I don't know about y'all, but I personally don't know one person who doesn't want flawless skin. When it comes to me and my personal struggles with achieving this immense goal, my greatest challenges have been having large pores that can sometimes lead to breakouts that can result in acne scars. Well that and sometimes noticing that my parts of my inner thighs are about a good one shade darker than the rest of 'em. What gives?
While I have finally figured out some hacks that have helped my pores to appear smaller and also some hacks that have reduced the bacteria that causes pimples to occur in the first place, it wasn't until a few months ago that I came upon some all-natural remedies that helped to get my thighs all one tone again. If inner thigh discoloration is something that you battle with as well and you're ready to have thighs that look as smooth and even as butta, I think I might have some tips that can totally help you out.
How To Get Rid Of Dark Inner Thighs: Remedies
So, What Actually Causes Inner Thigh Discoloration in the First Place?
If you're someone who struggles with inner thigh discoloration, you might've wondered where it comes from. That's actually a really good question. Long story short, it's the result of when hyperpigmentation transpires; you know, when an area of your body produces more melanin than it actually needs.
When it comes to getting down to the root cause of why some of us have inner thigh discoloration, to be honest with you, there is no one answer. Some of us get it because, as the saying goes, "thick thighs save lives"; so, when we're walking, running and/or working out, chafing can occur. Others of us get it due to hormonal imbalances and/or the medications that we take to get our hormones back on track. If you're someone who's all about rockin' the tightest jeans possible, the constant friction from your pants could also be the culprit.
Then there's the reason that is probably to most underrated—dry skin. Yep, if you're not taking the time to thoroughly moisturize your thighs after bathing, this also could result in them looking two-toned (in comparison to the rest of your legs) or blotchy.
The good news is, knowing the root of what caused your inner thigh color issues, that can help to put you onto the path of restoring even-toned skin again.
What Are Some Effective At-Home Remedies to Try?
If you really stop to think about it, some simple lifestyle changes can actually help to get your inner thighs back to where you want them to be. Simple things like wearing looser clothing and consistently moisturizing that part of your body might be all that's required. But if you feel like your thighs could use a little bit of extra TLC, while you could go the OTC route and purchase a skin lightening cream, sometimes products that contain ingredients like niacinamide, lignin peroxidase and arbutin (even hydroquinone and retinoids that dermatologists will sometimes prescribe) can come with mild side effects or even result in allergic reactions. Plus, a lot of these lighteners aren't created with Black sistahs in mind. Because of that, those products can ultimately end up doing our skin more harm than good. So, that's why I think that, at least trying some natural remedies, is a smart way to try and get your inner thighs to looking the way that you want them to. And the really great news is you've got a few different DIY options to choose from.
Aloe Vera Gel.
Aloe vera contains properties that are effective at doing everything for your skin from deeply moisturizing it and reducing signs of aging to healing acne and speeding up the healing process of burns and wounds. If you apply 100 percent pure Aloe vera gel to your inner thighs, the proteolytic enzymes in it can help to heal damaged skin cells so that the skin that is the result of hyperpigmentation will become lighter after about 4-6 weeks.
Coconut Oil.
Coconut oil is dope because it has antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties in it (all of these help to kill bacteria and fungi that may occur on your skin). Coconut oil is also comprised of 80-90 percent saturated fat that can deeply moisturize your skin. And, since it has so many different fatty acids in it (including around 49 percent fatty acids), when you apply the oil to your inner thighs, the acids can also help to build healthy membranes to your skin while creating a protective barrier too. Just make sure that the coconut oil is virgin; the purer it is, the more effective it will be.
Plain Yogurt.
Off top, something that yogurt has lots of is lactic acid. It's an organic compound that, when applied to your skin, it is able to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Beyond that, plain yogurt is also great for your skin because it deeply moisturizes it. And, when you add a little bit of lemon (two tablespoons will provide potent exfoliating and lightening properties) to a one-third cup of it, the combination is great at treating hyperpigmentation. Apply the mixture to clean skin, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with cool water (to close your pores). If you do this 1-2 times a week, you will notice a difference within 14 days or so.
