Dark inner thighs can be really annoying since that means you need to ditch those mini dresses and skirts. A condition like this builds up over time and so if you have dark inner thighs, it means you’ve neglected that region for a long period. But it is never too late once you’re aware of the issue and you want to act on it and make a change. Let’s take a look at its causes, ways to treat it, DIY methods, and prevention methods!

What causes the inner thighs to darken?

Dark inner thighs are a common problem that men and women face. While many opt for DIY methods without fully understanding the cause, it only invites more trouble to your skin without really addressing the problem. Let’s look at some common causes that lead to dark inner thighs:

1. Hormonal imbalance

This commonly occurs in women who have irregular menstrual cycles or are pregnant and lactating. It could also happen to women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which is associated with hormonal imbalance. Read more about how PCOS affects your skin here.

2. Friction

The friction between the skin and clothes occurs when you wear really tight clothes. Tight clothes lead to building upon sweat and all the grim that your skin excretes to detox. It is necessary to wash it off timely for ensuring skin health.

3. Obesity

Obesity leads to chafing where the skin of both thighs rub each other during walking, running, dancing, etc. It is necessary to apply an antifungal cream after washing your thighs clearly. Obese individuals may see this happening very often and it may even lead to pustules if that region is not washed properly and promptly.

4. Medication

Certain medications can mess up your hormonal balance which leads to the darkening of inner thighs. Medications like chemotherapy and oral contraceptives can cause this. Bring this to the doctor’s notice to help you treat the dark patches.

5. Improper hygiene routine

Certain body parts like inner thighs, knees, elbows, underarms are avoided at times while showering. This leads to accumulating dead skin cells and dirt which invites all sorts of party animals like bacteria and fungus. Eventually, you will see stubborn dark patches.

6. Acanthosis Nigricans

This is a medical condition in which the skin appears discolored and dark. You may spot it around your joints with numerous folds and creases. This usually occurs in obese and diabetic patients but it may also occur in healthy individuals. So when you spot patches like this, it is best to visit a doctor to find the underlying cause.

PROMOTION

What are the ways to treat dark inner thighs?

Dark inner thighs can be reduced and even eliminated completely in some cases. It depends on the cause of the problem. If it is due to hormonal imbalance then the only way you can eliminate it is by treating your hormonal levels. However, you can manage it by using effective ingredients some of which we have listed here:

1. Kojic Acid

Kojic Acid is a skin brightening ingredient that helps inhibit the production of melanin (brown pigmentation) and is rich in Antioxidants. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to help you soothe the affected region.

2. Azelaic Acid

This ingredient helps to fight inflammation and acne by gently exfoliating the concerned region. It is also rich in Antioxidants that help fight free radicals. This makes it a great match for treating dark inner thighs.

Sublime recommends Pulp Ex-Acne Anti Acne Serum that pairs Azelaic Acid with Cinnamon Bark Extract that has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties which makes it a safe choice to apply it down there.

3. Retinol

Retinol is an anti-ageing active ingredient that helps in treating dark spots, wrinkles, and saggy skin. This works like a charm for dark inner thighs to get rid of dead skin cells, tone your skin and eliminate dark spots.

Read more about Retinol here.

4. Arbutin

Arbutin works great with acne marks and so naturally it is one of the choices to treat dark inner thighs. It works by inhibiting the enzyme that activates melanin production. Arbutin for your darkened thighs can help you treat and prevent further damage.

Sublime recommends Dr Sheth’s Ashwagandha & Alpha Arbutin Serum which is a powerful concoction to apply on your inner thighs for improving the elasticity of your skin and treating pigmentation.

Read more about Arbutin here.

5. Licorice Extract

This ingredient pretty much works in the same fashion that Arbutin does. So it will achieve the same results. It is an anti-inflammatory, skin brightening ingredient that helps you fight dark spots.

6. Niacinamide

Niacinamide or Vitamin B3 is commonly known for its ability to treat those stubborn acne spots. Thus, they make a great pick for those who want to fight pigmentation on their inner thighs.

