What is anal bleaching?

Anal bleaching is a cosmetic procedure consisting of lightening the colour of the skin around the anal area with a locally applied cream or lotion.

What is it for?

Anal bleaching is a purely cosmetic process, done to change the appearance of the genital and perianal areas. There are several reasons why the pigmentation of perianal area is darker: hormonal changes (especially after a pregnancy), normal process of defecation, or shaving the area.

As such, this treatment is obviously temporary and, should you wish to maintain the results, you will have to undergo the treatment repeatedly.

How does it work?

The process of bleaching is done by applying a cream on the perianal area, which inhibits the production of melanin, the natural pigment that gives the skin its colour. As a result, the bleached skin will look lighter for some time. This process can also be done at home with self-applied products (that will generally have a lower dose of chemical compounds), or by a cosmetic technician using more concentrated and stronger chemicals (which usually takes less to show results).

Some anal bleaching methods are forbidden by law in some countries, such as France and the UK, as the chemicals used for this process are carcinogenic (cancer-producing) or pose a danger to the health – especially mercury. Furthermore, some of the used chemicals can also cause an alteration in collagen production on the processed area, making the skin look “spotted”. Repeating this process over time leads to significant risks. The treated skin, irritated by the chemicals, will be more prone to infections - especially to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Moreover, scarring of the area may lead to anal incontinence.

How can I prepare for it?

There is no need for special treatment before this process. Some people choose to shave the area first.

Other treatment options

Other treatments consist of using less aggressive chemicals to avoid prolonged exposure to the above-mentioned ones. Some of the alternatives include using acids to decrease melanin production. It goes without saying that only a specialised professional should decide which treatment is best.