Hyperpigmentation on Your Buttocks: Causes and Remedies

Dark patches can appear anywhere on your skin. Are your armpits duskier than your arms? How about your elbows? Do you have hyperpigmentation on your buttocks? Your body’s just producing extra melanin and manifesting in these darker spots.

Many factors can cause hyperpigmentation, from your hormones to friction to the fact that you’re proudly morena. Read on if you want to know more about uneven skin tone, especially the discoloration on your derriere.

The reason behind the hyperpigmentation on your buttocks is likely the same as the dark patches you experience in other parts of your body. Here are some of the most common causes:

Melasma or the mask of pregnancy: This is because of hormonal changes, such as being pregnant or taking birth control pills.

Sunspots: Did you stay too long under the sun? Tanning does more than give your skin a glowing golden color. Too much UV exposure can cause age spots.

Friction: Constant pressure can also cause your skin to darken. Common culprits are from clothing or when the skin rubs against each other.

Post-inflammatory pigmentation: Dark spots on buttocks or any form of discoloration commonly appears after trauma, such as scarring, or from inflammation, such as butt acne.

Stretch marks can appear on any part of your body. They occur when the skin’s collagen and elastin fibers stretch, usually when a person gains weight or gets pregnant. It is common to develop stretch marks on your butt, which can look like stripes or lines.

Stretch marks are permanent and don’t disappear. However, there are ways to fade their appearance. Procedures such as laser therapy or micro needling can make them less noticeable. Some studies have found that tretinoin cream can also help.

Butt acne is the likeliest culprit behind the hyperpigmentation on your buttocks. It's technically not acne but a condition called folliculitis.

Dead skin cells, bacteria, and sebum clogging your pores trigger breakouts. Meanwhile, folliculitis is, as its name suggests, rooted in inflamed hair follicles. Like acne, folliculitis can appear as little white-headed pimples around the hair follicle or as small red bumps. It resembles an acne breakout and is usually caused by touching or rubbing your skin, wearing overly tight clothing, frequent sweating, or shaving.

Tight clothes trap moisture in that area, along with dirt, sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria. You can avoid this situation by wearing breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics. After all, perspiration – while not terrible – can lead to various skin issues. You should always wash up and change into fresh clothes after exercise. Sweaty, warm skin creates an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi.

Bend your elbow. See how the crook where the skin folds is much darker? The same logic explains why your butt crack has a much darker hue than the rest of your skin. The folds in your skin all have a higher concentration of melanocytes – the cells responsible for producing melanin. It's the same for your armpits and the back of your knees.

A dark butt crack is nothing to be concerned about. Everyone has discoloration in certain body parts.

The most common cause of hyperpigmentation on your buttocks is irritation due to friction. Hence, if you're wondering how to remove dark spots on buttocks, know that addressing the cause of the friction is the immediate solution. Wear loose-fitting clothing and apply sunscreen on areas exposed to the sun. When swimming, change and wash your swimsuits regularly and avoid hot tubs, which can lead to folliculitis. You should also practice good hygiene and avoid harsh products that can cause flare-ups.

You can’t go wrong with good hygiene. When you notice mild signs of skin irritation, such as rough patches or bumps, gently exfoliate the area to help reveal new skin without causing a reaction. Try Dove Bar Gentle Exfoliating. It washes away dirt and dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling soothed and renewed. You could also try Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash if you prefer the silky feeling of body wash.

Hyperpigmentation on your buttocks is nothing to sweat over. However, if you want to do something about it, follow the tips above and say hello to a smoother behind!