Vaginal Bleaching: Is It Safe?

Introduction:

Vaginal bleaching is a procedure that involves lightening the color of the vaginal area. These days home vaginal bleaching kits may be available, or it is best to visit a doctor or a professional dermatologist. Vaginal bleaching can treat pink or white patches that appear on the vulva, inner labia, and sometimes on the clitoris. It is also sometimes done to lighten scars from ingrown hair, skin tags, and other types of skin discoloration.

Why Do People Have Darker Vaginal Skin?

The skin throughout the body changes over time. The color of the skin changes with age and may become more delicate or sensitive, especially the skin in and around intimate areas like the vulva and vagina. Some people may find darker, intimate areas less attractive or unhealthy. However, according to medical sciences, having a darker intimate area is not an unhealthy condition and is normal. According to dermatologists, the color of the genital skin is never the same as the rest of the body, and pigmentation in the genital areas can or may not change. There are several reasons why intimate areas appear dark.

Studies have shown conditions like pregnancy, hormonal changes, puberty, perimenopause, and menopause to be among the several reasons. Another reason for a darker vagina could be frequent bikini waxing, as it may cause the vulvar skin to callus, making it appear darker than before. Studies have also shown genetics, different skin types, aging, and weight gain to be other secondary reasons why vaginal skin may appear dark.

What Is Vaginal Bleaching?

Vaginal bleaching is a procedure that involves the use of vaginal bleaching creams, gels, lotions, chemical skin peels, or laser treatments to lighten the skin in and around the vagina. Vaginal bleaching does not include lightning treatments in the areas inside the vagina or vaginal canal but rather in the external skin around the vagina. Treatments usually help to lighten the skin in the inner thighs and vaginal lips.

Why Do People Get Vaginal Bleaching?

Some women may be overly concerned about the aesthetics of their genitals and tend to think darker genitals may not be sexually attractive. Women may have unrealistic expectations of their bodies and may feel the need to fix their genital skin color. Some women may experience body image issues and have trouble dealing with it. Hence, most women opt for vaginal bleaching with the hope of getting the same complexion as the rest of their bodies.

How Is Vaginal Bleaching Done?

Professional dermatologists do vaginal bleaching. Dermatologists examine the skin type, skin conditions, and the area of pigmentation in and around the intimate areas. This helps dermatologists to choose from the several vaginal bleaching methods best suited for the individual. Vaginal bleaching procedures may include treatments like:

• Chemical Peels - Chemical peels are procedures that involve the use of chemical solutions to remove the upper, darker, dead skin layers. This exposes the inner soft, lighter skin layers.

• Laser Treatments - Laser treatments use laser devices to whiten the genital areas. Laser treatments are less painful, yet they may have other side effects like loss of sensation, or the skin may become extremely sensitive.

• Topical Vaginal Bleaching Creams - Use of serums, gels, skin-lightening lotions, and other skin-lightening creams contain lightening agents and reduce pigmentation. These vaginal bleaching creams or other products can be applied as prescribed by the dermatologists.

• Injecting Bleaching Agents or Ingredients Into the Skin - Advanced treatments include injecting bleaching ingredients into deeper skin layers to have a more permanent effect of skin lightening in the genital areas. This could go wrong if not done correctly.

Is Vaginal Bleaching Safe?

Vaginal bleaching may have side effects, especially in women who have sensitive skin types. Certain bleaching contents and ingredients may cause allergic reactions in the form of rashes, severe itching, or a burning sensation. Vaginal bleaching does not have any health benefits but may boost confidence, especially in women who may experience sexual performance anxiety due to body image issues. According to medical sciences, vaginal skin lightening is not recommended due to safety concerns. However, it is always best to consult a dermatologist for the same. The safety of vaginal bleaching procedures depends on the following:

The type of treatment method chosen to lighten the vaginal skin.

• The skin type of the vulva.

• The frequency of the treatment procedures.

• The duration and timing of the vaginal bleaching procedure.

• The body responds to bleaching procedures.

• The dermatologist or medical professional performing the lightning procedure.

At-home vaginal bleaching procedures or over-the-counter vaginal bleaching kits are not considered safe and could cause side effects. Hence, vaginal bleaching treatment procedures in clinics done by a professional dermatologist are much safer and have a low risk of side effects.

What if One’s Partner Encourages Bleaching the Vulva?

If in a position to educate one's partner about vulvar care, it is worthwhile to consider. Clarifying that the natural shade of the vulva may vary from the surrounding skin and suggesting showing other vulvas to foster understanding can be helpful. If the partner stops making such comments after being educated, that is a positive outcome. However, if they persist in shaming for genital appearance, it is advisable to end the relationship, as no one deserves such treatment from a partner.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of Vaginal Bleaching?

Side effects of vaginal bleaching depend on the type of treatment method chosen. Vaginal bleaching creams and gels may cause skin irritation, burning, swelling, inflammation, or certain bacterial and fungal infections. Laser treatments could cause loss of sensation or extreme sensitivity in the vaginal areas. This may also cause varying degrees of pain. Certain bleaching ingredients may cause burning of the vulva, leading to permanent scarring, and may eventually cause loss of sensation in the genital areas. Scarring can also occur if the areas near the clitoris are also included. This can cause extreme pain when sexually aroused or while indulging in sexual activities.

What Are the Alternatives for Vaginal Bleaching?

Other options instead of vaginal bleaching include talking to a skin doctor or a gynecologist if worried about how their vulva looks. The gynecologist can look at the vulva to make sure it is healthy. If everything is normal, the focus is on feeling good about one's body.

Seeing other people's vulvas can also help. It shows that every vulva is unique and beneficial in understanding that diversity in shape, size, and color is natural and healthy.

What Precautions Should Be Taken to Prevent Complications Associated With Vaginal Bleaching?

• If desiring to bleach the bikini area, it is best to work with a trained medical professional.

• One can opt for a laser for vaginal bleaching. There is a higher risk of complications for the inner labia than the outer labia. That is why most practitioners will not laser or bleach the inner labia.

• An unconventional at-home bleaching kit can heighten the risk of undesirable side effects.

• Before attempting any vaginal bleaching cream or other products at home, test it on a small patch of skin on the forearm first. Wait at least the duration indicated on the package to observe any adverse reactions. If an adverse reaction (such as pain, itching, or discoloration), occurs on the arm skin, it is likely to occur on the genital skin as well.

Conclusion:

Vaginal skin lightening is done to lighten the areas in the genitals. Over-the-counter lightening creams, gels, and bleaching kits should be avoided as they may have extreme side effects that can also affect sexual life. Self-bleaching treatments may also cause allergic reactions. It is best to opt for vaginal bleaching treatment through professional dermatologists if they are to be done. It is important to remember darker genitals are normal, and one must not believe in the myths around them. In case of body image issues, one can seek help from a therapist and try to accept those parts of their bodies as well.