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.
Nipples color can temporarily change due to things like normal hormonal shifts, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. The same goes for nipple size and texture. Permanent changes of the nipple can also occur and are often seen with breast surgeries, weight loss, and aging.
After you go through menopause, your nipples may become paler in color. During this time, levels of estrogen are falling.
Just like with breasts, there's no one way that nipples are supposed to look. 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.
“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.
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.
Change in Nipple Color
There are several reasons your nipples or areolas change color. Common reasons for color change include general aging and/or pregnancy. However, one of the more overlooked reasons for changes in nipple color is associated with the presence of breast cancer.
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.
Skin changes of the nipple
The skin of the nipple can become red and scaly or crusted, or it may thicken. These can be important signs of a types of breast cancer, particularly Paget disease.
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.
Use coconut oil to naturally lighten the nipple and add moisture. Coconut oil is commonly used to make skin brighter and lighter, and it's safe for use on most skin types. Apply about 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of coconut oil to each nipple, and let it soak into the skin.
Montgomery glands
The darker area of skin around the nipple is called the areola. On the areola there are some little raised bumps. These are quite normal and are called Montgomery glands. They produce fluid to moisturise the nipple.
Without estrogen, the gland tissue shrinks, making the breasts smaller and less full. The connective tissue that supports the breasts becomes less elastic, so the breasts sag. Changes also occur in the nipple. The area surrounding the nipple (the areola) becomes smaller and may nearly disappear.
It appears as a red, scaly rash on the skin of the nipple and areola. The affected skin is often sore and inflamed, and it can be itchy or cause a burning sensation. The nipple can sometimes be ulcerated. The rash is often similar in appearance to other skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis.
The breasts can enlarge after menopause due to the hormone oestrogen levels going down. When the breasts go through an " involution " process, the milk glands shut down, and the tissue is replaced with fat.
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.
Fingers are most commonly affected, a condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon where your fingers turn white when they are cold. Less commonly, the blood vessels in the nipples are affected, causing pain during, immediately after, or between breastfeeds.
Go Gray or Go Home. The solution to not seeing your undershirt through your dress shirt: wear a gray undershirt. The darker tone stops your nipples from showing through a white dress shirt, without advising its presence. It's a simple answer, too.
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.
Without estrogen, the gland tissue shrinks, making the breasts smaller and less full. The connective tissue that supports the breasts becomes less elastic, so the breasts sag. Changes also occur in the nipple. The area surrounding the nipple (the areola) becomes smaller and may nearly disappear.
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.
A condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon, where your fingers turn white when they are cold can also affect the nipples. Pain can occur during, immediately after, or even between breastfeeds. You may notice that your nipple turns white.
Areolae: The areola is the circular dark-colored area of skin surrounding the nipple. Areolae have glands called Montgomery's glands that secrete a lubricating oil. This oil protects the nipple and skin from chafing during breastfeeding.
Montgomery glands can become filled with a waxy substance. The gland then resembles a pimple with a white or yellowish head. These spots are known as Montgomery tubercles. Women do not have to be pregnant or breast-feeding for this to occur.