Anal Bleaching: Everything You Need To Know - Greatist

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Anal Bleach: Key Facts About This Trending Cosmetic Dreatment

Medically reviewed by Reema Patel, MPA, PA-C — Written by Lianna Bass — Updated on October 11, 2024

DIY anal bleaching
Safety
Professional bleaching
Laser bleaching
Side effects

Curious about anal bleach? This cosmetic treatment can lighten the skin around your anus, boosting confidence. Discover DIY options, professional treatments, safety tips, and what to expect. Start your guide here.

What is anal bleaching? It’s a popular cosmetic treatment that lightens your skin around your anus. That might seem a bit weird if you’re new to anus-related beauty regimes. But don’t worry! We’re here to guide you through the wonderful world of butthole bleaching. Here’s a deep dive into all the deets.

Anal bleaching 101

How does it work? You can either get a cream or chemical peel to break down melanin (skin pigments). You can also opt for a laser treatment, which can combat hyperpigmentation.

OK, but why? Because sometimes your butthole needs a glow-up. In theory, anal bleaching is no different from any other cosmetic treatment. It makes peeps feel more confident about their appearance.

Does it hurt? Anal bleaching might feel weird or uncomfortable. But it shouldn’t be 10/10 painful.

Can I DIY it? You can do your own anal bleaching at home. Just make sure you find a safe and reliable product that’ll leave you saying, “I LOVE MY NEW ASSHOLE.”

Is it safe? Butthole bleaching is safe when done correctly. A bad batch or an improper technique can lead to skin damage, discoloration, or infection.

Now that you know the lowdown, here’s a deep dive into all things anal bleaching.

anal bleaching illustration — Design by Dana Davenport

DIY anal bleaching

You can totes bleach your bum at home. There are lots of creams, gels, and lotions available online or in beauty supply stores.

Keep in mind, everyone’s different. People with allergies or sensitive skin might have a harsher reaction to the treatment. Def do a patch test before you go to town. Your booty will thank you later.

Safety first

Anal bleaching is perfectly safe when done correctly. Just be sure to only buy top-notch products. Bad brands can lead to infection, skin damage, and permanent skin discoloration.

Product PSA. A lot of skin-lightening products — especially brands made outside the United States — aren’t regulated. So, you won’t always know what’s really going on with your body. And your anus is one area you don’t wanna mess with. (Trust us.)

Ingredients to look out for

Here’s what to look out for in a DIY anal bleaching product.

Malic acid. Naturally derived from fruits, this solution decreases pigmentation without the use of harsher chemicals like hydroquinone.

Kojic acid. This exfoliating acid has been approved for use in concentrations of 1 percent by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Bonus: It also has properties that may reduce the signs of skin aging.

Malic acid. This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) loosens the bonds between skin pigment cells. This allows the cells to flake off and expose paler skin.

Lactic acid. Got milk? This dairy-derived AHA is a dope way to even out skin tone and treat hyperpigmentation. BTW, you can’t pour milk down your butt crack. It has to be an actual lactic acid concentrate. 🐄

Emblica extract. Give your butt the best of both worlds with this Indian gooseberry serum. It’s a natural skin lightener and an amazing source of vitamin C.

DIY should work just fine, but you might get better results going to a skin care pro. They have access to stronger and better-quality products. Plus, they’re trained to bleach your butt. This might reduce your risk of side effects.

Professional bleaching

Sure you’ll pay more… but your anus deserves the best.

First time jitters?

We feel ya. Having someone that close to your poop chute can be intimidating AF. Feeling freaked out your first time is totally normal.

Just know you have nothing to be ashamed of. Skin care pros are trained to talk you through the treatment. What’s scary for you is just another day at the office for them.

Is it permanent?

Anal bleaching results don’t last forever. Daily activities — like walking, running, sweating, and sitting — can cause chafing or friction. This can lead to more pigmentation.

DIY treatments have the shortest butt-shelf life. You need to touch it up every 1 or 2 months. Professional-grade treatments usually last a bit longer.

Laser treatments usually give the longest results. You only need a touch up every 6 months to 1 year.

FYI: Results vary from anus to anus.

How to find a professional

Talk with your dermatologist or doctor before getting a treatment. They can confirm that you don’t have underlying health conditions.

Once you get the all-clear, you can check out local:

spas
salons
plastic surgery centers

Some offer both topical and laser anal bleaching treatments.

How to prep for your appointment

Pre-procedure rules are super simple. Here are some important tips.

Don’t sweat it. Avoid activities like hot yoga and hardcore cardio a few days before your bleach sesh. Sweating might make the treatment less effective.
Ditch the thong. Tight underwear — especially the up your butt-crack variety — can lead to friction.
Avoid hair removal. Waxing, shaving, or Nair-ing can irritate the skin around your anus.
Don’t get your freak on. Sex can lead to tiny tears in your anal region. This increases your risk of discomfort during and after your bleaching treatment. So, avoid anal or vajayjay sex for at least 3 days before your visit.

