Why is My Private Area Dark | How to Lighten Dark Private Parts
Wondering how to whiten private parts? Why are your private parts dark? As we grow, our private areas like the vagina, scrotum, and anus become dark in colour. The vagina includes the clitoris, dark labia, hymen, and urethral opening.
Research suggests that the growth of sex hormones causes pigmentation through melanin production during puberty. This can cause black spots in private areas. Women often ask us how to whiten vaginal area, how to whiten private parts fast, why is my skin darker down there, how to remove blackness of private parts, how to remove vaginal darkness, or how to get a pink vagina?
Let us find the hows and whys of this removing blackness of female private parts at home.
Is It Normal to Have Dark Private Areas?
Yes, it is normal to have your private area skin darker than your actual skin tone. Darkening of genitals occurs during puberty. Secretion of hormones causes the production of extra melanin in the intimate area. It makes the private area skin darker.
The skin in intimate parts gets darker as you grow up. However, the sudden and excessive darkening can be due to an underlying disease or infection. You should immediately consult your doctor if your labia is turning darker day by day.
Why Is My Private Area Dark? Is This Normal?
Having a dark private area is normal; it can be anything from light pink to deep brown. However, so of the reasons for the dark private area include:
1. Friction causes dark private areas
Wearing tight or ill-fitting clothes and undergarments restrict ventilation down there, increasing moisture. It causes rubbing between thighs, generating friction.
When skin experiences friction, keratinization occurs. It is a process in which keratinocytes (cells containing keratin) produce more keratin in increasing amounts as they move higher in the topmost layer of skin. They also have melanin which results in pigmentation.
Everyday activities like walking, exercise, sex, or rubbing the area too much can also lead to a dark vagina.
Also read: Is Discharge Before Period Normal? Top Things To Know!
How to prevent it further? Regularly clean up the area down there with a gentle soap.
2. Hormones cause dark private areas
If you wonder, “why is my skin darker down there” or "how to lighten my vaginal area"- one answer can be hormones. According to research, the major hormone responsible for skin colour is estrogen. It releases melanin, which causes darkness of labia. Sudden and rapid increases in estrogen levels cause dark pigmentation which may lead women to indulge in bikini area whitening.
How to prevent it further?: Implement lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep, having a balanced meal to maintain hormonal balance in order to lighten private parts.
3. Age causes dark private areas
Why are women's private parts dark in colour? With age, the vagina undergoes many changes. It changes shape, size, and colour. It varies from light pink to darker brown, which causes black spots in the private area. The thickness reduces with age, and the area gets pigmented. This is because the fatty tissues present become thinner.
Note: Skin darkening with age is the most natural phenomenon. You cannot control it. Instead, enjoy the process.
4. PCOS causes dark private areas
Sometimes, women with PCOS also experience an overgrowth of dark patches around the vagina. This condition is called acanthosis nigricans, a symptom of PCOS. In PCOS, the production of androgen (male hormone) increases in females. This causes a change in the texture and colour of the vagina.
How to prevent it further?: Reduce consumption of sugary foods that cause an insulin spike. This has adverse effects on PCOS.
5. Hair removal causes dark private areas
With age, the vagina starts losing fat in and around it. Waxing and applying creams for hair removal can cause a chemical burn. This becomes the reason for a darker vagina. The process also exfoliates the top layer of skin, making the skin more sensitive.
How to prevent it further?: Laser removal is the recommended technique, rather than waxing or shaving.
7. Underwear type causes dark private areas
Tight, ill-fitted undies can irritate and chafe skin around the vagina. It causes hyperpigmentation and may cause you to wonder, “Why is my labia dark?”.
How to prevent it further?: Wear comfortable undies. Choose cotton, or natural moisture-wicking, fabrics.
Things You Can Avoid to Minimise Darkening of Private Area
If you are wondering how to remove the blackness of private parts, here are a few things that you should avoid:
1. Friction
The most common cause of hyperpigmentation in the genital region is friction between the skin folds or friction between skin and clothes. According to research, our skin starts producing keratinocytes to prevent damage to the top layer of the skin because of friction. Keratinocytes cause the intimate area skin to get darker. Therefore, you should avoid rubbing your inner thighs together or doing exercises that cause friction in the private parts.
2. Moisture
Another thing you must do to prevent your intimate area from getting darker is to keep it cool and dry. Wearing wet or sweaty clothes can cause harm to the skin tissues.
