Have you ever wondered why there seems to be a perpetual patch of shade in your armpits? According to The Beauty Brains, there are five possible reasons why your underarms may be darker than those of your friends. Continue reading to find out "The Why" and scroll down further to learn the best methods for lightening dark underarms.

The Why

1. Shaving. If the color of your body hair is darker than that of your skin, the stubble from shaving may result in a darker appearance. If you think this is the culprit, The Beauty Brains recommends switching to waxing or plucking instead of shaving.

2. Dead skin cells build up. Dead skin cells can get trapped in your underarms, leading to a dark build-up, explains The Beauty Brains. To prevent and clean build-up, try exfoliating your armpits (more on exfoliating below!).

3. Antiperspirant. Your antiperspirant may contain ingredients that have a discoloring effect, says The Beauty Brains. Try using an all-natural deodorant to prevent the appearance of dark underarms.

4. Medical condition. Acanthosis nigricans is a medical condition associated with obesity and insulin resistance (caused by eating too much sugar and starch). It is realized in the appearance of velvety, light-brown-to-black markings on the neck, underarms, or groin, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. If you are overweight and discover these dark markings, try cutting down on the sugar and talk to your doctor about the option of a salicylic acid prescription and diabetes testing.

5. Hyper-pigmentation. Sometimes, the body produces excess melanin pigment in different areas of the body, such as the armpits, says The Beauty Brains.

How to Lighten Dark Underarms

1. Acne pads. Drugstore acne pads that contain salicylic or glycolic acid are effective at lightening underarms, says InStyle. If you prefer an all-natural solution, Kojic acid has the same effect.

2. Lemon. The yellow citrus fruit is a natural antiseptic and anti-bacterial, meaning it functions well as a deodorant. It has the added benefit of having bleaching properties. Home Remedies For Life suggests replacing your traditional deodorant with a slice of lemon. To avoid the acid from irritating your skin, make an elixir from lemon juice and olive oil. When using this method, it is important to stay out of the sun and stop at any signs of irritation, as dermatologists interviewed in the Huffington Postwarn that acids found in fruit can lead to a painful, burning skin condition.

3. Potato. According to Natural Beauty Tips, the mild acidic properties of potato make the vegetable an organic bleaching agent. The best way to get the bleaching benefits of potato is to simply rub a slice of potato under your arms for 5- 10 minutes. Rise with lukewarm water. Repeat twice daily.

4. Baking soda. Exfoliating is a simple solution with miraculous results. Natural Beauty Tips recommends mixing baking soda with water to make a thick paste. Scrub your armpits with the paste, rinse with lukewarm water, and pat the skin dry.

5. Milk. It's not because milk is white. Milk has vitamins and fatty acids that soften the skin, while also lightening its tone. Follow the advice of Natural Beauty Tips and make a mixture from 2 tablespoons full-fat milk or cream, 1 teaspoon plain yogurt or curd, and 1 tablespoon of chickpea or gram flour. Rub the home remedy under your arms and relax for 10- 15 minutes while it dries. Rinse with water. Repeat 3- 4 times weekly for best results.

What is YOUR favorite home remedy for lightening dark underarms? Tell us when you SHARE this article on social media!

RESOURCES HOME REMEDIES FOR LIFE, THE BEAUTY BRAINS, AMERICAN OSTEOPATHIC COLLEGE OF DERMATOLOGY, INSTYLE, HUFFINGTON POST, AND NATURAL BEAUTY TIPS