Your vagina is one of the most delicate parts of your body. As a result, proper hygiene is not optional; it’s a must. During your cleaning routine, you most likely have noticed that your private area appears darker when compared to the rest of your body. Naturally, you might assume that it’s related to bad hygiene and looking for ways to lighten your skin.
Fortunately, you don’t have to search for much longer. This article will take an in-depth look and answer some of the most common questions regarding darkened private areas. From causes to solutions, no stone will be left untouched. So, what do you say; are you ready to learn how to lighten your private area fast?
Why Is It Dark?
It’s important to understand that it’s normal to have your private area skin a bit darker than your actual skin tone. More often than not, darkening occurs during puberty and can continue into adulthood.
There are many reasons behind this, one of them being the production of extra melanin in the intimate area. For some, extreme darkening might be a result of an allergic reaction, hormonal changes, or even hair removal.
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Friction
Tight or ill-fitting underwear can restrict ventilation in your intimate area, increasing moisture. As you walk, the clothing and extra moisture will generate friction, which causes keratinization on the skin.
During this process, keratinocyte cells produce more keratin as they move higher in the topmost layer of skin. Since these cells also contain melanin, they increase pigmentation in the skin.
If you want to prevent keratinization, you’ll need to regularly clean the area with gentle soap. Similarly, you should wear comfortable underwear made from cotton or polyester.
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Hormones
Research shows that estrogen is responsible for skin color. That’s because it releases melanin, which can darken your skin.
Therefore, rapid increases in estrogen levels will also increase the chance of dark pigmentation in your private area. One way to prevent it is to balance your hormonal levels by getting enough sleep and having a balanced diet.
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Age
With age, the vagina undergoes various changes. It usually changes in size, shape, and color. More specifically, it turns from a light pink to a darker brown. The thickness will also reduce over time, allowing the area to become more pigmented.
That’s because fatty tissue becomes thinner. Keep in mind that this is a natural process that you can’t control and that it happens to most, if not all, women.
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PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal disorder extremely common among women of reproductive age. Sometimes, women that suffer from PCOS experience an overgrowth of dark patches around their private areas. The condition is known as acanthosis nigricans and is caused by hormonal imbalances.
To lower the risk of acanthosis nigricans and PCOS, women should consume fewer sugary foods, as they cause insulin spikes, which are the main culprits of the condition.
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Hair Removal
Hair removal through waxing and creams can cause chemical burns and exfoliate the top layer of skin. As a result, the skin around your vagina becomes more sensitive and tends to darken. That’s why it’s advised to rely on laser removal rather than shaving or waxing.
How to Lighten Your Private Area Fast: 14 Ways
Although having a dark-colored vagina is normal, it can be particularly annoying for some women. However, when it comes to your private area, you have to be careful what you use to prevent or reverse darkening, as it might have a negative impact on your pH levels.
But no need to worry; these natural methods should help lighten your private area without causing any imbalances.
1. Yogurt
Yogurt contains a variety of bacteria that can help with all sorts of skin problems. When applied topically to your vagina, yogurt will reduce itchiness, dryness, and bad odors. Since it features vitamin B12, yogurt can also brighten dull skin and lighten skin discoloration.
To make the concoction, take two tablespoons of organic yogurt, one and a half teaspoons of oatmeal, and one teaspoon of honey. But first, make sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients. Then, apply it to your darkened skin. After 10 minutes, exfoliate by making light circular motions with your fingertips. Rinse with warm water and apply moisturizer if needed.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Due to its bleaching effect, apple cider vinegar can act as a skin-lightening agent. Unlike regular bleaching, ACV has many health and skin benefits.
In fact, it contains various vitamins, mineral salts, and enzymes, besides being rich in citric, malic, amino, and acetic acids, which are all beneficial for the skin. When used, ACV will leave your skin supple and soft while also regulating the pH level of your private area.
If you opt for this method, you’ll first need to combine apple cider vinegar with filtered water. You can also add a couple of drops of essential oils like tea tree or lavender. Use a cotton ball to apply the solution to your vulva and leave it on for five minutes. Then, rinse off with warm water. You can do this up to two times per day, depending on your needs.
3. Aloe Vera and Cucumber
Since it is rich in vitamins A, E, C, and B12, aloe vera is a reliable natural skin lightener. As a matter of fact, the gel extracted from this plant is used as the main ingredient in many skin creams. And, when mixed with cucumber, aloe vera can help lighten your private parts.
Using an electric mixer, mash two tablespoons of aloe vera gel and half a cucumber. Apply it to clean skin and wait for about 15 minutes. That way, your skin will have enough time to absorb the mixture. Proceed by exfoliating your skin using your fingertips for a minute or two.
Then, wash the area with mild water and avoid using soap. Remember that you’ll have to repeat this procedure daily in order to have visible results.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda is not just an essential ingredient in many dishes, but it’s also an effective skin cleanser. It cleans and revives skin cells, which is why people often use it to lighten their private areas naturally.
