Underarm Protocol
A structured clinical approach to correct, control, and prevent underarm pigmentation, addressing sebum, melanin overproduction, chronic skin irritation, and helping to control underarm odor (as deodorant) at every stage
Understanding Underarm Hyperpigmentation
Underarm hyperpigmentation is a common and often temporary condition caused primarily by chronic irritation and friction. These triggers stimulate melanocytes, leading to increased melanin production and visible darkening of the skin.
Primary Causes Include:
- Repeated shaving with dull blades creates micro-injuries and ongoing inflammation.
- Friction from tight clothing continuous rubbing that irritates melanocytes.
- Alcohol-based antiperspirants - dry and sensitize the skin over time.
The 10-Step Professional Protocol
This protocol is designed as a progressive system - not a one-time treatment. Note: This protocol is specific to the underarm area. For intimate areas (groin, genitals, buttock), the same system applies without the Toner step.
- Cleanse (Daily Home Care)
Twice daily (morning & evening) - the first step in every home care session. A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser removes surface impurities and prepares the skin to receive the Toner and treatment products that follow. - Nujevi Toner (Applied Immediately After Cleansing)
Twice daily for 7 days pre-procedure continued twice daily throughout the protocol - applied immediately after cleansing. The underarm area produces significantly more sebum than most other skin zones, and that excess oil creates a barrier that reduces the absorption and effectiveness of every product applied after it. - Pre-Treatment Melanin Control - IntimBright™ Spray
Twice daily (morning & evening) for 7 days before the procedure - always applied after cleanse and tone. Twice-daily application maintains continuous melanin suppression, reduces skin reactivity around the clock, and significantly minimizes the risk of further pigmentation during treatment. - Optimize Hair Removal Method
Recommended: waxing, sugaring, or laser hair removal. These methods significantly reduce repeated trauma and chronic irritation the key contributors to underarm pigmentation. - Immediate Post-Procedure Recovery - Soother
Applied in-clinic immediately after the procedure; twice-daily home care routine resumes the next day. The Soother reduces acute inflammation triggered by the procedure, calms the skin, and begins the process of rebuilding the skin barrier. - 7-Day Skin Reset - Once-Daily Cleanse, Tone & Soother
Once daily (AM or PM) cleanse tone Soother; no Spray; no corrective treatments. The skin barrier has just been through a procedure and needs to rebuild not be repeatedly stripped. - Controlled Brightening Phase - IntimBright™ Complex Peel
Applied at follow-up appointment by trained professional only. The peel gently removes pigmented surface layers, targets melanocyte activity, and stimulates skin renewal for brighter, smoother, more even-toned underarm skin. - Post-Peel Recovery - Soother (Days 1-7 Post-Peel)
Soother once daily for 7 days post-peel cleanse and tone continue; Spray is paused. The Soother is the priority barrier repair must be completed before melanin suppression resumes. - Post-Peel Melanin Suppression - Resume IntimBright™ Spray
Full twice-daily home care resumes: cleanse tone Spray (AM & PM) + daily SPF if sun exposure. Twice-daily Spray application prevents rebound pigmentation and stabilizes melanocyte activity to lock in the results achieved through the peel. - Maintenance & Long-Term Prevention
Ongoing- twice-daily cleanse, tone, and Spray; Soother after every procedure; monthly maintenance peel. Continue the Spray twice daily, 3-4 days per week on an ongoing basis, increasing to twice daily for 7 days before any hair removal procedure.
Maintenance Schedule At a Glance
- Twice-daily cleanse + Nujevi Toner non-negotiable foundation.
- Spray: twice daily, 3-4 days per week ongoing: twice daily for 7 days pre-procedure.
- Soother: applied after every hair removal service and after every corrective peel.
- Professional peel: every 3-4 weeks for maintenance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is the Soother used after both the hair removal procedure AND the corrective peel?
Both waxing/sugaring/laser and the corrective peel create controlled trauma to the skin. That trauma triggers an inflammatory response, and inflammation is one of the primary drivers of post-procedure hyperpigmentation.
The Soother reduces that inflammation at the cellular level and actively supports skin barrier repair. Without it, the skin is left vulnerable — the barrier is compromised, and melanocytes can be restimulated. The Soother is what closes that window of risk after every procedure.
Why is the IntimBright™ Spray paused during the post-peel recovery phase?
After the corrective peel, the skin barrier has been deliberately disrupted to remove pigmented surface layers. During this recovery window, barrier repair is the priority — not melanin suppression.
Applying active ingredients like the Spray before the barrier has stabilized can cause irritation and potentially worsen pigmentation. The Soother handles this phase. Once the 7-day recovery is complete and the barrier has healed, the Spray resumes at full twice-daily frequency.
Why is the Nujevi Toner such an important part of this protocol?
The underarm area produces significantly more sebum than most other areas of the body. Without sebum control, that excess oil acts as a barrier — reducing the absorption and effectiveness of every active product in the protocol.
The Toner clears that barrier, balances the skin's surface pH, and ensures the Spray and all other products are working at full strength. Note: The Toner is specific to the underarm protocol. Intimate area protocols (groin, genitals, buttock) use the Cleanser, Soother, and Spray without the Toner
What about sun exposure?
If the treated underarm area will be exposed to sunlight, daily application of a broad-spectrum SPF is strongly recommended throughout the protocol and during maintenance.
UV exposure is one of the most common triggers for pigment recurrence — sun protection directly protects the results achieved through treatment.
Is this protocol safe for all skin types?
Yes. The Nujevi IntimBright™ system is formulated for sensitive skin and designed with higher-risk Fitzpatrick III–VI skin types in mind. It is effective and well-tolerated across all skin types.
Underarm Hyperpigmentation Is Manageable. The Right System Makes the Difference
Underarm hyperpigmentation is not permanent. It is a condition driven by chronic irritation, repeated trauma, and unmanaged melanocyte activity all of which can be addressed with a professional approach.
The Nujevi IntimBright™ Underarm Protocol gives providers a repeatable, evidence-based system and gives clients a clear, progressive path to results they can actually see and maintain.
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