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3 home remedies that can help you lighten your vagina

Any change in the skin around your vagina can be due to a lifestyle issue such as smoking or being overweight. Home remedies such as yoghurt and apple cider vinegar can help.
A woman with her hands crossed in front of her legs
The skin around your vagina can darken due to a number of causes. Image courtesy: Adobestock
Written by: Aayushi Gupta
Updated On: 17 Dec 2024, 05:03 pm IST
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The colour of the vagina does not usually indicate a health issue. However, a dark appearance can hint at a lifestyle change. There can be many reasons that can lead to the skin around your vagina turning dark. These include bad eating habits, smoking, the use of hair removal creams, tight clothes. Other medical issues such as some skin infections can also cause this. This darkening can also be due to ageing, as well as obesity. However, if you want to lighten your vaginal area naturally, you can try some simple home remedies that may do the trick.

Why does your vagina darken?

Before you try to lighten your vaginal area, it is important to understand why the skin around your vagina has turned darker. There can be many reasons as to why the skin around your vagina turns dark. The skin in the genital area, including the labia, can naturally be darker than other parts of the body. This is due to the presence of higher concentrations of melanin, a pigment that gives skin its colour. Other factors that can influence this change include hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.

Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar acts as a skin lightening agent. Image courtesy: Freepik

Besides this, activities like sex, exercise, and shaving can cause friction, which can lead to skin irritation and darkening. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can affect skin pigmentation and lead to darkening of the genital area. Additionally, some medications, such as birth control pills, can also cause skin darkening in the genital area. However, there are simple things that you can do to lighten your vaginal area.

How to lighten your vaginal area?

These simple home remedies that you can try to lighten your vaginal area:

1. Yoghurt

Yoghurt is your biggest bet when you want to lighten your vaginal area naturally. When it comes to yoghurt, everything boils down to the good bacteria it carries. When applied topically, it levels out the pH balance of your vagina, keeping dryness, itching, and bad odor at bay. Yoghurt is a perfect solution for skin woes. It contains vitamin B12 which helps to lighten skin discoloration and brighten dull skin. 

Here’s how you can use it:

Take two tablespoons of organic yogurt, one teaspoon honey, and one and a half teaspoon oatmeal (please check for any allergies and avoid that ingredient). Mix well and apply to the skin. Leave for 10 minutes, exfoliate with light circular motions with your fingertips, and rinse with warm water followed by moisturiser. 

2. Apple cider vinegar (ACV)

Apple cider vinegar has a bleaching effect and can help lighten your vaginal area. It acts as a skin lightening agent. ACV is an ingredient, which has many health as well as skin benefits. It’s rich in acetic, citric, malic, and amino acids and also contains vitamins, enzymes, and mineral salts, which are all beneficial for your skin. ACV will soothe your skin, leaving it soft and supple. At the same time, it also regulates the pH level of the vagina. 

home remedies to lighten your vaginal area
Try apple cider vinegar to lighten your vaginal region. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Here’s how you can use it:

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  • Mix apple cider vinegar with filtered water. You may add a few drops of essential oil also.
  • Apply the solution to your skin using a cotton ball.
  • Leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water.
  • You can use it once or twice a day as per your need.

3. Cucumber and aloe vera

Aloe vera is a popular natural skin lightener and can help you lighten your vaginal area. And it is the herbal magic you need for vaginal skin lightening. According to the Indian Journal of Dermatology, aloe vera is rich in vitamins A, C, E, B12 and packs a solid punch of minerals. So, the gel extracted from this plant helps in treating almost all skin issues. Mixing it with cucumber can help whiten private parts naturally.

A bowl of yoghurt
Yoghurt can help to change the colour of your vagina. Image courtesy: Freepik

Here’s how you can use it:

Take two tablespoons of pure aloe vera gel and cucumber in a bowl, mash it up well (use an electric mixer if you want), and mix and apply on clean skin. Wait for 15 minutes for it to work its magic, then exfoliate in a gentle circular motion with your fingertips for a minute or two, in order to remove it from the skin. Wash the mask with normal temperature water; and do not use soap. Do this daily and you will notice results. 

These natural home remedies are a great way to lighten your vaginal area. These will ensure that your vagina remains in good health and looks clean as well.

Note: While these home remedies can work for some women, they are not a long term solution. It is important to consult a doctor if the problems persists or you suffer form other underlying conditions. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or lactating as well before trying these home remedies.

Related FAQs

How long do home remedies to lighten vaginal area take to work?

This time depends on the cause of the darkening, and the method used. Consistent application over several weeks may be necessary to notice a significant difference.

What are the any side effects of lightening the vaginal area with chemicals and products?

Using harsh chemicals or irritating products can lead to side effects such as skin irritation, dryness, and allergic reactions. It's important to choose gentle, natural products and avoid excessive use.

When to go to the doctor?

You should head to the hospital if you experience any side effects, such as severe irritation, burning, or allergic reactions. Additionally, if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns about skin discoloration, it's best to seek professional advice.

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About The Author
Aayushi Gupta
Aayushi Gupta

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information.

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