Here’s what to do the day of your appointment:

Gently clean the area around your bum.
Wear loose clothing to avoid excess friction.
Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever (e.g. ibuprofen) beforehand.

Great ass-expectations (what to expect from the procedure)

Here’s a play-by-play of what happens during your appointment.

You might be asked to fill out an intake form upon arrival. This helps your professional learn more about your skin.
They will take you to the treatment room.
You’ll be asked to remove your bottoms and lie on your back.
They might ask you to roll your legs to one side. This makes it easier for them to get to your rectal region.
Your professional will apply a cream, gel, or chemical peel to your anal area. They might give you a numbing cream if you opt for a laser treatment.
Voilà! Once they’re done, you can get dressed and take your new bleached butthole out for a spin.

Good news! The entire anal bleaching process should take less than 30 minutes. The exact timing depends on your service and your professional.

Aftercare

Most folks recover from anal bleaching in about a week. But it can be faster or longer depending on your skin and what kind of treatment you received. Here are some helpful healing tips.

Products. Your professional will probably send you home with a cream, lotion, or gel to help soothe the area and kick-start the recovery process.

Patience. Give your booty-hole time to heal. Avoid any activities that lead to friction. You should also wear loose fitted bottoms for a minimum of 3 days. This can help prevent inflammation and may reduce your risk of infection.

Call the doctor if you have

a fever
anal discharge
blisters or open sores
bleeding, pain, or a raw area
pain or discomfort lasts longer than a week

Do I need to avoid sex?

Don’t have sex for at least 3 days after your treatment. This helps prevent irritation and infections. Continue to abstain if your skin still feels raw or irritated after day 3.

Laser bleaching

Laser treatments break down dark skin pigments into smaller particles. These cells then get carried off by white blood cells.

You might see results after your first treatment. But you prob need to have it done three or four times for the best results. After that, it’s all about upkeep. Get a touch up every 6 months to 1 year to maintain the look.

What does laser bleaching feel like?

The thought of a laser beam scalding your buttcrack is an actual nightmare. Thankfully, this procedure is nothing like a Dr. Evil torture device.

TBH, some peeps do feel pings (brief bolts of pain). Others say it feels like a hot, prickly sensation. But it should never be a kill-me-now vibe.

After the procedure, your affected skin might feel a bit sunburned or tender. This can last up to a week, usually peaking in the first 2 or 3 days.

Are there side effects?

Both DIY and professional anal bleaching can lead to uncomfortable (and sometimes permanent) side effects.

DIY risks include:

Genital health concerns. Be sure not to get products near your coochie, peen, or inside your rectum. Ouch.
Anal strictures. This is when scar tissue narrows the end of your anal canal, preventing your rectum from stretching. This can make pooping a real pain in the ass. It can also lead to constipation.
Permanent damage. Some products can scar, damage, or discolor your skin. This can also occur if you don’t follow directions and leave the solution on for too long.

Professional treatment risks include:

Irritation. Professionals tend to use stronger products, which can be more irritating to your skin.
Laser damage. This can cause permanent scarring and discoloration if done incorrectly. Always go to a certified specialist who really knows what they’re doing.
Skin damage. A bad treatment can leave you with permanent skin damage like scarring and discoloration.

Bleach it real good

On the hole, anal bleaching is a safe cosmetic treatment that can boost your booty confidence. But(t) keep in mind, your bum is peachy as is. If you think butthole bleaching is right for you, check out reputable professionals in your area. You can also find high quality DIY products online. 🍑

3 sourcescollapsed

Burnett CL, et al. (2010). Final report of the safety assessment of Kojic acid as used in cosmetics. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1091581810385956
Cestari TF, et al. (2014). Acquired hyperpigmentations. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3938350/
Rendon MI, et al. (2010). Evidence and considerations in the application of chemical peels in skin disorders and aesthetic resurfacing.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921757/

FEEDBACK:

Medically reviewed by Reema Patel, MPA, PA-C — Written by Lianna Bass — Updated on October 11, 2024

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Anal Bleaching: Everything You Need To Know - Greatist

Anal bleaching 101

DIY anal bleaching

Safety first

Ingredients to look out for

Professional bleaching

First time jitters?

Is it permanent?

How to find a professional

How to prep for your appointment

Great ass-expectations (what to expect from the procedure)

Aftercare

Call the doctor if you have

Do I need to avoid sex?

Laser bleaching

What does laser bleaching feel like?

Are there side effects?

Bleach it real good

must reads

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