Oatmeal Scrub.
If anything is considered to be a superfood for your skin, oatmeal would have to be it. It's for a myriad of reasons too. Since oatmeal is high in zinc, it can speed up the healing of pimples. Its chemical compounds saponins are able to unclog your pores. Other properties in oatmeal can help to balance out your skin's pH levels. And, when it comes to fading the discoloration around your inner thighs, the texture of raw oats is a wonderful exfoliant. If you make a scrub of one part oatmeal, one part yogurt and a teaspoon of honey (honey is a great moisturizer) and then apply it directly onto your thighs, while gently massaging that area, it can help to slough off dead skin cells while revealing healthier skin cells in the process.
Potato Rub.
I know, right? Who woulda thought that a white potato could be an ultimate skin healer? Oh, but it is! Potatoes contain a good amount of potassium, manganese, vitamins B6 and C—all of these are nutrients that our skin profoundly needs. But the reason why potatoes, specifically, are good at cultivating even-toned skin is because they also have the enzyme catecholase in them. This enzyme is known for gradually lightening skin over time. All you need to do is rub a slice of a raw potato on your inner thigh area for a couple of minutes. Allow the juice to sit for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Do this twice a week for the most optimal results.
And How Do You Prevent Inner Thigh Discoloration from Coming Back?
You know what grandma used to say—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So now that you know some proven all-natural ways to get your inner thighs looking even, let's talk about some things that you can do to prevent them from looking discolored all over again.
First, always cleanse and exfoliate your inner thigh area. It's interesting, the parts of our body that don't typically get as much attention as they truly deserve. Three of those tend to be our legs, feet and inner thighs. Sure, the water tends to "catch them" when we're in the shower or taking a bath, but it's important that we actually rub them down with some soap. In fact, it's even smarter to do some dry brushing before washing up. If you do this to your inner thigh area specifically, it can help to remove any dead skin cell build-up that could also lead to discoloration, in that area, over time.
Second, if you notice that chafing occurs, not when only you're wearing tight pants, but actually after you've been working out, it could be because you're exercising in the wrong fabrics.
Clothing that is made out of nylon can help to reduce the friction that may be occurring in between your thighs (nylon biker shorts or stockings underneath your dresses can help to stop chafing too if your thighs happen to naturally rub together too).
And finally, sweat is something else that can irritate your inner thighs. If you're naturally prone to sweating, give your body (including your inner thighs) some relief at night by sleeping with no clothes on. That way, all of you will be able to breathe while the chances of your sweating as much as you usually do will decrease, significantly so.
If you do all three of these things, on a regular basis, you can very easily be on your way to having thighs with skin that looks as beautiful and sexy as you are. No joke.
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It's kinda wild that, in 2025, my byline will have appeared on this platform for (what?!) seven years. And yeah, when I'm not waxing poetic on here about sex, relationships and then...more sex and relationships, I am working as a certified marriage life coach, helping to birth babies (as a doula) or penning for other places (oftentimes under pen names).
As some of you know, something that I've been "threatening" to do for a few years now is write another book. Welp, October 2024 was the month that I "gave birth" to my third one: 'Inside of Me 2.0: My Story. With a 20-Year Lens'. It's fitting considering I hit a milestone during the same year.
Beyond that, Pumas and lip gloss are still my faves along with sweatshirts and tees that have a pro-Black message on them. I've also started really getting into big ass unique handbags and I'm always gonna have a signature scent that ain't nobody's business but my own.
As far as where to find me, I continue to be MIA on the social media front and I honestly don't know if that will ever change. Still, if you need to hit me up about something *that has nothing to do with pitching on the site (I'm gonna start ignoring those emails because...boundaries)*, hit me up at missnosipho@gmail.com. I'll do what I can. ;)
There’s just something about HBCU Homecoming that just hits different. Whether it’s your first time stepping onto the yard since graduation or you’re a regular at every Homecoming tailgate, HBCU pride is undeniable. It’s a vibrant celebration that unites the legacy of excellence and tradition with the energy and resilience of Black culture.
