10 Reasons Why Your Skin Is Darker Down There
Published July 11, 2021
In most women’s forums online, a question that’s asked time and time again is:
“Why is my skin darker down there?”
Of course, you’re not the only one who’s worried about dark private parts. A large percentage of the female population shares the same concern. Moreover, it doesn’t help that the feminine area is often described in popular culture as plump and pinkish.
But the truth is, it’s entirely normal for your skin down there to be darker than the rest of your body. In fact, just like women, vaginas come in different colors, sizes, and shapes. Anyone saying otherwise is either selling you a whitening cream or does not completely understand the female genitalia.
Some women, however, may notice that their ladybits are getting darker than before. However, keep in mind that as long as it’s not itching or causing you any discomfort, there’s usually nothing to worry about.
Still, it pays to know why your intimate area looks the way it does now. So here are 10 reasons that make your private area dark:
1. Irritation
If you have sensitive skin, your feminine area will be much more prone to irritation. Using harsh detergents, scented soaps, or non-hypoallergenic underwear can easily irritate the skin. Some irritations are mild that it doesn’t bother you that much. However, it can cause skin discoloration in the long run.
For irritations that come with inflammation and other symptoms, it’s best to consult your dermatologist.
2. Friction Between Your Thighs
This is one factor that you really can’t stay away from – unless you walk with your thighs far apart. But yes, the constant rubbing of your thighs does not only cause chaffing; it can also cause discoloration, particularly at the apex area.
3. Poor Hygiene
It’s common knowledge that the intimate area is one of the dirtiest parts of the body. To explain further, various kinds of fluids come out of it on top of the sweat and dirt that’s trapped in there. So you can imagine how gross it is exactly down there. But, unfortunately, some people don’t make it a priority to keep their intimate area clean. So the dead skin cells, dirt, and whatnots accumulate over time, causing the skin around it to darken.
4. Infections
Certain fungal infections can leave dark patches of skin around the vulva. Most of these infections can be managed with antibiotics. However, in severe cases, the infection can be necrotic, which means it causes small blood vessels to clot that eventually blocks blood flow. With the lack of blood, the cells in the surrounding area die, causing them to shrink and darken. Additionally, consulting your doctor whenever you notice infections in your private area won’t hurt.
5. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
If you’re not familiar with PCOS, it’s a disorder caused by an imbalance of hormones among women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS tend to have higher levels of androgen, the male hormone. Aside from acne, obesity, and prolonged menstruation, it can also cause skin darkening in certain areas like the armpits and private areas.
6. Hormonal Changes
Women in reproductive years often experience drastic hormonal changes. Research shows that fluctuating hormone levels can cause melasma which, in turn, causes increased skin pigmentation. This is why pregnant women often have dark patches of skin in certain areas of the body, including their vaginal area.
7. Diabetes
One of the first signs that you have diabetes is acanthosis nigricans. It’s a condition where dark patches of velvety skin appear on your neck, armpit, groin, and other areas of the body. This happens when you have too much insulin in your blood. If you’re experiencing other symptoms of diabetes, make sure to consult with your doctor for appropriate treatments.
8. Genes
Genes play an integral role in melanin production. If you have dark skin, of course, you can’t expect your feminine area to be lighter. However, it’s also possible for Caucasian women to have darker-colored vaginas, especially if they inherited it from someone in the family tree.
9. Aging
As we age, our skin loses much of its structure, causing it to sag and darken. Unfortunately, our vaginas are no exception. The more we age, the darker it becomes. Although thanks to
technology, you can now do several cosmetic surgery procedures to keep your vagina in its youthful state.
10. Hair Removal Treatments
Just like how frequent plucking can darken your underarms, hair removal treatments can also do the same to your lady parts. This is especially true if you’re a fan of depilatory creams. Some chemicals in it can cause irritation which, as you know, can darken the skin.
For a safer and more permanent alternative, most women opt for laser hair removal. And if you’re wondering, yes, it’s safe to do even in your private areas. The laser targets only your hair follicles and does not affect the areas surrounding it. Besides, it has no known side effects apart from the occasional redness, which goes away in an hour. So you need not worry about your ladyparts getting burned.
Is the Darkening of Skin Normal?
It is totally natural for your labia, scrotum, and anus skin to be darker than the rest of your body skin. Hyperpigmentation is the term used to describe this type of darkening.
Hadley King, MD, a dermatologist in Manhattan, New York, explained that for most people, their skin in the genital area would typically be darker than the rest of the skin after puberty.
Can It Happen to Other Areas in the Body?
