Many women and men find they have unusually dark inner thighs. But what causes this common discoloration? Is it preventable? And what can you do to treat it? Read on to learn more about this condition.

Are dark inner thighs normal?

Yes, dark inner thighs are normal and relatively common. Men and women of different shapes and sizes may observe a darker skin tone on the inner thighs and around the groin and pubic area. A darker skin tone on the inner thighs can be seen in all types of skin tones. 

Why are my inner thighs dark?

Darker skin on the inner thighs or private areas will typically develop or darken over time. This darkening can occur when the sensitive skin around the groin and inner thighs produces an abundance of melanin, a pigment that gives skin its color. An abundance of melanin in the skin is called hyperpigmentation and can be observed on the face and other areas of the body as well. 

Causes of hyperpigmentation can include:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Friction
• Dry skin
• Moist skin
• Certain medicines
• Chafing 
• Diabetes mellitus 

Chafing is a widespread cause of discoloration, and it can occur during exercise or walking. Friction, rubbing, or chafing of sweaty or dry skin can all cause the skin to become thin, itchy, and discolored.

Hormonal imbalances are another more common cause of hyperpigmentation, particularly in women. A hormonal imbalance is most likely during lactation, pregnancy, menopause, or menstruation. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may also cause skin discoloration. 

How can I get rid of my dark inner thighs?

Dark inner thighs are a cosmetic issue that poses no significant harm to your health. However, many people dislike the discoloration around their thighs or experience discomfort from the causes of hyperpigmentation. If you’re seeking to lighten darker skin, some remedies are available. 

Methods for lightening inner thighs include:

• Skin lightening products: There are products on the market designed to lighten dark areas of the skin. WebMD discusses their use and risks in this article.
• Stretch mark treatments: If stretch marks partially cause darker areas, you can also use specialized stretch mark treatments to moisturize and help reduce the visibility. 
• Exfoliation: Encouraging skin cell turnover through exfoliation can also help reduce dark patches of skin. Scrubs using oatmeal, sugar, coconut, or yogurt are commonly recommended.
• Over-the-counter treatments: You can ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter treatments for discoloration. These typically include soy, niacinamide, ellagic acid, or lignin peroxidase.
• Professional treatments: You can also undertake professional treatments to lighten dark inner thighs; these include laser treatments or courses of topical treatments overseen by a dermatologist.

How can I prevent dark inner thighs?

Prevention is often cheaper and more accessible than finding a miracle fix or cure. While some causes of darkening on the inner thighs are unavoidable, other common causes can easily be prevented. 

Chafing and dry or overly moist skin are some of the most common causes of darker skin on the inner thighs. You can significantly reduce discoloration around the groin and thigh areas by preventing chafing. Anti-chafing Bandelettes® Thigh Bands will help prevent chafing and reduce friction in hyperpigmented areas. These thigh bands can prevent skin-on-skin friction, so there’s no chafing between the inner thighs.

Wearing sunscreen on the area and avoiding sun damage or tanning can also help prevent dark spots from becoming more pigmented. Reducing sun damage which can cause blisters or dry skin helps prevent both cosmetic skin damage and reduces the risk of skin cancers.

Takeaway

Darker skin on the inner thighs is common and not harmful to your health. However, they can be annoying or embarrassing, especially during bikini season. While there are many remedies to lighten the dark skin, prevention is the easiest and most cost-effective option.

Keeping the area clean and dry to avoid chafing and limiting your sun exposure will significantly reduce the risk of developing hyperpigmentation or making dark skin patches even worse.