Sublime recommends Dr Sheth’s Centella And Niacinamide Serum. While Niacinamide helps you reduce dark spots, Centella Asiatica is rich in Amino Acids and Antioxidants to fight free radical damage and soothe your skin.

Read more about Niacinamide here.

7. Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is used for its bleaching property. The general OTC hydroquinone-based creams have lower concentrations whereas doctors will be able to give you prescription-strength creams. If this is the right choice of treatment for your skin, you can understand that better after consulting a doctor. 

What are some DIY methods to manage dark inner thighs?

There are some harsh DIY methods that include applying harsh acids on your skin down there but stay away from such tips. The inner thigh is a very sensitive spot especially since it is near your genitals. Here are some safe methods you can try at home. Remember that with DIY methods, you need consistency and time to see some results.

1. Potato slices

Potatoes contain an enzyme called Catecholase that will help brighten the dark spots and treat them effectively. Rub slices of potatoes on the concerned region every day for 10-15 minutes. Massage well and splash lukewarm water at the end.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera contains a substance called Aloin that helps you reduce pigmentation and also soothe your skin. With pigmented skin, it is important to focus on soothing your skin to make sure it is not further damaged. Apply Aloe Vera gel directly to the concerned region and wash it off after 15 minutes.

A fuss-free alternative would be Health Horizons Aloevera & Hemp Body Butter that has Hemp Seed Oil, Chamomile Oil, Coconut Oil, and Shea butter along with Aloe Vera to nourish and eliminate impurities.

Read more about Aloe Vera here.

3. Oatmeal Yogurt

Oatmeal is one of the most gracious scrub one can find since it is suitable for the ones with hypersensitive skin types too. Whereas Yogurt is rich in Lactic Acid that helps fight pigmentation. Make a paste of oatmeal and yogurt and apply a thick layer to the concerned region. Splash lukewarm water after 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Turmeric Cucumber

Cucumber is known to have soothing properties that can help reduce swelling. Turmeric has an active component called Curcumin that can inhibit melanogenesis and reduce the dark spots. Crush cucumber, strain and collect the juice. Mix cucumber juice with a pinch of Turmeric. Apply it as a pack on the concerned region for 10-15 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. If you have dark patches on multiple regions that we recommend using soap, like Soulflower Papaya Cucumber Soap that has paired Cucumber with Papaya and Multani Mitti. These three work powerfully together to reduce dark patches. 

We also recommend that in any case, if the concerned region gives you a burning sensation, you need to immediately cool it off to stop damage. A great way to do so is massaging with Cucumber slices or using a Cucumber-based toner. 

Sublime recommends Kal Hans Naturals Aloe Cucumber Mist to instantly soothe your skin with the help of Aloe Vera and Cucumber.

How to prevent darkening of inner thighs?

It is possible that your medical condition may lead to such dark patches. In this case, you can’t prevent it without visiting the doctor. But in case it is due to lifestyle and daily activities, here are some changes you can make to prevent it:

• Don’t scratch or rub that area constantly even if it feels itchy.
• Avoid tight clothes to ensure that your skin can breathe down there.
• When exposed to the sun, apply sunscreen in that region too.
• Exfoliate timely to wash off the dead skin and impurities that build up.
• Don’t shave or wax there since your skin needs some extra soothing there.

Must you visit a doctor?

Dark inner thighs could be a sign of diabetes, unhealthy weight gain, and much more. Individuals who have such medical conditions are more prone to darkened inner thighs. When you find a dark patch near your joints, make sure to check with your doctor about the underlying cause to know the right treatment plan.

If you try to self-treat, choose gentle ingredients. Consult a doctor before going for active ingredients like chemical peels, Retinol, etc. Inner thighs are a sensitive area and close to your genitals which makes it even more necessary to be mindful of what you’re applying there.

Summary

Dark inner thighs are a common concern with many underlying causes. The first action to treat is to understand what’s the cause of such patches and then diving into skincare to treat it. We recommend approaching a doctor if you’re not sure of the cause or if the patch has grown stubborn and thick over time.

-Divya Salvi