Genetics has the biggest role in determining the size, appearance, and color of the areola. Puberty, periods, and pregnancy can also change the appearance of the areola over time.
First of all, nipples naturally differ in colors based on the person and their unique skin tone, which is affected by the amount of melanin (natural pigment produced by skin cells) they have. “The more melanin that you have in the area of your nipples, the darker they will be,” says Dr.
Both nipples and areolas (the circular skin around your nipple) come in different sizes and colors, from light pink to brownish black. The color of your nipples usually relates to your skin color. It's also totally normal to have some hairs growing around your nipples.
Nipple Color
Nipples and areolas can range from pale pink to a deep brown. It's also possible for nipple and areola color to change throughout our lifetime. Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, can cause the area to become lighter or darker.
Alexis Oakley, a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with Kris Jenner, Demi Lovato, and more, previously told POPSUGAR that yes, this fabled beauty theory is indeed a “fact.” “Generally, your natural lip shade is the same colour as your nipple.
Nipples turning white (known as nipple blanching) can occur after feeding and is due to the blood flow to the nipple being limited. Blanching is most commonly related to latch problems.
“The nipple or areola colour can vary from person to person, but anywhere between pink to dark brown is considered normal. The colour can change due to hormonal fluctuations in the body, and also when you are pregnant.
Whether your nipples are so pale you can see your blue veins (oh, hey) or they're a rich shade of brown, you needn't worry—they're totally normal. “Nipple color is not indicative of health in any way,” Patt tells SELF.
The areola is often darker than the nipple itself. Depending on your skin tone, the color can range from pale pink to dark brown. Your nipples/areolas can change color because of: Hormonal changes (menstrual cycle and menopause)
After you go through menopause, your nipples may become paler in color. During this time, levels of estrogen are falling.
The main cause of darkened areolas and dark nipples are hormones. Progesterone and estrogen cause the body to produce more pigment. This is why many women see splotches and patches of darkened skin all over their bodies.
The skin on your breasts should naturally be more or less flat and smooth. Again, consistency is key. Bumps and birthmarks that are always present are not a problem. A sudden change in the skin on your breasts should be reported to a doctor.
Breast development during puberty
2.1 Stage 1 This stage begins at about 8-12 years old, the nipples just begin to pop up, pink circle appears.
Procedure of nipple lightening
The laser treatment can be performed around 2-4 weeks apart for each session without any severe side effects depend on the skin condition. Results will improve after each subsequent session, with the number of courses depending on how much lighter you would like your dark nipples.
Areolas can also change in size as you age, gain or lose weight, or experience hormonal changes during puberty, periods, pregnancy, or menopause. While most of these changes are normal and perfectly harmless, certain changes may warrant an examination by a healthcare provider.
Blanching can be the result of a vasospasm, when the blood vessels constrict and spasm,1 or from any other situation that temporarily stops the blood from flowing to the nipples. When this happens, the nipples turn pale or white, and there may be a painful, burning sensation.
You might notice that your nipples change as well. It's common for nipples to become smaller, and the area around them, called the areola, almost vanishes. Lumps. Older breasts may be more prone to lumps or bumps.
Montgomery tubercles are small bumps around your nipples and are completely normal. They are most common during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as around puberty and throughout the menstrual cycle.
Hormonal causes
Galactorrhoea is milky nipple discharge not related to pregnancy or breast feeding. It is caused by the abnormal production of a hormone called prolactin. This can be caused by diseases of glands elsewhere in the body which control hormone secretion, such as the pituitary and thyroid glands.
Something you may not have known: Your nipples can clue you in to some serious health problems. If you notice sudden puckering or dimpling of the skin around or on your nipple—particularly if it occurs around just one nipple—call your doctor. This could be a warning sign of breast cancer.
Lipstick nipple
If your nipple comes out of your baby's mouth flattened, or slanted like a new tube of lipstick, it's a sign your baby's latch when breastfeeding isn't deep enough. You may not feel any pain, but this is still a cause for concern. “In the long term, the milk supply might suffer,” says Griffin.
Dr Lindsey Bordone, a dermatologist at Columbia University Medical Center in New York told the Mail Online that the change is down to a combination of two things: melanin and hormones.