When dead cells build up in your underarm area, the area will darken and leave you with an embarrassing skin condition that may cause you to cover up when you normally wouldn't. Underarm darkening is a common skin problem that affects both men and women, although women are generally more concerned with it because they show off their underarms more by wearing sleeveless tops or spaghetti straps. You can take a few steps to reduce dead cell buildup and remove the dead cells that are already there, lightening the underarm area.

Try a few home remedies with various household products to remove the dead skin cells under you arms. Cut a lemon in half and rub a slice against your underarms. Or, massage the area with baking soda after a shower. Wash the area with coconut oil. Mix milk with curd and gram flour with a pinch of turmeric powder and apply this to the area, leaving it there for at least 20 minutes before rinsing.

Wax your underarms. In addition to removing hair, waxing will remove any dead skin that has formed on the surface of the underarm. Apply moisturizing lotion each night before bed and use a pumice stone in the shower to scrub your underarms.

Apply a topical cream that contains lactic acid or glycolic acid to exfoliate the area. See a dermatologist who can recommend or prescribe the best products for your condition. Remember that it can take months for the condition to start to fade.

Take preventive steps to keep dead cells from forming in the first place. Don't shave your underarms, which can irritate the skin and cause skin cells to die. Instead, try alternate hair-removal methods, such as sugaring or waxing. Don't wear tight blouses or tops, which will rub against your skin. Avoid excessive sweating by dressing appropriately, and avoid deodorants. Exercise good personal hygiene.