Concealer under your armpits: does it help with pigmentation?

A tinted deodorant said to hide dark patches under the armpits is doing the rounds on TikTok. In HLN, Dr Griet Voet and aesthetic doctor Dr Fran Baete give their view. A concealer can camouflage the patches, just as on the face, but it does not solve the underlying problem.

According to Dr Voet, dark discolouration under the armpits is mainly caused by irritation, for example from an infection, a skin condition or products such as deodorant and perfume. Darker skin is more prone to it. Because any product can trigger a reaction that actually makes the patches worse, the doctors advise testing it on another area first.

Medical treatment works better than camouflage, although it takes patience. In practice, they often use a prescription lightening cream.

• Test a new concealer on another area of your skin first.

• Clean your armpits with a mild cleansing oil or neutral soap, not with make-up remover.

• If you really want to treat the patches, ask your doctor about a medical approach.