Why the skin around genitals is often darker than the rest of your body | Lifestyle News

Conversations around intimate body parts are often hushed. As consumers, people are fed the idea of a ‘flawless’ body. Such narratives often leave people conscious of their own skin types. For example, many women, even today, feel pressured to conform to unrealic beauty standards, which also involve how the skin around their genitals should look. “Lighter, smoother and flawless” is what they fall for.
However, health experts like Dr Manan Vora emphasise that variations in skin tone, especially around the genital area, are natural. “The skin around your genital area is often darker than the rest of your body. Aur ye hota hai because of hormones, friction and natural pigmentation. But here’s where the real problem begins. We have grown up watching filtered photos, edited images and adult content that creates this fake ideal of how our bodies are supposed to look,” he shared in an Instagram video.
Adding to it, Delhi-based skin expert Dr Navjot Arora explained that the skin around the genital area is naturally darker because it contains more pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, which gives the skin its colour.
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“Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone influence melanin activity, which is why hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or due to contraceptives can make this area appear darker. Friction also plays a major role — regular rubbing from tight clothes, walking, exercise, or sexual activity can cause mild irritation, prompting the skin to produce more pigment as a protective response. This natural darkening is completely normal and not a sign of poor hygiene or illness,” noted Dr Arora.

On unrealic beauty standards
As the expert in the video points out, “We have grown up watching filtered photos, edited images and adult content that creates this fake ideal of how our bodies are supposed to look,” social media traps us in a make-believe concept of beauty.
Reiterating the views, Dr Arora elaborated that social media and adult content have created dorted expectations about how the body, including intimate areas, should appear. “Edited photos, filters, and cosmetic surgeries shown online often promote the idea that all bodies should look uniform — lighter, smoother, and flawless.”
Adult content, the doctor explained, further reinforces this showing only selective representations of the body, rarely reflecting natural diversity. “As a result, many people, especially young women, start feeling insecure about the normal colour or shape of their private parts.”Story continues below this ad
Instead of using cosmetic products, it’s advisable to maintain proper hygiene (Photo: Freepik)
So, if you are someone falling for these ads, there are higher chances of you causing more harm than good to the skin around the genital area, which is sensitive.  
Here’s why
Dr Arora explained that genital whitening or lightening creams are generally unsafe and should be avoided, especially without medical supervision. “The skin in this region is extremely delicate and sensitive, and applying strong chemicals can cause burns, irritation, redness, thinning of the skin, and even long-term pigmentation changes. Some creams contain harsh ingredients that can permanently damage the skin barrier and increase the risk of infections or scarring.”
“Instead of using such products, it’s advisable to maintain proper hygiene, wear breathable cotton clothing, and consult a dermatolog if you notice unusual darkness, itching, or rashes. Accepting natural skin tone variations is far healthier than trying to change them through unsafe cosmetic methods,” concluded Dr Arora.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.