12 Home Remedies For Dark Inner Thighs And Prevention Tips

We bet you’ll be amazed by the results after using these home remedies for pigmentation.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sameeksha Chand, MBBS, MD DVL Dr. Sameeksha Chand Dr. Sameeksha ChandMBBS, MD DVL facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by Shaheen Naser, MSc Shaheen Naser MSc linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Edited by Anjali Sayee, BTech Anjali Sayee BTech linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
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Women Get Rid Of Their Dark Inner Thighs

Image: Midjourney/ StyleCraze Design Team

Anyone can get dark inner thighs. Be it from constant friction while walking or excess production of melanin, several factors contribute to the development of discoloration of your inner thighs. The good news is that there are natural ways to get rid of dark inner thighs. In this article, we discuss the causes behind dark inner thighs and a few natural remedies to help lighten them. So, scroll down to know how to remove darkness from the inner thighs.

Why Are My Inner Thighs So Dark?

Anyone can develop dark inner thighs, regardless of their complexion

. One of the main reasons for this is the excess production of melanin, a pigment that gives your skin its tone. Medically, this is referred to as hyperpigmentation.

Some factors that can cause your inner thighs to darken are:

  • Chafing that may occur while walking with wet or sweaty clothes on
  • Medications like chemotherapy drugs or oral hormonal contraceptives
  • Dry skin
  • Friction on the skin due to tight clothing
  • An untreated boil on the inner thigh that may lead to scarring and discoloration

Dark inner thighs may force you to limit your choice of clothing and make you extremely self-conscious and hesitant.

If you are seeking natural alternatives to this problem, we have your back. Listed below are some excellent home remedies that can assist in lightening dark inner thighs.

Here’s how to lighten your inner thighs with natural ingredients.

12 Natural Home Remedies To Lighten Dark Inner Thighs

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda to get rid of dark inner thighs
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1-2 cups of baking soda
  • Water
What You Have To Do
  1. Fill your bath with water and add baking soda to it.
  2. Allow it to dissolve completely.
  3. Soak in the baking soda bath for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizer.
How Often You Should Do This

You may do this once every alternate day.

Why This Works

Baking soda acts as a mild exfoliant on dry and scaly skin. Its alkaline nature can increase the skin’s pH and facilitate the removal of scaly skin (1). This may also help you get rid of dark inner thighs caused by dry skin.

Grace, a beauty YouTuber, uses baking soda with toothpaste and lemon juice to treat her dark inner thighs. She said, “I love this because this gives me a very quick result (i).” She further adds that the toothpaste in the recipe is a drying agent that also helps treat boils on her inner thighs.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar to get rid of dark inner thighs
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of water
  • Cotton balls
What You Have To Do
  1. Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to one tablespoon of water.
  2. Mix well and dip a cotton ball in the mixture.
  3. Apply the solution to the affected area. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Rinse it off.
  5. You can also mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it up daily.
How Often You Should Do This

You may do this once daily.

Why This Works

Dark inner thighs are often caused due to obesity. Regular consumption of apple cider vinegar can help you lose weight and battle obesity. Its antioxidant property can help reduce the oxidative damage that your skin is exposed to daily (2).

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera to get rid of dark inner thighs
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need

Aloe vera gel (as required)

What You Have To Do
  1. Take an aloe vera leaf and scrape out its gel.
  2. Blend the gel using a fork.
  3. Apply the aloe gel to the affected areas.
  4. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse it off.
  5. Freeze the remaining gel.
How Often You Should Do This

You can do this once daily.

Why This Works

Aloe vera leaf extracts exhibit melanin aggregating effects and can help with skin lightening (3).

4. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice to get rid of dark inner thighs
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • ½ lemon
  • Cotton pads
What You Have To Do
  1. Squeeze out the juice from half a lemon.
  2. Apply the juice to the affected area with a cotton pad. If you have sensitive skin, dilute the lemon juice with an equal volume of water.
  3. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse it off with water.
How Often You Should Do This

You may do this once daily.

Why This Works

Lemon juice is a rich source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – a natural skin lightening agent.

Vitamin C can help treat dark inner thighs by decreasing melanin synthesis in the affected area (4).


protip_icon Quick Tip
Alternatively, you can use an orange peel scrub as it not only contains vitamin C but also exfoliates the skin. Scrub your thighs 2-3 times a week with a mixture of orange peel powder and honey.

5. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil to get rid of dark inner thighs
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need

1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil

What You Have To Do
  1. Apply virgin coconut oil gently to the affected area.
  2. Leave it on until it dries.
How Often You Should Do This

You may do this 1-2 times daily.

Why This Works

The moisturizing and soothing property of coconut oil exhibits protective effects on the skin (5). It can also help with moisturization of dry and chafed skin, which can cause your inner thighs to become dark.

