Laser or cream: which is the best treatment to whiten armpits?

In most cases, underarm darkening is a tendency you are born with. Its occurrence is more common in brown people. “It is believed that the problem occurs due to the friction of the skin with the skin itself or with the clothes”, explains the dermatologist Fernando Macedo. Darkening can also be caused by an inflammatory condition, triggered by ingrown hairs or skin irritation due to cosmetics. “The patient should always keep the region well hydrated and treat the inflammations that eventually arise”, recommends the specialist. Currently, there are two types of treatment to lighten the armpits: laser and cream. Check out the advantages of each:

laser

The treatment is carried out by the dermatologist in the office, in sessions spaced at intervals of one month that eliminate hair in addition to whitening the skin in the region. Each session lasts about three minutes per armpit. “The patient may feel a quick and bearable discomfort, as if the armpits were itching”, explains Fernando. Macedo.

Price: Each laser treatment session costs between R$300 and R$400, on average. The number of sessions required varies from patient to patient, but in general, at least three applications are required.

Maintenance – The duration of bleaching varies from patient to patient. It is normal for the armpits to gradually darken again. “Generally, treatments are palliative, unless the problem has occurred due to a specific irritation”, explains the dermatologist. Therefore, it is common that there is a need to do maintenance with laser or cream to ensure the desired tone.

Contraindication – There are no restrictions for the application of treatments. “The only exception is that, if the region is irritated, it is first necessary to treat it and then start the treatment”, emphasizes the doctor. In the case of cream treatment, it is necessary for the patient to tolerate the product, which can cause irritation.

with cream

Guided by the dermatologist, the patient applies a compounded or ready-made dermatological cream that contains active principles to eliminate excess pigment from the armpits. “The treatment is slower and, generally, the degree of whitening obtained is a little lower than in the laser process”, clarifies the dermatologist.

Price: Much cheaper, the cream treatment can cost from R$ 30 to R$ 100.

Home treatments – “I don’t recommend any kind of home treatment to lighten the armpits”, warns the dermatologist. According to him, medical follow-up is essential to ensure the effectiveness of the results and the health of the patient.

And the waxing? – There is no more recommended type of depilation to avoid irritating the region. “The patient needs to test and see if her skin reacts better to the wax or the blade”, explains the doctor.

Whitening deodorants – There are deodorants that promise to lighten the armpits progressively. But the doctor warns: “There is no scientific proof that they work”.