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Darker skin on upper inner thighs

8 replies

Dutchhouse14 · 22/04/2026 15:50

Ive been swimming a lot more recently after joining a gym with a pool and a spa so payimg more atention to my body in a swimming costume and noticed that my skin is much darker on upper inner thighs, fairly large patches not just right at the very top. Maybe its hyperpigmentation?
Ive always had this to some extent but its looking worse now than before.
Is there anything, cream etc that i can use to lighten it? Any recommendations?
Im mid 50s and menopausal so not sure if its linked with menopause?and gets worse with age??
Im a healthy weight but thighs do touch at the top.
Ive lost a lot if weight over the past year so feel cinfident in a swimming costume for first time in years apart from these really dark patches of skin on my upper inner thighs. (Im white with fair skin btw)

OP posts:
Ohthatsabitshit · 22/04/2026 15:51

It’s a sign of diabetes isn’t it?

Dutchhouse14 · 22/04/2026 16:00

I think it can be but i had a clear blood test for that fairly recently

OP posts:
MugShout · 22/04/2026 16:03

Acanthosis Nigricans I would guess. I have had this since my teens and I think for me is linked to PCOS (which is linked to insulin resistance though I am ok currently for diabetes). Is it possible you have just not noticed it before? Maybe worth speaking to GP in case it is a warning sign of something. I tell myself that anyone that is looking at that area closely enough to notice when I’m swimming or sunbathing should back the hell off! It has never been mentioned by a partner. Well done on the weight loss x

Isobel201 · 22/04/2026 16:12

it can just be caused by friction, I have to put liquid talc in certain places to avoid getting sores.

1emma19 · 22/04/2026 19:20

Hi OP. It can be post-friction hyperpigmentation, it does tend to become more noticeable during/after menopause as oestrogen decline affects melanin regulation & skin renewal slows down. Niacinamide & tranexamic acid are the gentlest effective combo for body hyperpigmentation. Azelaic acid is worth adding for more stubborn patches. Daily SPF on exposed areas matters too. It's best to also pay q quick trip to the GP to rule out anything medical related.

Dutchhouse14 · 23/04/2026 08:54

1emma19 · 22/04/2026 19:20

Hi OP. It can be post-friction hyperpigmentation, it does tend to become more noticeable during/after menopause as oestrogen decline affects melanin regulation & skin renewal slows down. Niacinamide & tranexamic acid are the gentlest effective combo for body hyperpigmentation. Azelaic acid is worth adding for more stubborn patches. Daily SPF on exposed areas matters too. It's best to also pay q quick trip to the GP to rule out anything medical related.

Thank you, thats really helpful

OP posts:
1emma19 · 24/04/2026 00:28

You're welcome!

Guerlainade · 24/04/2026 00:32

I had this after Covid it lasted about 4 weeks then went away,

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