6. Turmeric

Turmeric to get rid of dark inner thighs
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • A few drops of water
What You Have To Do
  1. Add a few drops of water to a teaspoon of turmeric powder.
  2. Mix well to form a paste.
  3. Apply the paste to the affected area.
  4. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
  5. Rinse it off with water.
How Often You Should Do This

You may do this once daily.

Why This Works

Curcumin, the active component of turmeric, can inhibit melanogenesis and lighten dark inner thighs (6).

A 2021 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Science demonstrated curcumin’s and its analogs’ capacity to prevent the synthesis of melanin in human melanocytes derived from a darkly pigmented donor. Melanin is produced by the enzyme tyrosinase, and if its activity is suppressed, there is less or no melanin present in cells.

The following graph shows the potential of CMC2.23 (chemically modified curcumin compound 2.23) to inhibit the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase in cells. The activity is suppressed in direct proportion to the concentration of CMC2.23 increases in the cells.

Cellular Tyrosinase Activity Cells Treated With CMC2.23

Source: Novel Chemically Modified Curcumin (CMC) Analogs Exhibit Anti-Melanogenic Activity in Primary Human Melanocytes

7. Cucumber

Cucumber to get rid of dark inner thighs
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • ½ cucumber
  • A blender
What You Have To Do
  1. Take a refrigerated cucumber and cut it into half.
  2. Blend one half of the cucumber.
  3. Apply the cucumber paste to the affected skin.
  4. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
  5. Rinse it off with water.
  6. You can also consume cucumber daily.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this once daily.

Why This Works

Cucumber soothes your skin and can help reduce skin irritation and swelling (7). If your dark inner thighs are a result of constant chafing or dry skin, cucumbers are your best bet.

8. Sugar Scrub

Sugar scrub to get rid of dark inner thighs
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
What You Have To Do
  1. Add a tablespoon of coconut oil to a tablespoon of granulated sugar.
  2. Mix well and use the sugar scrub for gentle exfoliation.
  3. Do this for a minute or two and rinse it off with water.
How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Sugar scrubs help in exfoliating your skin. It helps in getting rid of dead skin cells that may have accumulated in your inner thighs and caused darkening in the area.

9. Yogurt

Yogurt to get rid of dark inner thighs
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need

1 tablespoon of yogurt

What You Have To Do
  1. Apply yogurt to the affected area.
  2. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse it off with water.
  3. You can also consume a small bowl of yogurt daily for additional benefits.
How Often You Should Do This

You may do this one time daily.

Why This Works

Yogurt is a good source of a compound called L-cysteine. This compound is a skin lightening agent that may also help in getting rid of dark inner thighs (8).

10. Oatmeal

Oatmeal to get rid of dark inner thighs
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon of powdered oatmeal
  • Water (as required)
What You Have To Do
  1. Take a tablespoon of powdered oatmeal and add a little water to it.
  2. Mix well to form a thick paste.
  3. Apply the paste to the affected skin.
  4. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse it off with water.
How Often You Should Do This

You may do this once daily or every alternate day.

Why This Works

Oatmeal has various benefits for your skin. It can protect your skin against ultraviolet damage and can also prevent it from drying (9). Thus, it may lighten dark inner thighs caused due to dry skin or overexposure to the sun.

11. Almond Oil

Almond oil to get rid of dark inner thighs
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • Almond oil (as required)
What You Have To Do
  1. Take some almond oil on your fingers and gently apply it to the affected area.
  2. Leave it on until it dries.
How Often You Should Do This

You may do this 1-2 times daily.

Why This Works

Almond oil has been used for ages to treat dry skin due to its emollient properties. These activities also help in improving skin tone and complexion, which makes almond oil a suitable remedy to get rid of dark inner thighs (10).

12. Lactic Acid

Lactic Acid for dark inner thighs
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • Lactic acid serum (12% formulation)

What You Have To Do

  • Clean your skin and pat it dry.
  • Gently massage 2-3 drops of lactic acid serum on your inner thighs.
  • Leave it on your skin till it gets absorbed.
  • Apply a gentle moisturizer.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this twice daily

Why This Works

Lactic acid may help brighten pigmentation caused by friction and pigmentation disorders such as melasma (11), (12). Hence, lactic acid may be an effective remedy for dark inner thighs.

Note: Ensure that you conduct a patch test to check for any adverse reactions before incorporating a lactic acid serum into your skincare routine.

Brian Clark, BSN, MSNA, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) suggests another remedy, “Lemon and coconut scrub, for instance, has vitamin C, which is abundant in lemons, and may be used to alleviate hyperpigmentation. To make a coconut oil and lemon juice scrub, combine a few tablespoons of coconut oil with the juice of half a lemon and gently rub it on the affected area. After a gentle massage lasting 10 minutes or longer, wash the area clean. Coconut oil can be used as a moisturizer and may help keep your thighs soft and supple.”

