearing sleeveless tops.

Thankfully, there are ways to manage these concerns. From simple home remedies to advanced treatments, there’s something for everyone. 

In this article, we’ll break down the different options so you can find the best solution for you.

Underarm Hair Removal Methods

Getting rid of underarm hair is something a lot of people do, and there are plenty of ways to do it. Some methods are quick and easy, while others last longer but take more effort.

Everyone’s skin is different, so choosing the right option depends on what works best for you. 

Here’s a look at some of the most popular ways to stay smooth.

1. Shaving

Shaving is a super easy way to get rid of underarm hair. All you need is a razor, and in just a few minutes, your underarms are smooth. It’s cheap, quick, and something you can do at home anytime. 

But the smoothness doesn’t last long—just a day or two before the hair grows back. If you shave often, your skin might get irritated, and you could end up with razor bumps or ingrown hairs. 

A lot of people grab a razor when they’re in a hurry, like before hitting the gym or heading to the beach.

2. Waxing

Waxing is a great way to remove underarm hair, keeping your skin smooth for up to four weeks. Warm wax is spread on the skin, and a strip is pressed on top. 

Then, with one quick pull, the hair comes right out from the root. It lasts much longer than shaving, which is a big plus. But let’s be real—it can hurt, especially if you have sensitive skin. 

Even though it takes more time, it’s still one of the best underarm solutions for anyone wanting smooth skin that lasts.

3. Sugaring

Sugaring is a super old-school way to get rid of hair using just sugar, lemon juice, and water. The mix is spread onto the skin in the same direction as hair growth and then pulled off the other way, taking the hair out from the root. 

People say it hurts less than waxing because it sticks to the hair, not the skin. Since it’s all-natural, there are no harsh chemicals, making it a great option for sensitive skin. 

It also keeps skin smoother for longer than shaving, though getting it done by a pro might give better results.

4. Epilating

Epilating is a way to remove hair right from the root using a small handheld gadget. It works by grabbing multiple hairs at once with tiny tweezers on a rotating head. 

Since the hair is pulled out completely, the skin stays smooth for up to two or three weeks—way longer than shaving. It can be a bit painful, especially for beginners, but the discomfort gets better over time. 

Some redness or bumps might show up right after, but they usually calm down in a few hours. The best part? With regular use, the hair that grows back tends to be finer and softer.

5. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Laser Hair Removal

IPL and laser hair removal can get rid of unwanted hair for a long time. They both use light to zap hair follicles, making hair grow back slower and thinner. 

IPL spreads out light in different directions, while lasers focus on one spot. You’ll need a few sessions to see the best results, and professionals usually do these treatments, though there are at-home gadgets too. They work on different skin tones, but results can be different for everyone. 

Compared to other types of underarm products like shaving or waxing, these methods keep your skin smoother for much longer.

5. Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a method of permanent hair removal that involves inserting a fine probe into the hair follicle and applying an electric current to destroy the follicle’s ability to grow hair. This process is FDA-approved and works for all skin and hair types. Each hair is treated individually, making it a precise technique. 

However, electrolysis can be time-consuming as it requires multiple sessions, depending on the area treated. It may cause discomfort during the procedure, and some redness or swelling can occur afterward. 

Though costly, it provides permanent results for those seeking a long-term solution to unwanted hair.

Treatments for Excessive Underarm Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

Excessive underarm sweating, or axillary hyperhidrosis, can significantly impact daily life. Fortunately, several treatment options are available to manage this condition:

1. Antiperspirants

Antiperspirants help keep you dry by blocking sweat for a while. They use special ingredients, like aluminum compounds, to create a tiny plug in your sweat glands. 

This stops too much sweat from coming out, which means less wetness and less chance for bad smells. 

Since sweat mixes with bacteria to cause odor, controlling sweat helps with that too. But remember, antiperspirants stop sweating, while deodorants just help with the smell.

2. Medications

Some medicines, like glycopyrrolate, oxybutynin, and propantheline bromide, can help control too much sweating. They work by blocking the signals that tell sweat glands to start working. 

These meds can be pretty useful, but they might also cause problems like a dry mouth, trouble peeing, constipation, or blurry vision. 

Because of these side effects, doctors usually try other treatments first and only use these when nothing else works.

3. Botulinum Toxin Injections (Botox)

Botox shots are a popular way to deal with too much underarm sweating, also called axillary hyperhidrosis. They work by stopping the nerves that tell sweat glands to produce sweat, keeping the area dry. 

The treatment involves several tiny injections in the underarm, and the results can last anywhere from 3 to 12 months. 

It’s generally safe, but some people might feel a little pain, swelling, or mild muscle weakness when they get the shots.

4. Microwave Therapy (miraDry)

MiraDry is a simple and effective way to deal with too much underarm sweating. It uses microwave energy to target and remove sweat and odor glands under the arms. 

Once the glands are gone, they don’t grow back, so the results last a long time—usually over a year. The treatment is done in a doctor’s office and takes about an hour. 

There’s little to no downtime, and most people only feel some swelling or numbness for a few days. It’s been approved by the FDA and is available in over 50 countries, making it a trusted option for those looking to stay dry and fresh.

5. Surgical Options

If nothing else works for really bad underarm sweating, surgery might be an option. 

