How to Clear Darkened Inner Thighs

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If you’re bothered by darker patches of skin on your inner thighs, you aren’t alone! Many people experience this issue for several different reasons, from chafing to hormonal imbalances. Try using ingredients you most likely already have at home to lighten those darker areas, like aloe vera, coconut oil, and lemon juice. If at-home remedies don’t work, check with your dermatologist and try some over-the-counter options, like vitamin C serum or hydroquinone cream. It may take a few months to see results, but with daily application and some patience, you should notice a difference.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Trying Over-The-Counter Products

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  1. Before using any over-the-counter (OTC) products, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist so they can rule out anything more serious that could be causing your dark spots. [1] Once they know the main cause, they can recommend a good course of treatment. [2]
    • Darkened inner thighs can be caused by a few different things. Chafing, sensitive skin, hormonal imbalances, or hyperpigmentation could be the culprit. Your dermatologist is the only person who can give you a true diagnosis.

    Tip: Your dermatologist may recommend jumping straight to a prescription-strength treatment. They can often prescribe higher-strength hydroquinone creams and retinol serums than you would be able to purchase at the store.

  2. Hydroquinone slows down the production of melanin and also makes dark spots appear lighter. Apply it once a day to your inner thighs; stop using it if it causes hives or a burning sensation. [3]
    • You can also use this cream on other parts of your body that have dark spots.
    • It usually takes about 2 months to start seeing results.

    Warning: At the most, use hydroquinone cream for 4-5 months before taking a break. It’s important to give your skin some time to restore itself. If you want to continue using the hydroquinone cream, wait 2-3 months before beginning to apply it again.

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  3. Rub a few drops of the serum into your thighs every night before going to bed. These serums may make your skin renew faster, meaning the dead cells will be gone and replaced with new, brighter ones more quickly. [4]
    • For the best results, put the serum onto dry skin.

    Warning: Don’t use retinol serum if you’re pregnant. Chances are you and your baby would be okay with such a small topical treatment, but it’s still advised that you avoid it altogether while pregnant.

  4. Look for products that include glycolic acid, azelaic acid, or kojic acid. These acids essentially strip away the top layer of skin to reveal brighter skin underneath. Apply the treatment every night before going to bed. Stop using it immediately if it causes a burning sensation or rash. [5]
    • It’s best to use these types of products in conjunction with a moisturizer as they tend to dry out your skin. If you’re applying the acidic treatment at night, use a sensitive cream or coconut oil in the morning.
  5. It generally takes some time for you to notice a visible change in your skin tone. Products that promise results overnight or within a week usually don’t work or contain harmful chemicals. Be patient and consistent with the application to see lighter inner thighs within a few months. [6]
    • If after that time you still don’t see a difference, you may want to try a different product or discuss your options with your dermatologist.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using At-Home Remedies

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  1. Using honey can hydrate your skin and its antibacterial qualities may help fade uneven skin tone over time. Take 1 to 2 teaspoons (4.9 to 9.9 ml) of honey and rub it into your thighs. Rinse it off with warm water after 10 minutes. [7]
    • Consider creating an exfoliating scrub with 1 teaspoon (4 grams) of sugar. The scrub could help remove dead skin cells, which may brighten your skin even faster.
  2. The citrus in lemon juice can help naturally lighten your skin. You can either dilute 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of water and apply it to your skin, or create a more moisturizing salve by combining the lemon juice with 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 44 mL) of coconut oil, shea butter, or almond oil. [8]
    • Either leave the lemon juice on your skin or wipe it off with warm water after 10-15 minutes.
    • Because lemon juice is acidic, you may want to test it on your skin first so make sure it doesn’t burn or irritate your skin.
  3. Cut 5-6 slices of cucumber and simply rub them over the darkened areas for about 5 minutes. Or, you could cut more slices and leave them on your inner thighs for about 20 minutes. [9]
    • Cucumbers have great antioxidants and vitamins A and C. They may help combat skin discolorations over time.
  4. If your thighs are irritated and discolored, apply a thin layer of aloe vera to the affected spots for 15-20 minutes. Aloe contains anti-inflammatory elements, so it should soothe your skin; it also contains aloin, which may lighten your skin with long-term use. [10]
    • You can use fresh aloe from an aloe vera plant, or you could use store-bought aloe vera gel.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Dark Spots