These remedies will undoubtedly do an excellent job of treating dark inner thighs. You may also try using ingredients like rose water, tea tree oil, gram flour, olive oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, vitamin E oil, and potato juice to help lighten your inner thighs. Ensure that you do a patch test or consult a doctor before using these ingredients.

If you are looking for other treatment options, there are many over-the-counter (OTC) formulations to treat hyperpigmentation.

OTC And Prescription Treatments

Many OTC treatments can help in lightening your dark inner thighs. Many of these formulations contain active ingredients like hydroquinone and tretinoin, which help by reducing melanin production or speeding up skin cell turnover, thus lessening pigmentation (13). You may also try formulations that are based on natural ingredients, like:

  • Soy
  • Niacinamide
  • Ellagic acid
  • Lignin peroxidase

These ingredients do not have any side effects.

Arbutin, kojic acid, and licorice are other natural ingredients that may help with pigmentation. However, the OTC ointments containing these compounds may show some side effects like increased sensitivity and peeling of the skin.

Always consult a dermatologist before trying these. Depending on the severity of pigmentation, they may also suggest laser treatments.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Consult your dermatologist for a chemical peel treatment for your thighs. The glycolic or salicylic acid in the chemical peels helps exfoliate the skin and boosts skin regeneration.

These treatments should address most of your issues related to hyperpigmentation and dark inner thighs.  Additionally, here are some amazing tips that can help prevent hyperpigmentation in your inner thighs.

How To Prevent Dark Inner Thighs

  • Wear bicycle or nylon shorts to prevent chafing.
  • Keep the affected area clean and dry.
  • Exfoliate the affected area regularly.
  • Wear loose and breathable clothing when the weather is hot and humid.
  • Avoid shaving/waxing in the affected area to prevent further irritation.
  • Always wear sunscreen with SPF 40 or higher whenever you venture out.
  • Tone your thighs by following a healthy diet and doing regular exercise such as squats and reverse lunges and yoga poses such as garudasana and natarajasana.
  • Add note on thigh toning exercises and yoga

Following these tips regularly can reduce your chances of getting hyperpigmentation on your inner thighs to a great extent.

Josh Sim, an aesthetic consultant, says, “If you would like to lighten the area, there are a few options you could try:

Moisturize The Area: Using a moisturizing cream or lotion on your inner thighs can help to keep the skin hydrated and prevent irritation and darkening from friction or dryness.

In regard to this, a study revealed that hyperpigmentation progression decreased to a considerable level, following the application of tretinoin lotion. Out of 39% of the population affected by hyperpigmentation, it was found that 73% reported no pigmentation after 12 weeks of applying a tretinoin lotion. Hence, it was deemed that tretinoin lotion can help reduce hyperpigmentation on skin.

You can also use a barrier product like Vaseline to help lock in moisture and protect the skin in this area. Apply a thin layer on top of the pigmented skin either on its own or after using a moisturizing product to help it soak in.

Exfoliate The Skin: Gently exfoliating the skin on your inner thighs can help remove dead skin cells and improve the tone and texture of the skin, which can also lighten the discoloration.

Use Brightening Creams: There are creams and serums that contain ingredients like glycolic acid or kojic acid, which can help brighten the skin and improve its appearance through gentle chemical exfoliation and reduce pigmentation in dry patches of skin.”

Certain factors may put you at a higher risk of developing dark inner thighs. They are as follows.

Risk Factors

The factors that may increase your chances of getting dark inner thighs are:

  • Obesity – It increases the risk of chafing.
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Certain medical conditions like diabetes or acanthosis nigricansi  A widespread skin pigmentation condition characterized by thick, velvety areas of dark, patchy skin.
  • Occupations that require you to stay out in the sun for long periods

Infographic: Lesser-Known Facts About Dark Inner Thighs

Dark inner thighs are quite common and are curable. However, they make us feel uncomfortable and even influence our choice of clothing. The best way to get rid of them is to understand the condition deeply, identify the exact cause, consult the doctor and follow necessary treatment accordingly. The following infographic gives you an overview of certain lesser-known causes and treatments of this condition. Take a look!

lesser-known facts about dark inner thighs (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Anyone can experience dark inner thighs. They occur due to constant friction or excess melanin production. But some natural methods help get rid of dark inner thighs. These home remedies may help lighten the hyperpigmented inner thighs irrespective of one’s skin tone. Baking soda, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, lemon juice, coconut oil, and turmeric are some remedies that help improve this condition. So, that was how to get rid of dark inner thighs with OTCs and home remedies. With that said, consult your doctor if you see no improvement even after trying these remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my inner thighs itchy?

Your inner thighs can get itchy for many reasons. Jock’s itchi  A fungal infection that appears as a warm, itchy rash and sometimes takes the form of a ring on the body. and fungal infections are the main causes of itchy inner thighs. Chafing may also be one of the causes.

