Thigh dye?
Question
The skin around my inner thighs and under my arms is discoloured. Can I sort it with a skin bleach?
Answer
Products are available (often online) that bleach the skin and can lighten it by a shade or two. These generally contain hydroquinone, but cosmetic skin lighteners containing this substance are now completely banned in the UK.
Although hydroquinone can be successful in lightening skin, it is also very strong and may cause side effects such as skin peeling. We wouldn't recommend the use of such products, especially on areas like the inner thighs and the underarms. The skin in these areas is more sensitive and potentially you could do a lot of damage.
Have you thought about why you want to change the colour of the skin in such sensitive areas of your body? It's natural for the skin around the inner thigh and underarms to be slighter darker than the skin on the rest of your body. The exact shadings can depend on the colour of your skin and your ethnic background.
It's not unusual to question your appearance, especially if you feel the need to look a certain way. Even so, the key is to accept that there is no standard. Whatever your size, shape and colour, it's your personality that has a lasting impact on the people around you.
You might benefit from focusing on all the good things that people like and admire about you. It's a buzz when you recognise these qualities, and then it's just a question of building on them. With a boost to your self-esteem, hopefully you'll stop regarding your skin tones as a problem but as a mark of your individuality
If it remains a troubling issue, however, and you'd like further guidance and support, it would be advisable to visit your local doctor (GP). They can assess your situation and offer a referral to a dermatologist for any necessary treatment.
Updated: 13/02/2007
Question answered by bss