Darkening of the skin can occur in different areas of the body.
Pregnancy hormone changes might darken your nipples, areolae, and moles. Additionally, it can result in a dark line (or linea nigra) running down the center of your lower abdomen, just beneath your belly button.
Due to skin exposure, hyperpigmentation can occur on the face, chest, back, and arms. This is typically manifested as sunspots or freckles.
Additionally, you may see darkening in areas where your skin “folds” frequently, such as your elbows, knees, underarms, and knuckles.
Hyperpigmentation following an inflammatory event, such as a pimple or rash, can also develop elsewhere in the body.
Should Darkening Result in Side Effects or Complications?
As much as you may dislike the change, it is usually harmless. If you suspect inflammation as the cause, observe the regions to ensure they do not become infected. Then, simply make an effort to keep the areas clean and dry.
What Can You Do to Minimize Darkening?
Hyperpigmentation is a difficult condition to prevent as a result of hormonal changes and aging. However, you can take steps to reduce friction.
You can attempt to reduce chafing and friction by:
- avoiding garments and underwear that are too tight
- preserving your skin’s moisture
- avoiding hair removal methods such as waxing or shaving, which can result in folliculitis and irritation
- staying away from sweat-wicking clothes
How Can You Lighten Intimate Areas?
There are numerous ways to help lighten darkish private areas. For starters, wearing properly fitting clothing and undergarments can improve airflow, minimize moisture, and allow the skin to be at ease. Intimate lightening is another technique for assisting in the illumination of darker private parts.
What is Intimate Lightening?
Intimate lightening is a method that involves the application of natural compounds –– like fruit extracts –– to the intimate area in order to lighten it. This procedure can be performed on both men and women and can provide dramatic results after a few treatments. In addition, these natural remedies are absolutely risk-free and quite effective.
5 Natural Remedies You Can Try
Have you been wondering, “why is my skin darker down there?” for a long time now? Indeed, having darker skin down there is an embarrassment, especially in the summer when you’re wearing shorts, skirts, or bikinis on the beach.
You should avoid strong chemicals such as bleaching creams near your private areas due to the sensitive nature of the skin. Luckily, there are numerous natural remedies available. The following are some home remedial for lightening the dark skin around the pelvic area and inner thighs.
1. Lemon and yogurt paste
Lemon, which is high in vitamin C, aids in skin lightening. You can use it to brighten your private area’s skin.
Step 1: Squeeze a lemon to extract the juice.
Step 2: Combine 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of yogurt.
Step 3: Mix thoroughly and apply it to the dark skin.
Step 4: Allow approximately 15 minutes before rinsing the area with plain water. Take note that you may notice mild irritability as a result of the lemon juice.
Step 5: Apply a light moisturizer to your skin to keep it supple and nourished.
2. Cucumber juice
Cucumber juice has a natural bleaching effect on the skin. Cucumber, which is high in vitamin A, regulates melanin synthesis and lightens the skin.
Step 1: Grate a cucumber to obtain the juice.
Step 2: Apply this juice to the skin surrounding the pelvic area.
Step 3: Allow around 15 minutes for it to dry, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Take note that you can do this twice daily.
3. Turmeric and yogurt paste
Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial in nature. Additionally, it brightens and cures the skin.
Step 1: Combine 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon yogurt, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice in a small bowl.
Step 2: Mix together and apply the paste to the dark skin near your private area.
Step 3: Allow approximately 20 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
Continue doing this daily, and you will soon notice a difference.
4. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera gel soothes and brightens the skin. You can use it regularly to maintain healthy, soft skin.
Step 1: Extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf.
Step 2: Apply this gel to the dark areas of the skin.
Step 3: Allow approximately 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
5. Tomato
Tomatoes are another natural cure for dark skin.
Step 1: Simply chop a tomato in half.
Step 2: Rub one of the pieces across the dark skin.
Step 3: Squeeze it slightly to release the juice and pulp.
Step 4: Allow approximately 30 minutes before rinsing with plain water.
Consult a healthcare physician if you have concerns about your darker skin. Bear in mind that they are there to assist you. Additionally, if you have any doubts about minimizing darkening or potential cosmetic procedures, it is always preferable to see a professional. Your provider will learn about your medical history in order to accurately diagnose the underlying reason and advise you on the next steps.
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About The Author
As a professional writer at many renowned websites Krizzia Paolyn has covered a wide range of topics in many industries. Her knack for uncovering important truths and conducting thorough research on each topic she writes about has helped thousands of people across the world.
