Rest assured, having darker skin in the large lips of the vulva, testicles and around the anus, is not abnormal. Those who seek to whiten them using intimate peels and laser in an aesthetic doctor, do so for a purely aesthetic purpose.
What are the causes of genital hyperpigmentation?
Several factors lead to hyperpigmentation of the genital and pelvic sphere. It is notably caused by a dark biological pigment, melanin. In humans, the color of the skin, hair and eyes depends mainly on the melanin concentration. This natural pigment also protects us against the harm of the sun’s rays.
Although certain parts of the body, such as armpits and genitals, are never exposed to the sun, cells in these skin areas still produce melanin. This explains their dark color.
There is also a hormonal cause. Melanin production in the genitals can increase under the influence of hormones like estrogens in women and testosterone in humans.
External factors can also explain this darker skin shade:
- Wearing tight underwear (due to friction);
- Humidity;
- Shaving;
- Hot wax hair removal in this region.
Can we lighten the intimate area?
More and more aesthetic doctors offer solutions to patients who wish to lighten their intimate area. Among them, there is intimate peel. This medical treatment consists in applying mild exfoliating and depigmenting agents on the areas concerned. Unlike face peelings, intimate peels are formulated to respect the sensitivity of intimate mucous membranes and skin folds.