How To Brighten Your Bikini Line For Summer

 It’s official—smooth girl summer has arrived. Now that you’re waxed, shaved or trimmed up around the edges (#YouDoYou), we’re ready to embrace the warmer weather. That's right, the beaches are calling, and we couldn’t be happier to answer. And as temperatures keep rising, our penchant for stripping down keeps growing stronger. From the beach to the pool, we’re diving in bright, silky, and smooth.

Looking for the perfect companion to your itty-bitty bikini? Enter: Bushbalm’s new Pina Colada Dark Spot Oil. Here’s why this highly anticipated liquid gold in a bottle is all you need to get your bikini line looking bright and irritation-free.

What Causes Discoloration and Dark Spots in the Pubic Area?

We asked Dr. Ruth Arumala, a board-certified gynecologist, to share two of the main reasons why women experience dark spots and hyperpigmentation and the answers were hair removal and friction. 

Hair Removal (primarily shaving)

For many people, regular shaving can result in razor burn, ingrown hairs, and other irritations which can cause the skin to darken. When you shave, the hair follicle is irritated and will balloon out to protect the skin. This reaction creates pimple-like bumps which later lead to acne scars, dark spots and discolouration. 

Friction (primarily from chaffing) 

Frequent friction causes dark spots. You may notice where your skin touches (i.e. the thighs, underarms etc.) there are dark areas and hyperpigmentation - that’s from friction.

How can I prevent dark spots and hyperpigmentation?

Naturally fading dark spots and brightening your skin all over the body does not happen overnight. This process takes time and consistency in your daily total body skincare routine. The key to brightening inner thighs, underarms, or your bikini line is to break up the melanin deposits on the surface of the skin. Follow these steps to help prevent dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Don’t remove body hair 

If this is not an option for you, try waxing or laser hair removal. Both of these options should decrease the chance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Don’t shave, trim instead! 

Using a trimmer is a great option to remove the hair while minimizing irritation to the skin. Bushbalm offers the Francesca Trimmer which is the perfect tool for close grooming and/or pre-wax preparation.   

Use Skin Protectant After Hair Removal

Using a skin protectant after hair removal is a crucial step to prevent hyperpigmentation. Try incorporating Pina Colada Dark Spot Oil into your daily skincare routine. It will help improve the look of dark spots and discolouration over time.

Wax

Waxing your body hair will last longer over time and likely leave you with less irritation especially when it comes to dark spots and ingrown hairs.

How Can I Brighten Discolored Skin Around My Bikini Line and Underarms? 

Brightening your skin won't happen over night. It takes time and a consistent skincare routine. Here are some steps you should take to improve the look of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Clean Your Skin and Keep Your pH Balanced

A proper total body routine starts with clean skin. When choosing a cleanser it is important to ensure you are using a pH-balanced body wash. If you are trying to improve the look of dark spots and lighten acne scars or ingrown hair scars, opt for a cleanser that includes Aloe Vera in the formula. Aloe Vera is known for improving the look of acne scars and ingrown hair scars.

The sensitive skin-friendly formula in the Nourishing Body Wash contains nourishing and skin-soothing ingredients like jojoba seed oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E. “This body wash hydrates the skin to prevent conditions that may worsen or cause hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Clay says. She also recommends “allowing the product to sit on the skin for a few minutes before rinsing, if possible.”

Exfoliate Often

Before shaving or waxing your body hair, you need to exfoliate your skin to buff away dead skin cells and often the body hair. Exfoliating can also help naturally brighten your skin over time. Using a natural sugar-based body scrub like the Pina Colada Exfoliating Body Scrub or the Bermuda Exfoliating Body Scrub will help improve the look of dark spots and hyperpigmentation thanks to a key ingredient - lemon essential oil. For best results exfoliating should take place 2-3 times a week while in the shower and always before a shave or a wax.

Wear Airy Clothing

Your skin needs to breathe! If you experience discoloration in your thighs and bikini line, wearing tight clothing could be the reason as it restricts airflow. Wearing looser clothes and light fabrics that allow proper airflow to your intimate areas can help reduce friction and less darkening in those areas.

Waxing

If you’re looking to enjoy a smooth girl summer, and avoid shaving every other day try getting a Brazilian or bikini wax. Constantly shaving your bikini line and pubic area is going to irritate your skin. Also, waxing allows you to leave your skin alone for a longer period and ditch the razor!

Brightening Oil for Dark Spots

Applying a nourishing oil to your skin like Pina Colada Dark Spot Oil or Bermuda Dark Spot Oil is key when it comes to brightening and improving the look of hyperpigmentation. 

Ingredients That Can Help Brighten Your Pubic Area

Aloe Vera: A go-to for many when it comes to soothing skin conditions or otherwise treating various inflammatory conditions, aloe vera is also a great resource to brighten the pubic area. In addition to its calming properties, aloe vera contains aloin, which has skin lightening and brightening properties. 

Lemon Essential Oil: Acts as a natural exfoliant and helps brighten skin, while reducing the appearance of dark spots.

Is it safe to use Pina Colada Dark Spot Oil in your crotch area? 

“Finding gentle but effective treatments for dark spots around your pubic area/groin is so difficult,” says Dr. Arumala.

“This is why I am super excited to share Bushbalm’s Bermuda oil! Bermuda Oil is safe to use on the skin. Please note that this oil should not be used inside the vagina. The vagina itself is a self-cleaning organ. 

What do I have to do to get rid of dark spots and hyperpigmentation?

If you want to improve the look of dark spots and hyperpigmentation as well as brighten your skin, you should follow this simple routine. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week with a natural dark spot exfoliating body scrub, and apply a hydrating brightening oil like Pina Colada, or Bermuda Oil daily. For best results, apply the soothing oil within the first 2 minutes of getting out of the shower.