There are fewer things more horrifying than getting into beach-ready shape, only to strip down and see dark spots and redness along the bikini line. All that preparation in the months prior has been for nothing!
Okay, maybe we shouldn’t be so dramatic, but it is true that if we’re planning on lounging around by a pool all day in our hot bathing suit, we’d rather look as immaculate as possible in those sensitive areas.
So, how do you get rid of dark spots from your bikini line? We looked into it.
What causes dark spots?
Dark spots are incredibly common and can appear for a number of different reasons. The good news is they usually aren’t a signifier of any underlying medical issue, though if you do have concerns you should consult a doctor.
One of the main reasons why dark spots appear on the bikini line is due to ingrown hair. Through things like shaving and waxing, the skin and hair can get corrupted and damaged. This causes growing hair to become stunted and manipulated, leading it to become ingrown. Ingrown hair causes irritation, redness, bumps, and yes, dark spots.
The reason why ingrown hairs create dark spots is quite interesting. When a hair follicle becomes ingrown, it is usually joined with bacteria and inflammation. This alerts the skin to generate a protective response by producing more melanin, which darkens the skin and leads to hyperpigmentation.
Your hair type can contribute to ingrown hair
Everyone has a certain hair type, just as we all have a certain skin type. Ingrown hairs are more prevalent among people with thick or curly hair. This is because those hair types tend to grow sideways quite a bit, which can lead to issues.
It’s also important to add that dead skin cells can build up on the surface of the skin and under the hair, which creates blockages in pores, further stimulating breakouts and other forms of irritation.
How to remove dark spots from the skin
Part of the battle against dark spots is taking action to prevent the formation of ingrown hairs, but we’ll get onto that in a moment. If you’re already seeing fully formed dark spots on your skin, there are ways you can reduce their appearance and do your best to remove them.
The first thing to do is protect the skin by wearing strong sunscreen. The sun can do further damage to the skin which will only darken those already dark spots, so always remember to cover up when spending a lot of time outside.
Next, using products that contain active ingredients that work to brighten the skin is a good idea. Ingredients such as hydroquinone, vitamin c, and kojic acid are all proven to lighten skin complexion if used consistently.
Additionally, pairing brightening products with ingredients that can help speed up skin cell turnover would be a useful combination. Ingredients such as vitamin a, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid can all help to remove troublesome dead skin cells that could be contributing to hyperpigmentation.
The best way to avoid ingrown hairs
As we mentioned, the best thing you can do to avoid dark spots is to take preventative measures against ingrown hairs before they appear. There are several ways to do this.
First of all, when shaving your bikini line, be sure to shave in the direction of the hair flow, as going against the grain can significantly increase the chances of hair becoming ingrown and fractured. Resist the urge to pull the skin while shaving too, as this can also contribute to ingrown hairs.
Another helpful thing you can do is exfoliate the skin regularly. Exfoliators will also contain some of the best active ingredients for increasing skin cell turnover (vitamin a, mandelic acid), ensuring that piles of dead cells can’t be left to build up on the surface and block pores.
Finally, keeping the skin sufficiently moisturized is a great way of preventing ingrown hairs. How you do this is ultimately up to you, but keeping the skin healthy and refreshed will certainly be a big help.
In conclusion
Being able to lie by the pool or on the beach with a clean bikini line is one of life’s great pleasures. Keep dark spots and ingrown hairs at bay by using ingredients that support cell turnover, brighten the complexion, and keep the skin adequately moisturized. Adapt your shaving or waxing technique to make sure hairs aren’t being negatively impacted, and always protect the skin from damaging sun rays.
Good luck, and happy sunbathing!