Why do the inner thighs get dark?

One of the leading causes of dark inner thighs is hyperpigmentation. Other factors like chafing, certain medications, hormonal imbalances, and increased sun exposure can also contribute to dark inner thighs.

Does shaving underarms make it dark?

Shaving your underarms don’t make them dark. However, it will give an impression of darker underarms as it results in the formation of an unsightly stubble as the hair in the underarms grows back.

Can waxing cause dark underarms?

No, waxing doesn’t darken your underarms. It is better than shaving as your hair will not grow back in a stubble. Instead, it will grow thinner and will be less evident.

Will losing weight help with dark inner thighs?

Maintaining a healthy weight may help prevent the development of dark inner thighs and also help fade the darkness in the region.

Can Vaseline lighten dark inner thighs?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Vaseline can reduce friction and repair damaged skin, reducing darkness on the inner thighs.

What does inner thigh chafing look like?

Inner thigh chafing looks like red, blister-like lesions on your skin.

How do you get rid of chafed thighs overnight?

Avoiding contact with the affected area, using scented soaps or other skin care products, and applying restorative ointment at night may help treat chafed thighs overnight.

Key Takeaways

  • Dry skin and friction due to tight clothing are a few causes of dark inner thighs.
  • Natural ingredients like baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and aloe vera may help reduce skin darkening.
  • You can opt for medical treatments like laser therapy or retinoids to treat dark inner thighs.
  • Wear breathable clothes and practice thigh toning exercises to help prevent dark inner thighs.

Illustration: Proven Health Benefits Of Red Grapes + Nutritional Value

benefits of red grapes_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn from the below video about the causes, home remedies, prevention, and treatment of dark inner thighs. Get expert advice on how to lighten them and keep them healthy.

Personal Experience: Source

StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

(i) How to lighten dark inner thighs fast and effective, naturally.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er57cnaw7NM

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. “Scaly skin and bath pH: Rediscovering baking soda” Journal Of The American Academy Of Dermatology.
  2. “Apple Cider Vinegar Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Reduces the Risk of Obesity in High-Fat-Fed Male Wistar Rats.” Journal of Medicinal Food, US National Library Of Medicine.
  3. “On the novel action of melanolysis by a leaf extract of Aloe vera and its active ingredient aloin, potent skin depigmenting agents.” Planta Medica, US National Library Of Medicine.
  4. “The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health” Nutrients, US National Library Of Medicine.
  5. “In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil” Journal Of Traditional And Complementary Medicine, US National Library Of Medicine.
  6. “Curcumin inhibits melanogenesis in human melanocytes.” Phytotherapy Research, US National Library Of Medicine.
  7. “Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber.” Fitoterapia, US National Library Of Medicine.
  8. “Systemic skin whitening/lightening agents: What is the evidence?” Indian Journal Of Dermatology, Venereology,  And Leprology, US National Library Of Medicine.
  9. “Oatmeal in dermatology: a brief review” Indian Journal Of Dermatology, Venereology,  And Leprology, US National Library Of Medicine.
  10. “The uses and properties of almond oil.” Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, US National Library Of Medicine.
  11. ” Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, US National Library Of Medicine.
  12. “Treatment of Melasma With 88% Lactic Acid versus 30% Salicylic Acid Peels, a Split Face Study.” THE IRAQI POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL JOURNAL, Iraqi Academic Scientific Journal.
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Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.

Dr. Sameeksha Chand
Dr. Sameeksha ChandMBBS, MD DVL
Dr. Sameeksha Chand Malhotra is a board-certified dermatologist with 10 years of experience. She is well versed in general dermatology, procedural dermatology, and aesthetic dermatology and certified in permanent makeup and microblading.

Read full bio of Dr. Sameeksha Chand
  • Brian ClarkBSN, MSNA Brian Clark, BSN, MSNA, is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) with 13 years of experience. She is the founder of United Medical Education and has a master's degree from Wolford College.
    Brian Clark, BSN, MSNA, is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) with 13 years of experience. She is the founder of United Medical Education and has a master's degree from Wolford College.
  • Josh SimAesthetic consultant, Non-surgical Skin Tightening Specialist Josh is an aesthetic consultant with over 2 years of experience. He specializes in preventative aging and is a certified Thermage® practitioner. He helps clients deal with issues related to aging, acne, scarring, redness, dark spots, and dryness through a mix of technology and botanical actives.
    Josh is an aesthetic consultant with over 2 years of experience. He specializes in preventative aging and is a certified Thermage® practitioner. He helps clients deal with issues related to aging, acne, scarring, redness, dark spots, and dryness through a mix of technology and botanical actives.
Shaheen Naser
Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer
Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling.

Read full bio of Shaheen Naser
Anjali Sayee
Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Monomita Chakraborty
Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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