Dark thighs: Causes and remedies

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1. Causes of dark thighs

Anyone can experience dark thighs, regardless of their skin color. Dark thighs are hyperpigmentation of the skin, usually on the inner thighs, due to the overproduction of the pigment melanin.
Dark thighs can even extend to the bikini or groin area.
Causes of dark thighs include:
Cracked skin, which can occur with exercise, walking or due to obesity, can cause the skin to become thin, itchy and dark. Hormonal imbalances, especially in women who are breastfeeding, pregnant, menstruating, or in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Certain medications such as hormonal birth control pills chemicals or certain chemotherapy drugs Sun exposure Dry skin Friction from tight clothing Canker sores Diabetes

2. Home remedies for dark thighs

There are 6 home remedies for thigh skin care to overcome dark thighs, help lighten dark skin on thighs. Specifically:

2.1. Coconut oil and lemon juice

Lemon contains a lot of vitamin C, which can help treat hyperpigmentation. Coconut oil can be used as a moisturizer and it can help keep thigh skin soft and toned.
Steps to exfoliate with a mixture of coconut oil and lemon juice are as follows:
Mix a few tablespoons of coconut oil with the juice of half a lemon. Rub the mixture into the affected area and massage for 10 minutes or so. Rinse with clean water.

2.2. Street

Sugar can help exfoliate the skin. Exfoliating the dark thighs can be helpful if the dark skin is caused by a build-up of dead skin.
The steps are as follows:
Combine fresh lemon juice, one teaspoon of sugar and one teaspoon of honey. Gently rub the mixture into the dark skin on the inner thighs. Wash the area to be exfoliated. Alternatively, you can also find ready-made sugar scrubs.

2.3. Yogurt and Oatmeal Mixture for Exfoliation

Oats can be used to treat eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. Oatmeal can also be used as an exfoliator and it can be gentler than sugar. Yogurt contains lactic acid and beneficial bacteria, which can improve skin health.
Steps to exfoliate with a mixture of oatmeal and yogurt are as follows:
Make a paste with oatmeal and plain yogurt. Apply the mixture and rub gently on the dark thigh skin. Rinse with water and pat dry the area where the mixture has been applied.

2.4. Baking soda and water

Baking soda can help lighten and exfoliate the skin, but you need to be careful when using it. That's because baking soda can be irritating to the skin. It can even irritate the skin and aggravate any skin condition.
If you want to try using a baking soda scrub, you need to do the following:
Make a mixture of baking soda and water in two equal parts. Apply a thin layer to the inner thighs, just like a face or body mask. Leave on for at least 15 minutes and then rinse off.

2.5. Aloe (Aloe Vera)

Aloe vera gel and aloe extract products can soothe irritated skin, used for dry chapped skin. Aloe vera contains aloin, a substance that has the ability to lighten the skin. Apply aloe vera gel like a lotion and let the product absorb into the skin. However, in this way, you do not need to wash off after applying.

2.6. Potato

Rubbing potatoes on your skin is a folk remedy to cure skin blemishes. Catecholase is an enzyme found in potatoes that can lighten the skin. To try this remedy, do the following:
Slice the potatoes. Rub a slice of potato on the dark thighs for 15 minutes or so. Gently rinse with water and pat dry the affected area.

3. How to treat dark thighs with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs

Many over-the-counter drug treatments for dark thighs - in the form of creams, lotions, and ointments - help reduce the appearance of dark skin and brighten the skin, including on the inner thighs. Some are made with natural ingredients that reduce pigmentation. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the following four ingredients can lighten the skin and do not carry much risk of an allergic reaction:
Soy: may be an ingredient in some moisturizers Niacinamide: a form vitamin B-3 Ellagic acid: a natural substance found in some fruits Lignin peroxidase: an enzyme that comes from fungi The following ingredients are common in OTC treatments and have been shown to have skin-lightening abilities . However, may cause allergic reactions in some people:
Arbutin Kojic Acid Licorice Consult a dermatologist before using OTC skin lightening products. A dermatologist can assess the underlying cause and help you choose an appropriate product.

3.1. Therapy and prescription ointments

If home remedies and OTC treatments don't help, you may need to consult a dermatologist about prescription products or treatments that can help lighten your skin. your. Here are some additional treatments your doctor may recommend.
Hydroquinone
The standard dermatological treatment used to "bleach" the skin is a cream containing hydroquinone - an ingredient that lightens dark spots on the skin, improving hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone is available in small concentrations in OTC products, but your dermatologist will likely prescribe a higher concentration of hydroquinone for more results. It may take up to 4 weeks for the medicine to work.
There have been animal studies suggesting that hydroquinone may be carcinogenic, which means it may cause cancer. As a result, hydroquinone is usually only recommended for short-term use and as directed by a dermatologist. Hydroquinone can also cause side effects such as dry skin so you should use it with a high-index sunscreen.
Retinoids
Vitamin A-based retinoids are also available by prescription, but a dermatologist can prescribe stronger concentrations. Retinoids, such as retinoic acid, regulate skin cell growth and are a potential option for treating hyperpigmentation.
Retinoids do not give instant results. You may need to use a retinoid product for several months before seeing results. Products containing retinoids can make skin dry and more sensitive to the sun.

3.2. Laser treatments

Laser skin lightening is an effective procedure that can reduce skin pigmentation without scarring. Your dermatologist will discuss laser treatments that are right for your needs. The healing process can be uncomfortable for the inner thighs, especially if your thighs rub together frequently.
In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discourages the use of injectable skin lightening products. There is not enough evidence that they work and there may be associated health risks.

4. How to prevent dark thighs

If you are at high risk for dark thighs , there are several things you can do to prevent darkening of the skin :
Maintain a healthy weight through exercise and a healthy diet . Prevent fungus by wearing nylon shorts or socks underneath long skirts or dresses. Establish a good thigh skin care routine Keep the inner thighs clean and exfoliate well to limit the accumulation of dead skin. Wear loose, breathable clothing to prevent excessive sweating and friction. Avoid shaving or waxing this area too often to prevent irritation. Always wear SPF 30 or higher sunscreen when exposed to the sun, and avoid excessive sun exposure when possible. In short, dark thighs are hyperpigmentation of the inner thighs. This is a common phenomenon and is not harmful to health. You can use a variety of home remedies, OTC products, and treatments to lighten dark skin. In addition, keeping the skin on the thighs clean, avoiding chapping, and limiting sun exposure can help reduce the risk of developing dark skin on the thighs in the future.
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Reference sources: healthline.com, medicalnewstoday.com