Dr Jessherin Sidhu Explains Treatments for Lightening Inner Thighs and Genital Lightening

Undeniably, the skin on our genitals and inner thighs is a shade darker than the skin on the rest of our bodies. Besides colour, the skin also differs in texture and can have a dry, less hydrated appearance, especially in the vulva and penis area.

While this wear and tear is completely normal, women have struggled with skin darkening for a long time no thanks to social norms and standards. How often have we felt extra conscious wearing swimwear, short shorts or sexy lingerie because of darker skin in the intimate areas?

Some even have this idea that the darker skin is an abnormal patch of pigmentation or even feels unhygienic and dirty. Both men and women have felt this dissatisfaction and felt the need to alter the appearance of their darker skin through various treatments. In fact, skin lightening treatments have become increasingly popular.

Of course, we have to be realistic and accept that this frictional area of our inner thighs will be a shade or 2 darker than say the colour of skin that is less exposed to hormones or friction. What we want is simply for the appearance of the inner thighs to have a more gradual softer change in colour as it approaches the genital area as opposed to the sharp distinct bordered darkened patches that some of us have on our inner thighs.

Now if you’re looking to lighten your skin in the genital area and inner thighs and you have your expectations set right then, Dr Jessherin Sidhu who runs Insync Medical, a GP+ clinic that focuses on sexual wellness and women’s health, has the solution for you.

​Vanilla Luxury: Why is it that your genitals and inner thighs are darker than the rest of our skin?

Dr Jessherin Sidhu: The darkening depends on factors like ethnicity, age, hormonal issues, and friction in the area. Thighs rubbing against each other, waxing and shaving, all contribute to skin darkening in that area. This is similar to other parts of our body such as nipples and armpits.

Vanilla Luxury: Why has demand for genital and inner lightening increased?

Dr Jessherin Sidhu: As more men and women engage in hair removal, the difference in skin colour is becoming more obvious. More often than not, the dissatisfaction comes from within the person, not aggravated by their partners.

Many seek treatments to address the hyperpigmentation in that area for the same reason we would address it anywhere else like our faces – to feel more confident and boost our well being.

Vanilla Luxury: There are several skin lightening creams on the market. Why is it that creams alone are unable to lighten the intimate skin satisfactorily?

Dr Jessherin Sidhu: Results and outcomes from creams meant to lighten skin are usually very disheartening, especially for skin that has been darkened over very long periods of time. They just don’t cut it.

They might help in maintaining and preventing the skin to darken further but they are not effective as a standalone solution. A common ingredient in these creams is Vitamin C, which is known to be a brightening serum, but the concentration is often not enough to give satisfactory results.

​Vanilla Luxury: So, what other solutions are available?

Dr Jessherin Sidhu: Invest in a procedure that is safe and effective from a reliable practitioner.

One solution to genital skin lightening is laser lightening which is better for genital areas such as the anus and labia. The laser leaves pockets of healthy skin between the areas that have been ablated to allow for rapid healing of the skin. Post care includes the application of antibiotic cream and a good amount of emollient or moisturising ointment to lock in the hydration. It’s just a matter of a few minutes and the procedure is done!

Another procedure is chemical peel – a non-toxic acidic chemical that, when applied to the affected area, stimulates the top layers of the skin to peel and rejuvenates the underlying skin. This results in a lightening of the treated genital skin. You can achieve successful lightening of your inner thighs and genital skin with a combination of chemical peels done in the clinic together with diligent aftercare with emollients.

Vanilla Luxury: What does a chemical peel to the inner thigh area actually feel like?

Dr Jessherin Sidhu: It is painless and gentle yet effective. All you may feel is a slight warmth or tiny tingle. Even though the chemical peel is applied to sensitive areas of the body, there is no downtime. If you’re very fair-skinned, then you may only require 2 sessions of chemical peel. If there are stubborn,  deeper pigments, then 4 to 6 sessions may be required, 3 weeks apart. The intensity is catered for individuals depending on the shade of skin.

Asians with darker skin and pigmentation can run a risk of post-procedure side effects such as redness, itchiness or inflammation. Hence, it is important to ensure the skin is prepped properly beforehand by applying a cream daily for 6 to 8 weeks before the chemical peel. This reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation.

It might be tempting to lift the peel post-procedure but make sure not to peel the skin away. Instead, gently use circular motions to lift the skin in the shower.

Vanilla Luxury: What results can one expect after the chemical peel?

Dr Jessherin Sidhu: Besides improvement in the appearance of the discolouration, chemical peels can also actively help to manage acne in the genital area which can be quite painful and uncomfortable.

The chemical peel even corrects down to the level of tissue health – you may realise a slight skin lift after the procedure. Taut skin always has a healthier appearance!