Vaginal whitening

Discrimination based on skin colour is a global problem. While we proudly say that we are not colour biased, many of us, especially, in countries like India, may believe that fair skin is beautiful. Although it is very unfortunate, this very importance given to fairer skin is the reason that India is one of the largest markets for fairness products. This movement has now spotlighted even the colour of the genitals and has got women thinking about whitening them to make them look more sexually appealing. Following are the reasons that explain the darker colour of genitals:

• Hormones: The sex hormones secreted in your body are responsible for the production of melanocytes (cells which produce the dark pigment melanin). Oestrogen in women and testosterone in men make the sex organs appear darker, and the change in colour is more obvious as you reach puberty.
• Friction: Whenever your skin rubs against itself, your garments or any surface continuously, friction occurs, which is responsible for the darkening of the skin. A simple example can be the armpits or elbows which have darker skin than the rest of the body due to friction. Due to similar reasons, the skin of the vagina is also darker than the colour of the rest of your body. Constant friction against the undergarments adds to the darker colour. Tight undergarments can further be a reason for a darker vagina and add on to the problem.
• Weight gain: Excessive weight gain can increase the friction between the skin and the undergarments and result in the darkening of the vagina. Obesity is also associated with a condition termed acanthosis nigricans, in which the skin turns dark and velvety in the areas of skin fold like the groin and genitals. This is typically seen in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOD) and diabetes and is part of the metabolic syndrome.
• Cosmetics: You may often use talcum powder to beat the sweat in the vaginal area and around the thighs. Constant use of such products may darken the skin in that area.
• Age: When you are in your 30s, hormonal changes may cause darkening of the labia and vagina.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, darkening of many parts like the armpits, labia, nipples, and the vaginal opening is common due to the hormonal shift.
• Hereditary factors: You may have darker genitals simply because it runs in your family.
• Hair removal: Regular and prolonged shaving of hair around the vagina can lead to skin darkening in your genital area. Shaving also tends to leave behind tiny stubbles, which may give the appearance of a darker vagina even if it is not. Same is true with the use of skin care creams, which may not suit you and lead to the darkening of the skin in the area of the vagina.
• Rashes and Infection: Vaginal infection and rashes in the area can be itchy at times. If you scratch this area to relieve the itch too often, then this might result in darkening due to increased friction. Of course, infections and rashes are a matter of concern in themselves and you must consult your gynaecologist if you experience an intense itch or note a rash.

It is natural to have darker skin in the genital area compared to your normal skin colour. It is observed that irrespective of a person’s nationality and ethnic origin, the nipples, the area surrounding the nipples (areola), the penis and the vagina appear darker than the rest of the body. However, with the changing trends in cosmetic sciences and beauty, enhancing the beauty of female genitals has gone mainstream.

This enhancement is achieved by lightening the skin of the vagina, also called vaginal whitening in the hope of making it look more attractive and sexually appealing as your skin tone goes down a few shades on the scale. However, these treatments are purely cosmetic and there should be no reason in wanting to change your natural appearance. Anyhow, vaginal whitening can be achieved by some simple beauty treatments in the salon or a cosmetic centre or by some simple do-it-yourself (DIY) hacks.

There has been a revolution in female beauty treatments, and the brightening of the vagina is a part of this cosmetic revolution and the latest trend in vaginal rejuvenation. Some salons pitch these treatments as claiming to enhance your genital health and hygiene. But, little has vaginal colour to do with hygiene as it is biologically made to be a bit darker than your skin. The vagina and labia have a natural dark red to brown colour, which gives a different appearance in different women.

There have been commercials for intimate washes which claim that having a lighter vagina can be more satisfying for your man, which are nothing but colour discriminating and we don’t think your man cares about that. It is a misconception that pink is beautiful; the colour of your genitals has nothing to do with sexual satisfaction. Ultimately, the decision to opt for vaginal whitening is entirely yours, and should not be swayed by survey results or advertisement slogans.

Once you have made up your mind that you wish to have a lighter colour for your vagina, you might start exploring the options available. In just a click, you will see an astounding range of products and procedures available to whiten your vagina. Let’s discuss some of these options in more detail and weigh their worth and effectiveness:

You should have complete information about how a particular whitening technique works and know about the risks associated with each option you have. Following are some of the risks of vaginal whitening:

• You may be sensitive or allergic to the bleaching and lightening creams. They may cause rashes, irritation and reddening of skin at the site of application.
• These treatments can damage the skin and disturb the natural balance of the good bacteria in the vaginal fluids which are responsible for fertility and fighting against pathogens. This may lead to increased vaginal infections and repeated infections may pave way for more serious concerns with the health of your vagina.
• Laser treatments lead to pain, inflammation and scars.

If you are one of those women fascinated by the beautification of the vagina, as seen in some magazines, and need to go for vaginal whitening, please seek advice from your dermatologist or aesthetic gynaecologist. Remember that none of these treatments has any scientific evidence proving their efficacy. So, take your time and do your research. You must have complete and realistic information about the treatment before you choose an option that safely achieves the desired results.