Expert Talk: Why Are Your Pubes Darker Than The Rest Of Your Body? 

Raised on stories of pretty princesses and secret sex education sessions from porn, most of us are made to believe in pubic skin that is pink or a shade lighter. Unfortunately, many of us forget that dark pubes are normal too. There are many taboos attached to dark pubic skin causing women to run behind lightening treatments and passing fads. This brings us to the topic at hand. 

The Channel 46 collaborated with Dr Ritika Shanmugam, Dermatologist at Proactive For Her, who discusses the basics of what you need to know about dark pubes.

What Causes Pigmentation In General? 

Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells in the body that create the pigment melanin, which is responsible for skin colour. Melanin is classified into two types: 

1. Eumelanin is responsible for mostly dark colours in hair, eyes, and skin.
2. Pheomelanin is responsible for imparting pigment to the pinkish parts of your body, like the lips and nipples. 

When pubes appear darker than the rest of your body, it is referred to as the Dark Pube Conundrum in medical terms.

Is Dark Pubic Skin A Sign Of Concern? 

It’s typical for the skin on your labia, scrotum, and anus to be darker than the skin on the rest of your body. In fact, it can darken even more with age. 

9 Factors That Control Pigmentation In The Pubic Area

Melanin levels in the epidermis are determined by the number and distribution of melanocytes. Some of the reasons you may experience this may be attributed to: 

1. Hormonal Effects

Melanocytes in the genital area are especially sensitive to hormones. Over time, the genital area darkens in reaction to hormonal changes. Oestrogen is one of the hormones that can cause increased pigmentation in certain regions, such as the labia, during puberty, pregnancy, or ageing in general. 

2. Inflammation & Friction

Increased friction can contribute to melanocyte hyperactivity, which causes the cells to produce more melanin, increasing pigmentation. This type of friction can occur during both vaginal and anal intercourse. 

Daily rubbing or the trauma of childbirth, may impact the labia and upper thigh area, especially in the skin folds in your groin area, also cause darkening of the pubic skin.

3. Age

Melanin deposition may increase with each year, causing darker labia if your skin is exposed to constant friction or inflammation. 

4. Tight Underwear

Wearing extremely tight panties is another reason for the darkening pubic skin. This will result in more friction, and friction induces melanin production. 

5. Shaving

Shaving and other hair removal tools contribute to pubic area darkness, if not done properly. 

6. Genes

Your genes can play a vital role in the colour of your pubic area. Melanocytes are naturally found in very high concentrations in the genital area and groin, and tend to produce more melanin. This may lead to your pubic area being dark than the rest of your body.

7. Obesity

Obesity may contribute to dark genital areas. This condition is known as Acanthosis Nigricans, which results in the darkening and thickening of the skin, especially near skin folds such as the back, armpits, and pubic skin. 

8. Other Conditions

People with PCOS and diabetes have a higher chance of developing darker pubic skin than others. 

9. Sweat

If you are someone who sweats often, you may notice a darker shade in your genital region. The sweat chemicals can affect not just the texture and colour of the skin. The pubic region is usually confined, meaning sweat can stay accumulated there until you clean it when you can. This leads to sweat chemicals outstaying their welcome in the area for a long time, increasing the likelihood of discolouration. 

What Can I Do To Prevent It? 

Firstly, understand that this is how your body is intended to be. Dark public areas are normal, and there is no cause for concern. If you are really bothered by this or notice sudden changes in the colour of your pubic area, it is best to visit a body positive dermatologist. They can help you with the next steps. 

In the meantime, here are some things you can keep in mind: 

1. Wear comfortable cotton underpants 
2. Keep pubic skin moisturised after shaving if you must 
3. Get checked for diabetes or PCOS 
4. Trim your pubic hair instead of shaving or waxing 
5. Avoid whitening cosmetics and vaginal bleaching as it can only cause further trouble 

3 Ways To Stay Body Positive If You’re Conscious Of Your Dark Pubes

Each body is unique, so is your pubic area. No pubic region is similar. It is unique to the person and cannot be compared. Pubic area darkening may occur due to any of the above-mentioned reasons and is nothing to be ashamed or alarmed about. The dark pubic region is not a cause of concern unless you notice itching or inflammation. 

1. Consult a body positive dermatologist if you notice sudden colour changes or experience other symptoms along with dark pubic skin. 
2. Eke out time to get re-acquainted with your body. 
3. Unlearn the wrong notions fed by the media and other sources, and most importantly, remember, you are beautiful just as you are. 

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