Natural Ways To Lighten Dark Inner Thighs & What Causes It
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Although dark inner thighs (or hyperpigmentation) are not uncommon, they can still be a source of self-consciousness for many people, affecting their confidence, especially during the summer months when you’re trying to rock your denim cutoffs or teeny tiny bikini on the beach!
This post will explore several contributing factors that cause dark inner thighs and provide you with effective treatment options including natural remedies and medical treatments to help you regain your confidence and achieve smoother, even-toned skin.
Causes Of Dark Inner Thighs
Dark inner thighs can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Friction from wearing tight clothing
Hormonal imbalances such as pregnancy, menstruation or conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis
Using harsh soaps or detergents
Exposure to the sun
Dry skin
To prevent and treat dark inner thighs, it is important to understand the underlying causes and contributing factors.
If you are overweight, losing weight can help to reduce friction and improve circulation in the affected area.
Avoid wearing tight clothing and use gentle, fragrance-free soaps and detergents.
If you have a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, consult a dermatologist for appropriate treatment.
Natural Ingredients & Easy Remedies To Lighten Dark Inner Thighs
LEMON JUICE
Lemons are good for brightening and lightening the skin due to their high vitamin C content and natural acidity.
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps to neutralise free radicals, which can damage the skin and lead to dullness and uneven tone.
Additionally, the citric acid in lemons acts as a natural exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and reveal fresh, brighter skin underneath.
This exfoliating action can also help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation over time.
However, it’s essential to use lemon juice cautiously and in moderation, as its acidity can be harsh on the skin and may cause irritation or sensitivity, especially in those with sensitive or dry skin.
You Will Need:
½ lemon
Cotton pads
What To Do:
Squeeze out the juice from half a lemon
Use a cotton pad to apply the juice. In case of sensitive skin, dilute the lemon juice with water in equal proportion
Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse it off with warm water
Repeat daily until you see a noticeable improvement
ALOE VERA
Aloe vera gel contains compounds that can reduce inflammation and promote healing but it also contains aloin which causes “melanin aggregation leading to skin lightening”.
Apply aloe vera gel to your inner thighs and leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Repeat daily for best results.
You Will Need:
Aloe vera gel (as required)
What To Do:
Take an aloe vera leaf and scrape out its gel
Blend the gel using a fork
Apply the aloe gel to the affected areas
Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse it off with warm water
Freeze the remaining gel
TURMERIC
Turmeric is a popular spice that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and skincare routines.
It is known for its numerous health benefits and is often touted as a natural remedy for various skin issues, including lightening the skin.
One of the main reasons turmeric is believed to help lighten the skin is its active compound called curcumin.
Curcumin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation on the skin.
You Will Need:
Turmeric
Milk of your choice (optional)
What To Do:
Mix turmeric powder with milk or water to make a paste
Apply it to your inner thighs
Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing with warm water
Repeat twice a week for best results
BAKING SODA
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a mild abrasive and can help exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells.
This exfoliation process can give the appearance of brighter skin and may help to even out skin tone.
Just be aware that baking soda may be too harsh for some and may cause adverse reactions so do a patch test first!
You Will Need:
Baking soda
What To Do:
Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to make a paste
Apply it to your inner thighs.
Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Repeat twice a week for best results.
Prefer scrubs & masks instead? Click here.
Cosmetic Treatments For Dark Inner Thighs
If you find that natural remedies are as effective or as quick as you’d like, there are medical treatments that can help lighten the inner thighs fast.
Here are the most effective ones:
Laser Therapy - Uses high-intensity light to break down melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. This can help reduce the appearance of dark skin and promote the growth of new, lighter skin.
Chemical Peels - Is an effective medical treatment for lightening the inner thighs. Chemical peels use a chemical solution to remove the top layers of skin, revealing lighter, brighter skin underneath. This can help reduce the appearance of dark skin and promote the growth of new, lighter skin.
It's important to remember that everyone's skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.
If you are seeking to lighten your skin, it is advisable to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional who can provide personalised advice based on your specific needs and skin type.
