What Are Vulvar or Genital Peels – How Do They Work to Lighten Intimate Areas?

What Are Vulvar or Genital Peels – How Do They Work to Lighten Intimate Areas?

Date 12 Mar 2024  

Table of Contents

Introduction

Women's genital skin is naturally darker than the skin of other body parts for multiple reasons. If vulval pigmentation is your concern, our cosmetic gynaecologists in Hyderabad at Eternelle Aesthetics offer a quick, effective, non-surgical solution: vulvar peels.  

This article by our cosmetic gynaecologist discusses female vulval or genital area pigmentation and how intimate or genital peels can help address this cosmetic concern. 
 

Why Do Women Have Darker Vulval Skin?

The potential causes of vulval pigmentation are:

  • Hormonal changes: Changes in hormones during menarche, pregnancy, and menopause can darken genital skin. 
  • Iron in blood: Women have a menstrual cycle every month until they reach mid-age. As human blood has a lot of iron, it gradually darkens when menstrual blood comes into contact with the vulval skin. 
  • Friction: Friction against wearing tight undergarments and sweating during physical activities like gym activities and horse riding often can cause the skin of the pubic area to darken. 
  • Certain medical conditions: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Gastric Cancer, Hypothyroidism, and some infections and associated inflammation in the genital area can cause the skin to darken. 
  • Certain vaginal products: The application of skin-irritating cosmetics in the vaginal area can cause the skin to darken.
  • Shaving: Shaving pubic hair with a razor can darken the skin of the genital area.  
  • Natural skin ageing: The skin cells get bigger and more centralised with age. This dysregulation causes the outer skin layer to be dark.

    Even consistent use of deodorants or perfumes in the intimate area may cause irritation, contributing to long-term skin discoloration. 
     

What Are Vulvar or Genital Peels?

Vulvar peels, also known as genital or intimate or vaginal skin peeling, are the chemical peels used for genital skin lightening. These peels help remove the pigmented layers of the genital skin and make the vulval area brighter, lighter, softer, and fresher. 

Chemical peeling for genital skin lightening involves the application of different acid solutions. Depending on the strength of the acid and how deep in the skin the peel can act, there are three types of chemical peels: light, medium, and deep peels. For lightening the intimate area, gentle chemical peels like glycolic acid, citric acid, and kojic acid are commonly used. Glycolic acid, in particular, is highly effective for removing superficial pigmentation and promoting fresh, healthy skin regeneration.
 

How Do Genital Peels Work?

Among the various acids used for intimate area treatments, glycolic acid stands out for its remarkable ability to gently resurface the skin without causing undue irritation. Extracted from sugarcane, glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size among alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), allowing it to penetrate deeply into the skin layers. This property makes it particularly effective not only for the vulva but also for treating pigmentation in sensitive areas like the underarms and bikini line. Using glycolic acid for armpits is gaining popularity because of its ability to reduce pigmentation, exfoliate dead skin, and prevent ingrown hairs. When applied carefully by experienced professionals, glycolic acid works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, encouraging the emergence of fresh, healthier skin underneath. Its consistent use in genital peels helps achieve a natural lightening effect, smoother skin texture, and an overall refreshed appearance, without compromising the skin's sensitivity or integrity.

Glycolic acid uses also include treating keratosis pilaris, acne scars, and age spots. It’s one of the most versatile acids for skin renewal.
 

Who are the Ideal Candidates For Genital Peeling?

Genital skin peeling can help most women achieve lighter genital skin. However, women considering vulvar peeling must meet the eligibility criteria for the treatment to proceed through it. The good candidates for vaginal skin peeling are:

  • Women with vulvar, genital or inner thighs pigmentation.
  • Women who do not suffer from warts, lupus, or herpes.
  • Women who are unhappy with their pigmented genitals and want to regain their confidence.
     

What Care To Take Before Using Genital Peels?