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  1. The chafing that comes from your thighs consistently rubbing against one another is one of the main culprits of dark inner thighs. While you should only lose weight if you want to, keep in mind that it may reduce the amount of chafing you experience. [11]
    • Some people will experience thigh-rubbing regardless of their weight.
    • Try wearing spandex shorts underneath of skirts or dresses to prevent your thighs from rubbing together while you’re walking.
  2. Steer clear of fabrics that don’t let your skin breathe and that hug your thighs too tightly. Instead, look for pants that are moisture-wicking and that let your skin breathe. Cotton is a great choice, as are sport-specific pants. [12]
    • Jeans are a major cause of chafed thighs. Make sure your jeans fit well and aren’t too tight or too loose.
    • If your pants are uncomfortable and cause chafing but you need to wear them, apply a cream or powder to your thighs before getting dressed in the morning. Baby powder or similar products absorbs sweat and may help keep you comfortable for longer.
  3. When you are outdoors, make sure to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your entire body, including your inner thighs. [13] Look for products that include zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and that promote “broad-spectrum protection." [14]
    • Sun exposure increases the production of melanin, which will make dark areas even darker.
  4. Some skin care products are too rough for the sensitive skin of your inner thighs. If you are experiencing discomfort and irritation, especially after shaving, try switching out your normal products for ones that are gentler or made of natural ingredients. [15]
    • Look for products that are soothing and moisturizing. Shea butter, coconut oil, and oatmeal are great ingredients that should calm, rather than irritate, your skin.
  5. Sometimes there isn’t anything you can do topically to combat dark inner thighs. Hormonal imbalances or things like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can cause skin tone changes. Your doctor is the best person to determine if this is true for you and to help you come up with a treatment plan. [16]
    • Many pregnant women experience hyperpigmentation on their thighs, stomach, face, and hands. If this happens to you, you can expect the discoloration to fade in the months following birth.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I whiten my skin?
    Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
    Dermatologist
    Dr. Lydia Shedlofsky is a Resident Dermatologist who joined Affiliated Dermatology in July of 2019 after completing a traditional rotating internship at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. After graduation, she moved to Beira, Mozambique, and worked as a research assistant and intern at a free clinic. She completed a Post-Baccalaureate program and subsequently earned a Master's Degree in Medical Education and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
    Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
    Dermatologist
    Expert Answer
    Make sure you wear sunscreen when you're outside since the sun can darken your skin.
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      Tips

      • Many of these products and at-home remedies can be used over your entire body to combat uneven skin tone.
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      Warnings

      • Stop using any product or ingredient that causes a rash or makes your skin irritated.
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      • It’s a good idea to visit a dermatologist before beginning any course of treatment for a skin issue. They can rule out more serious issues and help determine the cause of your dark inner thighs. [17]
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      • If you use hydroquinone cream, stop after 4-5 months to prevent damaging your skin. [18]
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      • Avoid using retinol cream or serum if you are pregnant. The chances are that you and your baby would be fine, but it’s still recommended that it not be used during pregnancy. [19]
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      References

      1. ↑ Lydia Shedlofsky, DO. Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 3 May 2021.
      2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/fade-dark-spots
      3. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/mtm/hydroquinone-topical.html
      4. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/fade-dark-spots
      5. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/fade-dark-spots
      6. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/fade-dark-spots
      7. ↑ https://www.emedihealth.com/skin-lightening.html
      8. ↑ https://www.emedihealth.com/skin-lightening.html
      9. ↑ https://www.emedihealth.com/skin-lightening.html
      1. ↑ https://www.emedihealth.com/skin-lightening.html
      2. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002034.htm
      3. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002034.htm
      4. ↑ Lydia Shedlofsky, DO. Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 3 May 2021.
      5. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/fade-dark-spots
      6. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/fade-dark-spots
      7. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/fade-dark-spots
      8. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/fade-dark-spots
      9. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/mtm/hydroquinone-topical.html
      10. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114665/

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