Have you noticed your inner thighs getting darker and wonder why or how to fix it? Dark inner thighs are a common occurrence, with several possible causes. There are many reasons as why inner thighs darken, and things like profuse sweating, razors, and certain lotions and creams are some of the major causes. Dark inner thighs can be a cause of embarrassment, but they are not painful.
Causes of Dark Inner Thighs:
Obesity
Being overweight can cause your thighs to rub against each other when you walk, which can cause discoloration and itchy skin called chaffing. To avoid this, wear loose-fitting pants and avoid nylon and other synthetic fabrics as they cause more irritation; choose natural fibers when possible.
Sun Exposure
If you enjoy spending time in the sun and your thighs are exposed, it can increase the pigment called melanin that darken your skin.
Hormonal Imbalance
Your inner thighs can darken from hormonal imbalance; some women notice their inner thighs darken during parts of their menstrual cycle, and hormonal changes from pregnancy can also cause darkening of skin.
Medications
Some medications can cause skin changes, including oral contraceptives. Ask your doctor for alternatives if you need to.
Friction
Excess sweat and tight clothes may cause darker thighs. Friction caused by this can result in darker thighs; again, choose fabrics that can breathe.
Acanthosis Nigricans
This condition makes dark patches and discoloration occur on your skin. There are several remedies available from your doctor or remedies you can make for yourself at home.
Home Remedies for Dark Inner Thighs:
• Lemon
Lemon acts as a bleaching agent for skin. Cut one in half and rub it on your inner thighs for 15-20 minutes then wash it off, pat dry, and repeat daily for best results. It will dry your skin so after patting the skin dry, you can apply a thin layer of olive or coconut oil.
• Aloe Vera
Massage aloe vera gel on the affected areas; it will help repair your skin and reduce inflammation.
• Lose Weight (if needed!)
If excess weight is the cause of your dark inner thighs try to lose it. If diet and exercise are not helping, see your doctor.
• Yogurt and Lemon
Mix lemon juice and yogurt into a thick paste and apply gently to your inner thighs. Leave the paste on for 20 minutes, then wash and pat dry.
• Oatmeal and Yogurt
Make a thick paste from one teaspoon each oatmeal, yogurt, and lemon juice. Apply to your inner thighs and leave for about an hour until it dries. This is a great exfoliant and is a popular home remedy for dark inner thighs and rough skin.
• Potatoes
Potatoes can work as a bleaching agent. Cut it into slices and then put them on your thighs. Leave the slices on for 30 minutes; then wash with warm water and pat dry.
• Powdered Milk and Honey
Mix 1 teaspoon each of honey, powdered milk, and lemon juice to make a thick paste. Add a few drops of almond oil and apply the paste to your thighs to lighten the color. This works on tanned skin as well.
• Hydroquinone products
If all home remedies fail to help you get rid of dark inner thighs, consider using products containing hydroquinone, a chemical lightening agent that is applied directly to the dark skin. Hydroquinone blocks an enzyme that is responsible for the production of the pigment melanin. It is a good skin lightener for dark skin when applied several times over a couple of weeks.