Ready to give baking soda a shot? Start by mixing three tablespoons of baking soda in a cup of water until you form a paste. Apply the mixture to your darkened skin, leaving it there for about 20 minutes before rinsing. If you do this procedure once a week, you’ll be able to make your skin lighter and rosier in no time.
5. Honey
People use honey and vinegar as a natural alternative to chemical vaginal or anal bleaching. That’s thanks to the minerals found in honey, which the skin can easily absorb.
Similar to apple cider vinegar, you’ll need to mix equal parts of vinegar and honey, then apply the paste to your private area. Keep it there for 15 minutes, and then exfoliate slowly. Clean the area using warm water, and you should start seeing results after just a few applications of the mixture.
6. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is an acidic substance that you can use as a natural bleaching agent. While you can use it alone by applying it to your private area, you can also mix it with carrier oils to produce a dark spot corrector that can fade darkened areas.
But what’s so interesting about lemon juice is that its drying effect can help remove dead skin cells and bacteria, preventing further darkening.
7. Buttermilk
Buttermilk features large quantities of lactic acid, which is what makes it such an effective lightening agent. The application is simple and requires you to dab generous amounts of buttermilk on your darkened areas using a cotton swab and wait for a couple of minutes before rinsing.
Don’t forget to only use plain water when washing away the buttermilk, as soap could cause an allergic reaction.
8. Potato Juice
Potato juice has astringent properties, meaning that it can remove excess oil from your private parts and tone the skin. When combined with turmeric, the resultant mixture will also act as a natural antiseptic, preventing infections and eliminating dark spots on the skin.
In case you decide to give potato juice a try, you’ll need to do the following. Peel half a potato and blend it, extracting its juices. Add a pinch of turmeric and apply the mixture to your private area. Let it sit for 15 minutes, and then wash it off using lukewarm water.
By using this method once a week for a month, you can effectively lighten your skin while also maintaining its natural pH level.
9. Papaya
Papaya is highly beneficial to your skin due to its vitamin A and C content. It reduces dark spots while smoothing your skin simultaneously. To make this mixture, make papaya pulp, then apply it to your private area by rubbing smoothly for 15 minutes. Keep in mind that you’ll need to do this two or three times a week to gain visible results.
10. Red Onion
Rubbing red onions on dark spots can lighten them gradually. As a result, people apply red onion juice to their private areas three times a day. That’s because the juice acts as a bleaching agent. The astringent properties of onions will also kill existing bacteria, preventing infections and reducing the chance of further darkening.
11. Red Currants
To lighten your private area, you can mix mashed red currants with honey. Not only that, but this should also strengthen and tone the skin, improving its elasticity. Just make sure to let the mixture sit on the darkened spot for five minutes before washing it off.
12. Sandalwood
Sandalwood is a popular anti-aging agent that is often featured in skin-care products. When mixed with glycerin, lemon, and rose water, sandalwood has the ability to moisturize your skin as well as lighten dark spots.
13. Horseradish
Combining horseradish with castor oil, buttermilk, or aloe vera will result in a whitening paste that you can apply to your private area. Do that three times a day for a couple of weeks, and you’ll notice that dark spots will gradually get lighter.
14. Vaginal Bleaching
Unfortunately, due to the unrealistic expectations created by pornography, more and more women are looking for quick ways to lighten their private areas. While natural methods are effective, they often take some time and dedication. This is why some women prefer vaginal bleaching to whiten their labia, vulva, and general bikini area.
It’s true that this procedure can be very effective, with patients stating that their vagina looks more youthful and fresh. However, unlike other methods, vaginal bleaching doesn’t bring any medical benefit to the table.
Additionally, it is believed that the lightening is temporary, so you’ll have to repeat the procedure for continuous results, which can be harmful to your genital skin.
Is Vaginal Bleaching Safe?
There’s a lot of debate regarding the safety of chemical bleaching. In fact, many medical specialists refuse to perform this procedure as they believe it is dangerous for vulvar skin and can cause irritation and other dermatological problems such as scarring. But the real concern is due to the many dangerous ingredients that bleaching creams use.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, creams used for vaginal bleaching contain high amounts of hydroquinone or topical steroids. These substances can be very dangerous and even cause a rare condition that results in the purple and blue pigmentation of the skin.
Some manufacturers also use cancerous ingredients like arsenic and mercury in skin bleaching products without disclosing them on the label. As a result, it’s best to avoid vaginal bleaching and rely on natural remedies.
Side Effects
As previously noted, vaginal bleaching can cause some severe side effects. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has rounded up the most common of the bunch, so you can know exactly what to expect if you undergo the procedure:
• Irritation: Depending on the products used, you can experience skin irritation in your private area. That’s because some vaginal lightening creams contain harsh chemicals such as topical steroids.
• Scarring: While it might seem that laser vaginal bleaching is safe, it can cause scarring in your private area. However, that’s more common for those with sensitive skin.
• Pain During Sexual Intercourse: Some people have reported feeling discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse for days after vaginal bleaching.
• Vaginal Infections: Bleaching creams and peeling solutions can mess with your pH levels, increasing the risk of yeast infections.