3. Frequent Shaving
Hyperpigmentation can also happen due to shaving and waxing. Shaving your pubic hair can cause ingrown hair and skin irritation. It might make the private area skin darker. It is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Therefore, you should avoid shaving or waxing your pubic hair frequently.
4. Wearing tight clothes
Tight and fitted underwear or other clothing causes friction in the private area and between thighs. It also releases sweat. Therefore, you should avoid wearing tight underwear and pants. Also, you should wear clothes of breathable fabric.
5. Obesity
Another reason for dark genitals could be diabetes or obesity. This condition is called Acanthosis Nigricans. It results in darkening and thickening of the skin, especially near skin folds such as the back, armpits, and the private area. Therefore, you should work out frequently and eat healthy to manage your weight. Also, you should avoid excess sugar consumption as diabetes can also cause hyperpigmentation in intimate areas.
Bodywise Intimate Care Serum
How can you effectively remove darkness from private parts? Vagina lightening creams with the right ingredients can work wonders for pigmentation removal. Bodywise Intimate CareKojic Acid Serum constitutes 2% Niacinamide and Kojic Acid. These ingredients especially reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that arises due to vaginal waxing.
Moreover, this lightweight serum also contains 3% Manjakani extract- an Ayurvedic formulation that aids skin cell regeneration providing you with a fresh epidermal layer, reducing skin damage.
This intimate cream helps manage the delicate pH balance of the vulva and sensitive perineal zones. Out of 86 women who used this serum, 91% experienced rejuvenated and healthy skin in just 8 weeks. It's definitely worth your time. Whitening private parts and lightening your vagina has never been this easy!
How to Lighten Dark Private Parts Naturally
If you have dark genitals and are looking for an answer on how to lighten dark private parts naturally, here are a few tips for you:
1. Maintain pH balance to lighten dark private areas
How can this whiten your pubic area? The vagina is sensitive. Maintaining a pH level of 7 is essential to lighten, heal and brighten the vaginal area. Here are some ways to do so:
- Avoid harsh soaps and douching.
- Take a probiotic supplement.
- Change tampons regularly and use protection during sex.
Also read: Disadvantages of a Menstrual Cu
2. Vaginal hygiene to lighten dark private areas
Natural ingredients gently exfoliate the intimate area, lighten it up and also helps to deal with vaginal itch in the process. Also, there are no side effects of such ingredients. You can also try these for dark inner thighs and black spots on legs. It helps to learn how to remove dark spots on legs fast naturally and how to lighten dark inner thighs and pubic area. What causes dark inner thighs? When melanin production, a pigment that gives skin its colour is excessively present in inner thighs. Some ways are:
- Mix an equal quantity of sugar and olive oil to make a scrub, and apply it 2-3 times a week.
- Apply aloe vera, which increases collagen, for almost 30 minutes, and then wash it.
- Use cotton dabs of raw milk in your private region twice a day.
3. Correct vaginal care products to lighten dark private areas
If you invest your money in vaginal care products, ensure that your money goes buying the right ones. Some ways on how to whiten your private area naturally are:
- Avoid the scented vagina whitening creams and private part blackness removal creams. They contain chemicals, which may irritate the genitalia.
- Check for the pH level of your products to make your vagina white. A vaginal pH level of 3.8-4.5 is considered to be normal. However, this can change as per age.
- Prefer products made of natural ingredients rather than chemicals.
Following these steps are sure to make your private parts fair naturally and may even lighten outer lips of the vagina.
4. Comfortable clothing to lighten dark private areas
Wearing loose-fit clothes provides proper ventilation. It reduces the accumulation of moisture in and around vaginal areas. Cotton clothes are light and airy and offer more comfort.
See a doctor in case of infection:
The colour of your vagina should not bother you. You ideally shouldn't be concerned with how to make your vagina whiter. However, if you suffer from constant irritation and inflammation, consult an expert. Visiting your dermatologist and gynaecologist before trying home remedies to lighten private parts is recommended.
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5. Moisturise
Your intimate area skin also needs moisturiser like the rest of the skin. You can apply moisturiser on your inner thigh or around the vulva. It can help improve tissue quality and prevent itching and dryness. However, you should be extremely careful while applying moisturiser to your intimate area. Avoid using any cream or lotion close to your vagina.
6. Change clothes after a workout
Another natural remedy that can help you lighten dark private parts naturally is to change your clothes after every workout. Your clothes can stick to your genital region because of sweat and may cause friction. It may also cause a bacterial infection that can lead to skin darkening. Therefore, you must take a bath or change your clothes post-workout.