Before the genital peeling treatment session, the patient should follow these doctor-recommended instructions: 

  • Do not apply hair removal creams because they can be toxic and damaging to the skin
  • Avoid whitening the vagina
  • Avoid using any hazardous substances in the genital region
  • Keep the vaginal area moist
  • Maintain appropriate intimate area hygiene to avoid infections and bacteria
  • Completely shave the intimate area at least 48 hours beforehand.

    Avoid using deodorants or antiperspirants near the area before treatment if undergoing peels for the underarms or bikini line.
     

What Happens During Genital Peel Treatment?

The expert selects an appropriate peel based on skin type and pigmentation severity. Glycolic acid is often preferred for its gentle yet effective exfoliating properties, even on sensitive skin.

After cleansing the area, the peel is applied and left for about 10 minutes before being removed. Typically, four sessions spaced two weeks apart are recommended for optimal results.

When using glycolic acid for underarms, the procedure is similar, gentle application, short exposure, and careful removal, leading to brighter, smoother skin over time.
 

What Results To Expect After Genital Peeling Treatment?

Genital peeling treatment is designed to correct vulval pigmentation and regenerate and whiten the skin in the vulvar areas. It provides the same results as a facial peel. 

After treatment, the patients can:

  • Have diminished signs of vaginal skin shedding and pigmentation caused due to vaginal delivery
  • Retrieve and repair their vagina. 
  • Feel better about their appearance 
  • Get relief from vaginal dryness, itching, or discomfort  
  • Be treated for vulval pigmentation or dyschromia.

    Glycolic acid benefits for skin include improved hydration, enhanced collagen production, and unclogging pores, which contribute to long-term skin health even in sensitive areas. 

If you want to know more about vulvar peels, watch this video by our gynaecologist at Eternelle Aesthetics:


What is the Aftercare Required After Genital Peel Treatment?

For smooth and quick recovery after genital peel treatment in Hyderabad, the doctor suggests the patient follow these aftercare instructions:

  • Wear loose, silk, or cotton undergarments
  • Make sure the genitals are kept clean and dry after using the washroom
  • Avoid lasers or any other harsh treatment in the intimate area
  • Take prescription medications, as provided, on time
  • Avoid strenuous exercise and workouts for at least 10 days
  • Try to keep the pubic area well-moisturised.


What are the Benefits of Using Genital Peels?

Genital area whitening with chemical peels, especially glycolic acid-based peels, is a safe and effective way to reduce pigmentation and improve skin texture. This treatment can be essential in women's personal care regimens, particularly by enhancing their self-confidence.

Here are some of the significant benefits of genital area whitening with chemical peels:

  • Effective pigmentation reduction: These peels are good at reducing dark spots and pigmentation on the skin's surface. Controlling melanin production and removing dead skin cells helps the skin achieve a more even and brighter tone. 
  • Promotes skin regeneration: The peeling procedure reveals new, healthy skin cells to the surface. The cell regeneration process helps the skin appear smoother and softer.
  • Short recovery period: Chemical peeling procedures for genital area whitening allow patients to return to their normal lives immediately. 
  • A safe and controlled procedure: A cosmetic gynaecologist in Hyderabad at Eternelle  Aesthetics applies chemical peels on the vulvar area in a controlled manner, making it incredibly safe. Before and after the treatment, a cosmetic gynaecologist provides patients with extensive information and care suggestions to achieve the best results while minimising potential side effects.
  • Increased self-esteem: Evening of the intimate area, skin tone, and cosmetic enhancements help women feel better about themselves, which boosts their confidence. 
  • Painless procedure: Treatment is painless, though patients may feel some discomfort.

    Final Thoughts 

The vaginal skin peeling treatment aims at improving pigmentation and helps to rejuvenate and lighten the initial area of the skin. These peels may also include the labia and inner thighs. If you’d like to understand more about genital peels and glycolic acid benefits, reach out to our experienced cosmetic gynaecologists at Eternelle Aesthetics or watch our video guide.