Doctors can remove sweat glands or do a procedure called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS), which cuts or clamps the nerves that cause sweating. 

These treatments can stop sweating for good, but they come with risks. Because of that, doctors usually only recommend them when nothing else helps.

Treatments for Underarm Skin Discoloration

Sometimes, underarm skin gets darker or looks uneven. This can happen because of shaving, rubbing, certain deodorants, or even health issues like acanthosis nigricans. To lighten the skin, simple changes like using gentle products, keeping the area dry, and trying skin-friendly creams can help. In some cases, a doctor’s advice may be needed for the best results.

1. Topical Brightening Creams

Brightening creams help lighten dark underarms by slowing down melanin production. 

Lotus Botanicals has a Vitamin C Skin Brightening Day Cream that works great for this. It’s packed with vitamin C, which helps fade dark spots while keeping the skin soft and hydrated. This cream also supports collagen production, making the skin firmer and smoother. 

Even though it’s made for the face, it can be used on underarms to even out the skin tone and brighten the area over time.

2. Underarm Serums

Underarm serums help brighten dark spots and even out skin tone. They usually have ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and licorice extract that work together to slow down melanin production. This makes dark spots fade over time. 

These serums are light, absorb quickly, and are great for stubborn discoloration. Using them regularly can make underarms look brighter and smoother.

Lotus Botanicals offers the LuminaFresh Underarm Spray Serum, which comes in three refreshing options:

• Witch Hazel & Chamomile – Soothes and refreshes the skin
• Raspberry & Strawberry – Packed with fruity goodness for a brightening effect
• Aqua & Mint – Feels cool and keeps underarms fresh

These serums don’t have alcohol or aerosol, so they’re gentle on the skin while helping with odor control. Just pick the one that suits you best and enjoy fresh, even-toned underarms.

3. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels help refresh your skin by removing damaged layers using a special chemical solution. This process gets rid of dead skin cells and encourages fresh, healthy skin to grow. 

People use chemical peels to smooth out fine lines, fade acne scars, even out skin tone, and fix sun damage. 

Some peels work on the surface with little recovery time, while deeper peels go further into the skin and take longer to heal but give better results.

4. Laser Treatments

Laser treatments like fractional CO2 and Q-switched lasers help fade dark spots by breaking down extra melanin in the skin. 

These powerful light beams go deep and target pigment cells, making them easier for the body to clear out. They work well for stubborn pigmentation and can give long-lasting results with little downtime. 

But, to get the best outcome, you might need a few sessions. There’s also a chance of hyperpigmentation, especially for people with darker skin.

5. Microneedling

Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, is a simple skin treatment where tiny needles make small punctures on the skin’s surface. This kickstarts the body’s natural healing process, boosting collagen and elastin—the proteins that keep skin firm and bouncy. 

Over time, this helps smooth out wrinkles, improve skin texture, and even fade acne scars. 

A dermatologist or trained professional usually performs the procedure, and it might take a few sessions to see the best results.

6. Whitening Creams with Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a strong ingredient that helps lighten skin by stopping melanin production. It’s great for fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation, but using it too much can make your skin irritated or thin. That’s why it’s best to use it with a dermatologist’s advice and always wear sunscreen to protect your skin.

If you’re looking to brighten underarm skin, Lotus Botanicals has the Vitamin C Skin Brightening Face Serum. It’s meant for the face, but since vitamin C helps with pigmentation, it might work for your underarms too.

For something made just for underarms, there’s the LuminaFresh Underarm Spray Serum. It has Witch Hazel and Chamomile, which help even out skin tone while keeping the area calm and fresh.

7. Natural Remedies

Natural solutions provide a gentle and affordable way to address underarm discoloration. Aloe vera helps soothe and moisturize the skin, while lemon juice’s acidity works to lighten dark patches. 

Coconut oil, rich in antioxidants, supports skin repair and gradual brightening. These methods are especially suitable for sensitive skin due to their low risk of irritation. 

While progress may take time, regular use and patience often lead to noticeable improvements.

Which Underarm Treatment is Right for You?

Natural underarm treatments are a great choice for anyone who wants to avoid harsh chemicals. Many natural deodorants use simple ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder, and essential oils. 

These work together to fight odor, absorb sweat, and keep bacteria in check—without the strong stuff found in regular antiperspirants, like aluminum. Since they’re made with gentle ingredients, they’re less likely to cause irritation, making them perfect for people with sensitive skin.

Some natural oils, like tea tree oil, coconut oil, and witch hazel, also help keep underarm odor under control. They fight bacteria while soothing and protecting the skin. If dark underarms are a concern, natural remedies like lemon juice, turmeric, and aloe vera can gradually brighten the area. 

While these treatments take time to show results, they’re a safe and eco-friendly way to care for your skin naturally.

Conclusion

Taking care of your underarms is important, especially if you deal with sweat, odor, or dark patches. Finding the right product can make a big difference, and it helps to choose something that suits your needs. If you're looking for a natural fix, Lotus Botanicals has you covered with the LuminaFresh Underarm Spray Serum. It’s packed with witch hazel and chamomile to keep odor away, brighten your skin, and dry super fast—so no sticky feeling.