We all feel a great deal of embarrassment with the problem of dark inner thighs, but it is a ubiquitous one. Most people experience this regardless of their skin complexion or tone.
Do not mistake the dark patches on the skin of the inner thighs to be a severe illness. It is a general issue that occurs when the skin produces plentiful melanin. Melanin is the skin pigment that is responsible for skin colour.
The entire process is known as hyperpigmentation. The discolouration of the skin tone due to hyperpigmentation may spread to the groin or bikini area.
But, other reasons lead to darkened skin inner thighs. Let us see the causes that lead to the common problem of dark skin between thighs.
Causes of Dark Inner Thighs
There are many reasons why a person experiences a darkened skin on the inner thighs. Some of the common causes are:
- Chafing, that occurs during walking or exercise or walking. Chafing cause the skin surface to turn itchy, thin, and discoloured.
- The problem of hormonal imbalance, particularly among women during menstruation, pregnancy, lactation, or among women with the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Certain medications such as oral hormonal contraceptives or few medications of chemotherapy
- Too much sun exposure
- Dry skin
- Friction on thighs from tight clothing
- Acanthosis Nigricans which is a skin pigmentation disorder
- Diabetes Mellitus
Risk Factors for Dark Inner Thighs
An obese person is always at higher risk of facing the problems and embarrassment of dark thighs due to skin chafing.
People suffering from hormonal imbalance or diabetes mellitus also are at a higher risk of getting inner thighs dark. Certain medications may also have side effects that are responsible for dark pigmentation of the skin.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of the Dark Inner Things
If you cannot altogether avoid the problem of dark inner thighs, you can at least try to prevent them as much as possible or at least lighten the dark patches on inner thighs with the help of few useful home remedies.
Lemon Juice and Coconut Oil
Lemons help to treat hyperpigmentation with the help of vitamin c content in them. Coconut oil also serves as a moisturizer and helps to keep the skin soft and supple. To make a scrub of lemon juice and coconut oil:
- Take a few tablespoons of coconut oil and mix it with the juice of only half a lemon.
- Apply the combination in the affected areas and rub it for at least 10.
- After massaging, wash the area clean.
This is an effective method to lighten the dark skin. However, few types of research suggest that specific formulations of vitamin C may be more effective than this method. If this does not work correctly for you, there are other ways.
Sugar Scrub
Sugar is very beneficial for exfoliation purposes. Exfoliation over a period of time will gradually help to lighten the dark skin that is caused by dead skin.
- Combine a teaspoon of sugar and a tablespoon of honey with the fresh juice of a lemon.
- Once the mixture is ready, gently apply the mixture on the inner thighs and scrub it gently.
- Rinse the scrub after 5 to 10 minutes.
Yoghurt Oatmeal Scrub
Oatmeal can help to treat skin inflammation like eczema. Oatmeal can also act as an excellent exfoliant. Oatmeal is even gentler than sugar on the skin.
On the other hand, Yoghurt contains lactic acid, which helps improve the skin’s health. Yoghurt also offers countless benefits when consumed orally or used topically. To create the oatmeal scrub:
- First, you need to make a paste with the proper and equal proportion of yogurt and oatmeal.
- Spread the paste to the darkened inner thighs, and gently scrub.
- Once the scrubbing is done, wash the mixture off the thighs.
A paste of Baking Soda with Water
Baking soda is beneficial for removing stains and dark patches. So, this will definitely help you too to lighten and exfoliate the thigh skin. However, one should be careful while using baking soda, as it can be harsh on the skin also as it showed in some cases.
If you have sensitive skin, then baking soda may not suit you. Baking soda can irritate your skin and worsen the skin issues that you are facing. It is always better to start with a trial and error method. So, start with a small quantity.
- Mix an equal part of water and baking soda.
- Apply a thin layer of the mixture to the inner thighs and wait for at least 15 minutes. If you face any discomfort and irritation, wash the mixture off immediately.
- Wash it off with water after 15 minutes at the most.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an excellent moisturizer for the skin. Aloe Vera based products like gels or creams help to soothe and calm the irritated and chafed skin. Aloe Vera carries aloin which helps to lighten the dark skin.
Apply Aloe Vera in any form like lotion or cream, or gel and allow it to soak into your skin. You do not require washing it, as it will gradually get absorbed in your skin and start its work.
Potato Rub
Rubbing potatoes on your skin is an old remedy to remove dark spots. It is believed that the enzyme called catecholase in potatoes can lighten the skin tone. For this remedy:
- Cut the potato into slices.
- Rub the potato slice over the darkened skin in the inner thighs for at least 15 minutes.
- Gently wash the affected area after rubbing the potato slice.
Over-the-Counter Medicine Treatment
Many OTC medicines help to lighten the skin tone. Some of these medicines are made from natural ingredients which promise to reduce skin pigmentation. The American Academy of Dermatology says that four ingredients are great for skin lightening purposes. They are also free of allergic reactions.
- Soy
- Niacinamide
- Lignin peroxidase
- Ellagic acid
Favourite ingredients like arbutin, liquorice and kojic acid in over-the-counter medicines are also a potential choice for skin lightening. Still, they are prone to cause allergic reactions to the skin.
Treatment with Prescription Ointments
For severe skin issues, dermatologists are always there to offer you the best help. Following are some additional medicinal treatments that your doctor may prescribe to you.
Hydroquinone
The cream carrying hydroquinone helps to bleach the skin. Animal studies and tests have suggested that hydroquinone is probably a carcinogen as it may cause cancer. Therefore, it is better to use the product for a short period only and only on the advice of skin specialists.
Retinoids
Retinoid products with Vitamin A are also present as over-the-counter medicines. However, a dermatologist may prescribe a higher dose to you as per the requirement.
Retinoic acid help to regulate cell growth of the skin and treats hyperpigmentation. Retinoid products should be used only for a specific duration, as the doctor suggests. Retinoid products can make your skin over sensitive and dry with excess usage.
Laser Treatments
Laser skin lightening treatment helps to reduce skin pigmentation without the problem of scarring the skin. Your dermatologist can best determine whether you need such treatment. But during the healing process, one must be careful not to allow the rubbing of the inner thighs.
Hyper-pigmentation of the inner thighs is a usually harmless problem that causes a lot of embarrassment. Who does not love flawless skin? There are several home remedies, over-the-counter medicines that do not require a prescription. Then again, there are medicines prescribed by skin specialists and dermatologists that can lighten the dark skin pigmentation in the inner thighs.
Additionally, one should keep their thighs clean; avoid chafing and friction as much as possible. Overexposure of the skin to the sun can also cause damaging effects to the skin and leave permanent dark patches.