The experience goes beyond a typical college reunion; HBCU Homecoming is a family reunion, a fashion show, a cultural festival, and a week-long turn-up that embodies what it means to be unapologetically Black and educated. For HBCU alumni, the journey back to the yard each year is rooted in a love and pride that’s hard to put into words but impossible to deny.
From statement pieces to tech must-haves, every item represents the intersection of Black pride and HBCU love, ensuring that you show up to the yard in style and with intention. So whether you’re repping your alma mater for the first time since graduation or looking for fresh pieces to express your HBCU pride, these essentials will have you standing out, because, at HBCU Homecoming, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing out.
Thread Goals
diarrablu Jant Pants in Alia Noir
High-waisted, wide-legged, and ready to shut down the yard, the Jant Pants by diarrablu bring a whole new meaning to campus chic. Handcrafted in Dakar, Senegal, these free-flowing jacquard pants are perfect for stepping onto the yard with style and ease—making them a must-have for any HBCU alum’s closet.
Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Leather Bag Classic Size in Olive
This all-in-one luxury bag isn’t a bestseller for nothing. The Silver & Riley essential is made of Italian calfskin leather and thoughtfully designed, as it can be worn in four different ways: a shoulder bag, crossbody, a top handle, and a backpack. Chic and elegant, the Convertible Executive Leather bag is “the bag that every woman needs in her collection.”
Renowned Women's Intuition Cotton Graphic T-Shirt
Renowned
Renowned’s Women’s Intuition Cotton Graphic T-shirt features a bold graphic print inspired by the power and essence of women’s intuition. With its striking design, this all-cotton tee is a vibrant thing, making it a statement piece that celebrates feminine energy.
Mifland Million M Mesh Crop Shirt
Talk about bold, the Million M Mesh Crop Shirt combines edgy style with comfort, featuring Mifland’s signature print on a semi-see-through mesh fabric. Show up and show out in sophisticated flair.
HBCU Love FUBU
Melanin Is Life Melanated & Educated - I Love My HBCU Hoodie
Show off your HBCU love with this piece that represents everything you gained from your alma mater: a top-tier education, a community that lifts you up, and a deep sense of esteem for yourself and your culture. Wear it loud and proud, because being melanated and educated isn’t just a flex—it’s a legacy.
HBCU Culture Spelmanite Sweatshirt in Navy
Spelmanites, rep your Spelman pride with this unisex crewneck sweatshirt, designed for ultimate comfort and a relaxed fit. Made from a cozy cotton/polyester blend, this classic sweatshirt is as durable as it is stylish—making it an ideal piece for any Spelmanite showing love for their alma mater.
HBCU Culture Howard Is The Culture T-Shirt
Rock the ultimate flex by showcasing your Howard U love with HBCU Culture’s Howard Is The Culture t-shirt. This unisex tee offers a comfortable, relaxed fit that’s perfect for celebrating your HBCU spirit without sacrificing style or comfort.
DungeonForward FAMU - Strike Bucket - Reversible
DungeonForward’s Strike Bucket Hat brings versatility and style to the FAMU Crown collection with its reversible design, giving you two looks in one. Featuring a sleek black snakeskin-embossed brim lining and a bold outline Rattler emblem, this hat is all about repping your Rattler pride in style.
DungeonForward Savannah State University - HBCU Hat - TheYard
The Savannah State University HBCU Hat by DungeonForward is more than just a hat—it’s a symbol of Tiger pride and a nod to the culture. Perfect for gamedays, tailgates, or just showing off your HBCU love, this hat lets you carry a piece of the yard wherever you go.
Tech the Halls
Anker iPhone 16 Portable Charger, Nano Power Bank
Stay charged up with the Anker Nano Power Bank, which features dual USB-C ports, a foldable connector, and a compact design, making it perfect for those HBCU tailgates and late-night parties you pull up to.
Drip Check
Wisdom Frame 14 Square Sunglasses
Elevate your look with these angular square-frame sunglasses by Wisdom, bringing an ultramodern edge to any outfit. The sleek design makes them perfect for blocking out the haters while you stunt on the yard.
