Understanding what causes this condition
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Dark inner thighs are not a serious disease, but they can cause a lot of embarrassment. They can be dispensed with these simple remedies at home or by using medical treatments like over the counter ointments. Usually, obese persons have dark inner thighs because their thighs rub against each other while walking or exercising. Other causes include excessive sweating, poor hygiene, using various hair removal methods like shaving, hormonal imbalances, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, etc.
What causes dark inner thighs?
Ways of getting rid of dark inner thighs
It’s true that anyone can get dark inner thighs, irrespective of what the skin tone they have. Dark inner thighs occur due to an unwarranted production of the melanin on the inner thigh. This process of abundant melanin generation is known as hyperpigmentation. The darkening of your dark inner thighs can even spread into the groin or bikini area. Some causes of dark inner thighs or the discoloration because of hyperpigmentation include:
Obesity
Obesity can cause dark inner thighs. When you are overweight, they rub against each other while you move; and this may end in discoloration and itchy skin known as chafing. To evade this, you can wear shorts that cover your thighs under your dresses so that your legs won’t rub together directly.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance can also cause dark inner thighs. Some women may notice they get dark inner thigh during menstruation. Moreover, hormonal changes during pregnancy can also cause darkening of the inner thigh.
Friction while walking
Excess sweating and wearing clothes that are too tight can also cause darker inner thighs. Rubbing caused by this can be lead to dark inner thigh. Wear breathable fabrics.
Medications taken
Certain medications cause skin color changes and can result in darker inner thighs. These medications include oral contraceptive pills and some chemotherapy medicines. Talk to your doctor about any alternatives you can get.
Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans is a condition which creates dark patches and ends in discoloration on the skin. Seek medical help for the underlying cause and also for the AN which caused the darkening of the inner thighs.
Other causes for dark inner thighs
There are some other causes of dark inner thigh like excessive sun exposure, skin dryness, and diabetes mellitus.
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Ways to lighten dark inner thighs
Here are a few methods which can naturally assist you to get rid of dark inner thighs:
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Lemon
Not only does lemon have exfoliating characteristics that help in removing impurities, but it is also a bleaching agent which can aid in lightening your skin tone. You can apply some fresh lemon juice to your inner thighs, let it sit for around 20 minutes and wash it off with a wet cloth. Do this at least three times a week for effective results. Those with dry and sensitive skin can dilute the lemon juice with some water to prevent dryness. You can put on some olive oil afterward, as lemon can cause skin dryness.
Coconut Oil And Lemon Juice
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Lemons are loaded vitamin C and this help in managing hyperpigmentation. While coconut oil serves as a moisturizer and it may help in keeping your thighs soft. So, you can prepare a scrub with some coconut oil and lemon juice. For the scrub, you need to combine a few tablespoons of coconut oil with the lemon juice from half a lemon and smear this mixture on the afflicted area and massage it for about 10 minutes or even longer before washing it off.
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Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has amazing skin rejuvenating features and is also effective in lightening the inner thigh area as it relieves hyperpigmentation. You can obtain fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe vera plant and apply it on the thighs and rub it in until it is absorbed in the skin. Rinse the area with warm water and repeat this twice or thrice a day for effective results.
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Cucumber
This plant has bleaching properties that help in alleviating dark inner thighs. It removes dirt and dead skin cells. You can use freshly squeezed cucumber juice on your inner thighs and rub gently for some time. Rinse the area with water. Apply this remedy twice daily for lighter-toned skin on the inner thigh.
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Yogurt
The lactic acid present in yogurt has mild bleaching qualities. Yogurt also contains some zinc which helps in treating sunburns. You can use yogurt on the inner thigh for a few minutes and let it sit for around 15 minutes. Rinse off with some lukewarm water. You can use this remedy once a day
Oatmeal And Yogurt Scrub
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Oatmeal is used for relieving eczema and several other inflammatory skin conditions. Oatmeal is also known to be an exfoliant; the yogurt may also work in improving the skin’s health. To make oatmeal and yogurt scrub, you need to make a paste out of equal parts of yogurt and oatmeal. Then apply this paste to the darkened inner thigh and scrub it lightly before washing it off.