7. Use intimate washes
If your intimate area skin is getting darker due to an infection, you can use over-the-counter private area washes. They can help restore the normal pH of the genital area. However, it is always best to consult a doctor before using intimate area washing products.
8. Olive oil
You can also use olive oil or coconut oil to lighten your dark private area. According to research, plant-based oils like coconut and olive oil have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that heal and repair skin. Take a few drops of oil on your hands, rub it, and then gently massage the intimate area for a few minutes. Avoid applying oil close to your vagina.
9. Nutritious diet
According to research, a vitamin C-rich diet is important for healthy skin. It also has mild skin lightening properties. Therefore, eating foods that are rich in vitamin C like berries, broccoli, bell pepper, papaya, pineapple, oranges, and cabbage can help lighten dark private areas.
10. Aloe vera gel
You can use aloe vera gel for skin lightening. According to research, aloe vera leaf extract has an active ingredient called aloin that has skin lightening properties. Take half a tablespoon of aloe vera gel and gently massage it in your private area.
Vaginal Bleaching
It is quite likely that watching porn creates unrealistic expectations of what a vagina should look like, even among women. This traps women into learning how to bleach their private area. This is perhaps why so many women opt for vaginal bleaching. What is vaginal bleaching? It is the process of whitening your labia or general bikini area. It also includes lightening the vulva but not insides of the vagina as this is not possible through the procedure. Does vaginal bleaching whiten the vagina?
Numerous women believe that bleaching their vagina makes it look more youthful and fresh. However, vaginal bleaching doesn't have any medical benefits. It is more of an aspirational practice. Bleaching the vagina does help lighten it but some evidence suggests that these results are temporary, often involving women to repeat this procedure for continues results that is harmful for genital skin.
Is Vaginal Bleaching Safe?
Bleaching your vagina is not the best idea. In fact, many medical practitioners refuse to perform this procedure because it is a cosmetic choice rather than a step towards genital hygiene. Vaginal bleaching is harmful and dangerous for vulvar skin that is extremely sensitive, causing irritation and other dermatological concerns.
Also read: Home Remedies For Breast Pain And Tenderness
How to Bleach Your Private Area?
Many women feel insecure about the darkness in their intimate area and search for home remedies for how to remove the blackness of private parts. Suppose you are also thinking about how to bleach your private area. In that case, you must know that vaginal bleaching is a cosmetic procedure that helps remove discoloration or hyperpigmentation in the private parts. Even though the process is termed vaginal bleaching, it reduces discoloration around the vulva and not the vagina.
The process involves using vaginal lightening creams, chemical peeling, or laser procedures to remove dark-coloured tissues from the genitals. You should not try vaginal bleaching at home by yourself. It is recommended to consult a doctor before using any vaginal lightening creams.
Side Effects of Vaginal Bleaching
According to the study by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG), vaginal bleaching can cause the following side effects.
1. Irritation
You can experience skin irritation in your private area due to harsh chemicals in vaginal lightening creams.
2. Scarring
The laser vaginal bleaching process may cause permanent scarring in the intimate area.
3. Pain during sexual intercourse
You might also experience some pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse after vaginal bleaching.
4. Increased chances of vaginal infection
The vaginal bleaching process also poses the risk of yeast infections as creams, or peeling solutions can disrupt the normal pH of the intimate area.
Conclusion
It is natural to have dark skin in your intimate areas. It can happen due to friction, sweat, or hormones. You can avoid the darkening of the private area by keeping it moisturised and wearing clothes with a soft and breathable fabric. Some women also use vaginal lightening creams or rely on vaginal bleaching processes like chemical peeling and lasers to lighten their private area. However, vaginal bleaching is not recommended. You must consult your doctor before using vaginal lightening creams at home.
References
- Andrew F Alexis and Paul Blackcloud, September 2013; Natural ingredients for darker skin types: Growing options for hyperpigmentation- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24002160
- US Food & Drug, April 2018; Injectable skin lightening and skin bleaching products may be unsafe- fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/injectable-skin-lightening-and-skin-bleaching-products-may-be-unsafe
- Meghana Madhukar Phiske, July 2014; An approach to acanthosis nigricans- An approach to acanthosis nigricans (nih.gov)
- AAD; How to fade dark spots in skin of color (aad.org)- How to fade dark spots in skin of color (aad.org)
- Jyoti M Galgut, Ram K Choudhary, May 2012; On the novel action of melanolysis by a leaf extract of Aloe vera and its active ingredient aloin, potent skin depigmenting agents - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22495441/