Coco and Breezy Eyewear Fortune in Gray Turquoise
The Fortune Glasses in Grey Turquoise is a bold statement piece to any Homecoming weekend ‘fit that “embody our fearless and outspoken DNA.” With their color and edgy design, these frames by Coco and Breezy are perfect for anyone looking to stand out and express their unapologetic confidence.
Howard U Lapel Pin
Rep your Bison pride wherever you go with this Howard U Lapel Pin from Pretty AmbVision. Whether adding it to your jacket, shirt, or bag, this pin is the perfect way to showcase your love for your alma mater while rocking your HBCU love with honor and distinction.
Mifland Standard Rucksack Mini
The Standard Rucksack is designed to evolve like that HBCU pride—getting richer, bolder, and better with time. Durable, stylish, and built to last, this Rucksack by Mifland is a timeless piece equipped with versatile carrying options and fully adjustable back straps for ultimate comfort.
Stay Fresh, Stay Blessed
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Pink
Keeping it cute starts with beauty sleep. This luxurious silk mask is an essential for a reason. If protecting your skin and waking up refreshed is your priority, look no further than this Homecoming essential.
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier Lemon Lime - Hydration Powder Packets
Stay hydrated and energized throughout Homecoming weekend with this Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier in Lemon Lime. Just add a packet to your water bottle, and bless your body with 2-3 times more hydration than water with every packet. Because staying hydrated is the key to popping up and showing out all weekend long!
Loop Experience Plus Earplugs High Fidelity Hearing Protection
Designed for your hearing protection, these sleek earplugs reduce noise without compromising sound quality—perfect for enjoying the band’s halftime show, late-night parties, and DJ sets. Whether you’re front row at the step show or hitting the yard, your ears deserve to be protected in style!
Black Girl Magic Glass Cup
Sip in style and celebrate your melanin with the Black Girl Magic Glass Cup. Perfect for morning coffee, your favorite iced drink, or showing off your HBCU pride on the yard—this cup is all about keeping it cute while radiating your endless supply of Black Girl Magic.
Glow Up & Show Out
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
What Homecoming weekend can be complete without an assist from this beauty find? Formulated to blend seamlessly into melanin-rich skin (no white-cast), protect your glow while you turn up with the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30.
Sienna Naturals Issa Rae's Wash Day Ritual Set
Issa Rae’s Wash Day Ritual Set from Sienna Naturals includes the H.A.PI. Shampoo, the Plant Power Repair Mask, Dew Magic, and Lock and Seal to get your crown right. Whether you’re repping your coils or rocking a new color on the yard, these products restore and nourish your strands, keeping your hair healthy, strong, and Homecoming-ready!
54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter
Stay glowing from the tailgate to the after-party with the 54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter. Infused with African-sourced ingredients, this rich, multi-purpose butter is the answer to keeping your skin soft and radiant through all the festivities all Homecoming long.
Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil
Keep your lips looking luscious and nourished with the Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil. Perfect for adding an extra pop to your pout before hitting the yard or freshening up between events, this lip oil is a beauty essential for staying camera-ready all weekend.
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image by Visual Vic/Getty Images
The Kamala Effect: Top Black Women In Politics To Watch Now, Into 2025
With a landmark Election Day coming up soon, everyone will be watching to see whether Vice President Kamala Harris makes history by becoming the first Black woman to become president of the United States. And as she has gathered monumental support from Black women around the world (including the more than 44,000 who raised millions in minutes shortly after she announced she’d be running), other Black women politicians also stand to make history in their respective elections, running to serve local and statewide communities.
Just as there have been barriers to Black women serving as CEOs of Fortune 500 companies (with only four having been appointed to those roles), there’s a massive glass ceiling for Black women in politics as well. Only 0.4% of all members of Congress identified as Black, and only 13.4% of all women who have served in Congress to date have identified as Black, according to research.
To date, no Black woman has served as governor of a state (though there has been a Black woman lieutenant governor, which we’ll get to later.)
