Dark Spots on the Body: What Causes Dark Spots on Legs, Inner Thighs, Back and Chest
Body skin is thicker and slower to shed, so dark spots on the body stick around longer than marks on your face. Here's what causes them and how to stop new ones from forming, from a licensed aesthetician.
What Causes Dark Spots on the Body?
Dark spots on the body usually form when skin makes extra pigment after inflammation or irritation. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Common triggers:
- Body acne and post-breakout marks
- Ingrown hairs and razor bumps
- Friction from clothing or skin rubbing against skin
- Shaving irritation
- Sun exposure
- Slower skin turnover that keeps discoloration visible longer
Where Dark Spots Show Up
- Legs — from shaving, ingrown hairs and sun
- Inner thighs — from friction and sweat
- Bikini line — from shaving, waxing and ingrown hairs
- Back, chest and shoulders — from body acne and sun
- Arms — from sun and keratosis pilaris
Dark Spots on Legs
Dark spots on the legs are often left behind by shaving irritation, razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Tiny dark dots in the pores are usually strawberry legs — trapped oil and dead skin in the follicle.
Treating what causes them is the best way to prevent new marks. See our guide to razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
Dark Inner Thighs
Darkening on the inner thighs is usually caused by friction — skin rubbing against skin or tight clothing — plus sweat and heat. That constant irritation tells skin to make more pigment.
- Reduce friction with breathable, looser clothing.
- Change out of sweaty clothes quickly.
- Moisturize daily to keep skin from getting dry and irritated.
How to Fade Dark Spots on the Body
Body dark spots fade slowly, because body skin is thicker and sheds more slowly than your face. The most important step is stopping new marks from forming — by treating what causes them.
- Treat the breakouts and bumps that cause them. Our TCA Multi-Acid Body Peel, used 2 times a week, helps clear body acne, razor bumps and ingrown hairs, and KP and strawberry legs — the most common triggers of body dark spots.
- Wear SPF on any exposed areas. Sun deepens dark spots and makes them harder to fade.
- Don't pick or scratch. Every time skin is irritated, it can make more pigment.
- Reduce friction with breathable, looser clothing — especially for inner thighs and the bikini line.
- Moisturize daily to keep skin calm and comfortable.
How Long Does It Take to Fade Body Dark Spots?
Longer than on your face. Body skin renews more slowly, so marks can take months to fade, and older, deeper spots take the longest.
If dark spots are widespread, stubborn or changing, see a dermatologist. Any spot that changes in size, shape or color should be checked by a doctor.
What Makes Body Dark Spots Worse
- Picking at breakouts, bumps or ingrown hairs
- Harsh scrubs and rough loofahs
- Tight clothing and constant friction
- Skipping SPF on exposed skin
Is the Body Peel Safe for My Skin?
- It's safe for all skin tones, lightest to darkest.
- Don't use it if you're pregnant — it contains salicylic acid.
- It's for the body only — don't use it on your face or neck.
- Don't apply it to open wounds or broken skin.
- Patch test before your first use.
Dark Spots on Your Face?
See our guide to dark spots, hyperpigmentation and melasma on the face, and our TCA Multi-Acid Face Peel.
More Body Guides
The Real Philosophy
Body skin is slower to shed.
So you treat what's causing the marks, protect your skin from the sun, and give it time.
Stop the cause. Protect the skin.
Dark Spots on the Body FAQ
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