why are my armpits dark?

This is usually due to the aluminium contents in anti-perspirants.
When used over a long period of time, they dry out and damage the slin. Your skin reacts by increasing its thickness and in order to protect itself from the abuse. This means that the heavy metals that were absorbed by the epidermis visibly darken the skin and are difficult to remove with exfoliates.

I suggest you stop using synthetic chemicals and metals under your arms.
Try using a few drops of essential oil instead. Try bergamot, lemon or patchouli (my fave).
It will take your skin about 3 months to recover.

Hi Turquoise Girl

Insider information !!!!!

I work in the pharmaceutical industry with medics, chemists and scientists.
I am working in Reasearch and Development and get to talk about stuff like this with informed and highly educated minds.

Also have access to heaps of clinical research, including the stuff that doesn't get published in the scientific journals.

Hi Sophie

Some oils are more deodorising than others. Patchouli is particularly astringent, but is also has a strong oriental fragrance that some people don't like - i love it and it works well.
Sandalwood is my favorite oil for hair. I tried it as a deodoriser but it didn't work well.

I use about 3 drops of un-diluted oil, rubbed into my palms and then applied to underarms.
A note of caution: I have been doing this for over a year with no problems, but some people have sensitive skin and may not know it. Please dilute the oils in a light oil (e.g grapeseed) first. Try to see how your skin tolerates the EO diluted and then gradually, in stronger concentrations.

I have not used any of the products you mention, Sophie, but am going to try fresh lemon juice this summer which has both anti-perspirant and deodorising effects. It is a photo-sensitising substance (like begamot and lemon EOs), but my armpits dont see any sunlight so that should be OK.

Good luck.

Lots of people have darkened armpits, but it depends on how chemical/metal tolerant the individual's skin-type is.
You can get the oils from health food shops, chemists or the internet.
I don't think we are allowed to advertise, so I advise you to do an internet search for "essential oils" and see what sites come up that will ship to where you are.

Yes, thanks!