Glass Ceiling In Politics For Black Women
Black women face the ever-so-usual gender bias and racism when running for office, but they also have to deal with another major deterrent to launching a viable campaign: funding. According to the Washington Post, while campaign fundraising “overall” saw a boost for women in 2020 compared with 2018, “Black women across party lines raised significantly less money than White women.”
The publication further reported that in 2020, data reflected “that the 113 active Black women candidates running on all tickets raised nearly $81 million in the first three quarters compared to the nearly $811 million pulled in by their 379 active White women counterparts across party lines, according to data provided by the Center for Responsive Politics. More than $1.5 billion was raised by over 1,000 White men from all parties in the same timeframe.”
Paying staff, covering marketing and ads, travel expenses, and more are all vital and very costly, expanding one’s reach, impact, and exposure to land the votes. This is one major reason that, when Black women finally make it to the finish line with enough support to get a serious spot on the ballot, it’s more than a big deal.
So, here are a few Black women in politics who have made history, continue to push barriers, and powerhouses to watch as we near Election Day on November 5:
Angela Alsobrooks
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A Maryland native, Angela Alsobrooks graduated from Duke University and the University of Maryland School of Law. She worked as a law clerk in the Howard County Circuit Court and the Baltimore City Circuit Court before taking on the role of Assistant State’s Attorney in Prince George’s County, a role in which she made history as the youngest and first woman in the role. She’s now running for the state senator seat in Maryland, which, if she wins, would make her the fourth Black woman in history to serve in the Senate.
Winsome Earle-Sears
Winsome Earle-Sears is a native of Kingston, Jamaica, who served in the United States Marine Corps. Before becoming the first woman to be elected lieutenant governor of Virginia and the first Black woman elected to statewide office, she served as the vice president of the Virginia State Board of Education and a presidential appointee to the U.S. Census Bureau, co-chair of the African American Committee and the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Old Dominion University and a master’s degree in organizational leadership with a concentration in government from Regent University.
She has filed to run for governor of the state in 2025 and, if successful, would become the first and only woman (as well as Black woman) in the U.S. and its territories.
Lisa Blunt Rochester
Lisa Blunt Rochester represents Delaware in the U.S. House of Representatives and serves as an Assistant Whip for House Leadership. She also serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Raised in Wilmington, Delaware, she graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a degree in international relations and later earned a master’s degree in urban affairs and public policy from the University of Delaware.
She’s also running for the state senate seat in Delaware and would make history if elected. If she and Albrook are both successful, that will be a first as well, as it would be the first time two Black women are serving in the U.S. Senate at the same time.
Carol Moseley Braun
A native of Chicago (who now lives in the Hyde Park neighborhood the Obamas also call home), Carol Moseley Braun became the first woman senator from Illinois and the first Black woman to serve in the Senate when she won in 1992 (and was the only Black woman to serve in the six years she held her seat.) She later served as U.S. ambassador to New Zealand, a visiting professor at Northwestern University, launched a food company, and now serves as chairman of the United States African Development Foundation. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Chicago Law School.
Lauren Underwood
Samuel Corum/Getty Images
Born in Ohio but raised in Illinois, Lauren Underwood was sworn into Congress in 2019, becoming the first woman, the first person of color, and the youngest (as a millennial!) elected to represent the state. A registered nurse by trade, she’s the co-founder and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus and the co-chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee. She also serves on the House Committee on Appropriations. Before that, she served as a senior adviser at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Johns Hopkins University.
Ayanna Pressley
Representing Massachusetts, Ayanna Pressley was the first Black woman to be elected to Congress from the state. Before that, she served as a member of the Boston City Council, becoming the first woman of color to serve in that capacity. In that role, she formed the Committee on Healthy Women, Families, and Communities, addressing issues including domestic violence and human trafficking. She empowered many, going viral and making headlines in 2020 when she revealed she has alopecia and unapologetically took off her wig to rock a bald head, shifting the narrative on Black women, code-switching, and appearance in political arenas and beyond.
Jennifer McClellan
Jennifer McClellan was sworn into the U.S. House last year, becoming the first Black woman to represent Virginia in Congress. A Virginia native, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law. She was previously elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2005 and served in that post until she was elected to the Virginia State Senate in 2017.
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