Having a dark vaginal area usually isn’t a health concern. It’s normal for women of all complexions to experience darkening around the vulva and other intimate areas. However, the extent of the darkening varies, and the color change can worsen over time.

Causes of Dark Vaginal Area 

While this issue is normal, there are several potential reasons why women develop a dark vaginal area. Biologically, it’s a form of hyperpigmentation. It’s typically a byproduct of increased melanin production and accumulation in the area. There are a few common reasons why this occurs.

Friction

Friction can lead to skin-darkening on any part of the body, but it’s particularly common around the genital area. Increased friction often leads to hyperactivity in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin pigment. When the melanocytes produce more pigment, it accumulates in the area and causes a darkening effect.

Women can experience daily friction in many ways. Sometimes, it’s due to ill-fitting underwear or tight clothing. In other cases, walking, running, and exercising can cause friction on the inner thighs and vulva. Even sexual activity can lead to increased friction that ultimately causes hyperpigmentation.

Shaving

Shaving can also be a source of a dark vaginal area. Using a razor on sensitive body parts often leads to irritation and an inflammatory response. When that occurs, you may experience post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It’s the same type of darkening that can occur after a pimple heals.

Some women also experience irritation and inflammation as new growth comes in. There’s also a risk that chemicals in shaving creams or lotions exacerbate the skin’s response.

Hormones

Hormonal changes may be to blame for developing a dark vaginal area, too. While your entire body has pigment-producing melanocytes, those around the vulva can be particularly sensitive to hormones. The same goes for other sensitive areas around the nipple and anus.

Melanin production can kick into overdrive whenever your body experiences an increase in estrogen and progesterone. This change may occur during pregnancy or menopause. Many also experience skin changes when they’re on birth control.

Aging

Finally, skin darkening is common with aging. Skin throughout your entire body changes the older you get. Its tone, texture and elasticity will evolve. Those changes aren’t limited to your face, arms and décolletage. The same occurs with the skin in the vaginal area. Pair that with more repeated friction-based trauma and the hormonal changes that happen with menopause, and darkening becomes more common with age.

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Dark Vaginal Area Lightening

Developing a dark vaginal area is normal for women of all ages, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for it. Despite its prevalence, discoloration can become a source of shame and make many self-conscious about their bodies. For that reason, genital bleaching and lightening treatments are becoming more common.

Genital lightening is a safe way to address skin darkening, and many options are available. Because discoloration can vary in intensity, it’s important to consult an expert like Dr. Tahery to determine the best course of action. 

One of the most common treatments is topical bleaching. It’s a gradual process that can be effective for many women. Prescription products in varying strengths reduce melanin in the skin while blocking biological processes that cause further hyperpigmentation. 

Dr Tahery has developed bleaching creams that are designed to treat the most delicate and sensitive parts of the body. These special bleach creams are safe and highly effective for most skin types and regions of the body.

Other options include peels and lasers. Laser treatments use high-intensity light pulses that penetrate the skin and target melanin.

When you’re ready to discuss your options and finally address your dark vaginal area, turn to Dr. Michael Tahery. Dr. Tahery has over 25 years of experience helping women like you in and around Los Angeles. As a urogynecologist, board-certified OB/GYN, and a recognized expert in cosmetic vaginal surgery, Dr. Tahery has the expertise to find a solution for your unique needs. Dr. Tahery provides individualized care and employs multiple techniques for genital skin lightening, helping you get the results you’re after regardless of your skin tone. Reach out to our offices today to schedule your consultation and learn more with Dr. Tahery.

The post Why is The Vaginal Area Dark? appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

As the name would imply, this procedure is about lightening the genitals and bikini area. Despite how it sounds, the treatment doesn’t use traditional bleach. Instead, lightning occurs with topical creams, serums, chemical peels, or laser treatment. Genital bleaching in Los Angeles is a relatively quick and easy procedure, happening in-office with virtually no downtime or complex preparation.

Vaginal Bleaching

Vaginal bleaching focuses on the external genitals. Despite the common name, it doesn’t involve the internal vaginal canal. Instead, it treats the vulva and surrounding area. Depending on your needs, it may also include the inner thigh.

The reason most women choose vaginal bleaching is to address discoloration. Increases in melanin production around puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can lead to natural darkening. Weight gain, friction, and general aging can also make the vulva appear darker than the surrounding skin.

While not an inherent health problem, skin tone differences can affect one’s self-esteem. Bleaching helps lighten the tissue, resulting in a pinker flesh-toned color. The treatment is versatile. It can treat uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation spots. Alternatively, you can use bleaching procedures to lighten the entire genital area.

Either way, the final results can lead to a significant boost in confidence. For many women, it’s a way to feel more comfortable in their skin. The procedure is simple enough, but it can positively impact your life in many ways. It lets you ditch the self-conscious attitude and love how you look. Whether you’re looking to gain more confidence in the bedroom or you want to even skin tone for bikini season, vaginal bleaching will help you do just that.

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Anal Bleaching

Anal bleaching is another treatment that helps many women gain more self-confidence. The skin around the anus can darken, just like the vulva. Melanin-producing cells cause pigment to accumulate in this area. It extends beyond the immediate anus for some women, causing issues when wearing certain types of underwear and clothing.

Dr. Tahery’s genital bleaching cream formulations are safe and effective and designed for optimal effect. 

Am I a Candidate for Genital Bleaching?

Are you interested in getting genital bleaching in Los Angeles? You’ll be happy to know that there are relatively low barriers to becoming a candidate for bleaching. Typically, the only requirement is that you have hyperpigmentation or general skin darkening around the problem areas you want to treat. Unlike more transformative vaginal treatments, bleaching is relatively straightforward.

Most women can get some bleaching without experiencing any problems. As mentioned earlier, bleaching occurs in the office. It all starts with a simple consultation.

Dr. Tahery will discuss your needs in detail before performing an essential examination. He’ll go over your options and help you make the right choice for your body. There are many types of bleaching techniques available, and they provide varying degrees of efficiency.

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Before the procedure, Dr. Tahery might recommend using a hydroquinone-based solution. The skin-lightening agent is available in many topic products. While it can provide some lightening effect, the purpose, in this case, is to make melanocytes less reactive to the laser. Using the cream before genital bleaching in Los Angeles can improve the quality of your results.

There is no downtime with the bleaching procedure. The main priority is to avoid friction and keep the area moisturized. Most experts recommend wearing loose-fitted underwear and avoiding sexual intercourse for at least 48 hours post-treatment.

But beyond that, genital bleaching doesn’t require any significant downtime. Most women can get back to work immediately. As long as you avoid direct sun exposure to the area and do not perform any strenuous activities, you’re free to resume your daily activities.

Genital and anal bleaching usually takes time to see. To maintain the look, you might also have to do repeat treatments.

When you’re ready to address discoloration in your intimate areas, turn to Dr. Michael Tahery. Dr. Tahery is a urogynecologist with years of experience offering various vaginal medical and cosmetic treatments like genital bleaching in Los Angeles. Give our office a ring today to schedule your consultation. Dr. Tahery is committed to helping you address your needs and finding a solution you’ll love.

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