Why is Skin Around Genitals Darker Than Rest Of The Body?

Why is Skin Around Genitals Darker Than Rest Of The Body ? You may have noticed that your intimate areas are a little darker than the rest of the body. Now, this may worry you with thoughts concerning poor hygiene or lack of cleaning or scrubbing. Or you don’t like your partner to notice this distinct discolouration of your genital areas.

But the darkening of your private areas can be an absolutely normal thing caused by age, hormonal changes, friction, or sweating. 

Read on to know the 6 reasons behind intimate area darkening:

1. Hormonal changes: Women go through many hormonal changes in some stages of their life such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. These changes can affect melanin and the colour of our skin. For instance, the nipples of a woman who has been pregnant and given birth are much darker than in a woman who has never been pregnant. This is because during pregnancy melanin (colour pigment) accumulates in tissues like the nipple because of increased levels of estrogen in the body.
2. Friction – Another common cause of intimate area darkening is friction. Very tight clothing and frequent rubbing of the area can cause your skin to change colour. It can also be caused by daily activities, such as exercise, sex and even walking.
3. Age – As we get older our skin undergoes different aggressions that might darken the skin in this area. The skin does not only change in elasticity and texture but in colour, as well. This can cause certain areas of the body to darken.
4. Sweating – Sweating is also one of the reasons why your intimate area is two-shade darker than the rest of your body. This is because of the waste products found in sweat which change the skin’s colour and texture over time. If you sweat too much and too often down there, cleaning up the area with hygienic wipes can help.
5. Lack of Ventilation – Your intimate areas are your most private things, 24*7 covered by fabrics that do not allow much air to pass through them. Not getting enough ventilation unlike the rest of your body parts also causes the skin to change colour.
6. Shaving – There are many chemicals found in shaving creams and lotions which also lead to the darkening of the skin of your private parts. Shaving with a razor can sometimes lead to irritation of the dermis, activating the melanin cells and that in turn may cause skin darkening. Some soaps or vaginal deodorants can also be the cause of intimate area darkening.