Yogurt And Lemon
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Yogurt and lemon together make a wonderful home remedy to reduce dark inner thighs. Mix the yogurt and lemon juice into a thick paste and apply it gently onto the inner thighs. Leave it for about twenty minutes and then wash the area and pat dry.
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Almonds
The vitamin E found in almonds are effective for skin brightening, moisturizing the dried skin and rejuvenating damaged skin. Add some honey and almond powder in milk to make a scrub- like paste. Apply it to your inner thighs and let it dry for some minutes. Remove it with moist fingers and rinse with cold water. Repeat three times a week to lighten inner thighs.
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Orange peels
Orange peels have mild exfoliating and bleaching properties that aid in lightening the dark skin on the inner thighs. Make a powder from the dried orange peels and add 2 teaspoons of it in rose water to make a thick paste. Add in some raw honey too. Use the paste on your inner thighs and leave it for about 15-20 minutes. Wash it off with cold water. Repeat about 2 to 3 times a week for the best results.
Sugar Scrub
Sugar is a known exfoliant, and exfoliating may help in lightening the darkened skin. To make this home remedy, mix 1 teaspoon of sugar, some fresh lemon juice and a tablespoon of raw honey. Gently scrub this mixture onto your dark inner thighs before rinsing it off.
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Baking Soda
Baking soda might assist in exfoliating and lightening the darkened skin. So, you can also try this remedy. However, use this home remedy cautiously as baking soda can be very harsh on your skin and could cause irritation and worsen the condition. Take equal parts water and the baking soda and make a paste. Apply this to the dark inner thighs. You need to leave it on for at least 15 minutes before cleaning it off with cold water.
Powdered Milk And Honey
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Powdered milk together with honey can also act as an excellent home remedy to lighten dark inner thighs. For this remedy, mix 1 teaspoon of honey, a teaspoon of powdered milk with 1 teaspoon of the lemon juice and make a thick paste out of it. Apply this to the affected areas. By adding in a few drops of almond oil, this too can help lighten the dark skin color.
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Potatoes
Rubbing potato slices onto the affected area is an age-old home remedy for treating dark spots on the skin. It is believed that an enzyme called Catecholase, present in potatoes, can lighten dark skin. So, try using this remedy to lighten darkened inner thighs. Slice one potato and rub the slice of potato over the affected area for 15 minutes or longer. Finally, wash the area gently with some water
Lose some weight if needed
If you are overweight and your weight causes dark inner thighs, then try and lose your weight with proper guided exercises and diet.
Medical treatments to lighten darkened inner thighs
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Using OTC Medications
Several OTC medicines can treat darkened skin. Some contain natural ingredients such as soy, ellagic acid, niacinamide, and lignin peroxidase. However, other ingredients used in certain OTC treatments can cause allergic reactions in a few people. Such ingredients are like kojic, arbutin, and licorice. Consult your dermatologist before using any OTC product to lightening your dark inner thighs.
Prescription ointments
You can try some using prescription ointments if home remedies and OTC treatments do not help. Some of these products include retinoids and hydroquinone products.
Retinoids
Retinoid products contain Vitamin A and retinoic acid. They regulate the growth of skin cells and are a potential option for treating hyperpigmentation. You need to use a retinoid product for several months to get the desired results.
Hydroquinone products
A cream with hydroquinone is the standard treatment used for skin bleaching. It is present in small concentrations in OTC products; however, for a higher dose, your dermatologist can prescribe these products to you. It must be noted that creams with high hydroquinone must only be used for a short while and only with a prescription.
Laser Treatment
This treatment is a skin lightening procedure that can help reduce skin pigmentation without causing any scarring. Talk with your dermatologist about the appropriate treatment you might need.Having darker inner thighs is common and is not harmful to your health. If you are suffering from it, try the home remedies or medical treatments to lighten them. Also, keep the skin there clean and dry, avoid chafing and also limit unnecessary sun exposure which can prevent dark inner thighs.
