The labia are the folds of skin and tissue that form the “lips” of the vulva, the external genital area between your legs. There are two pairs: the labia majora (outer lips) and the labia minora (inner lips). Together, they protect the openings to the vagina and urethra and play a role in sexual sensation.
A common source of confusion is the difference between the vulva and the vagina. The vagina is the internal canal. The vulva is everything on the outside, and the labia are one of its most visible components. When people say “vagina” casually, they often mean the vulva.
Labia Majora: The Outer Lips
The labia majora are the two larger, fleshy folds that run vertically on either side of the vulva. They’re covered in regular skin, similar to the skin on the rest of your body, and contain sweat glands and oil-producing glands that help keep the area lubricated. During puberty, hair grows on their outer surface. Their primary job is to enclose and protect the more delicate structures underneath, including the labia minora, the clitoral hood, and the vaginal and urethral openings.
Labia Minora: The Inner Lips
Just inside the labia majora sit the labia minora, two thinner folds lined with a mucous membrane rather than regular skin. This membrane stays moist through fluid secreted by specialized cells. A rich blood supply gives the inner lips their pinkish color.
The labia minora directly surround the openings to the vagina and urethra, forming a second layer of protection. At the top, they extend forward and join to form the clitoral hood (prepuce), the small fold of tissue covering the clitoris. This connection matters for sexual response: because the inner lips are physically linked to the clitoral hood, any movement or stimulation of the labia minora can indirectly stimulate the clitoris as well. During arousal, blood flow increases, causing the inner lips to swell and become more sensitive.
Normal Size and Appearance
Labial size, shape, color, and symmetry vary enormously from person to person. One of the largest studies measuring the labia minora in women who were not seeking surgery found a median width of about 19 mm and a median length of about 35.5 mm, but the full range was wide: length varied from 20 to 100 mm and width from 7 to 50 mm. There is no established medical cutoff that defines “normal” versus “abnormal” size. Some people have inner lips that are barely visible, while others have inner lips that extend well past the outer lips. Both are typical.
Color ranges from pink to brown to dark purple, and it’s common for the labia to be darker than the surrounding skin. Asymmetry, where one side is longer or shaped differently than the other, is also extremely common and not a medical concern.
How the Labia Change Over Time
Your labia don’t stay the same throughout your life. Hormonal shifts during puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause all influence their size, thickness, and color. During puberty, the labia majora tend to become fuller, which can make the labia minora appear relatively smaller. Pregnancy increases blood flow to the pelvic area and can cause temporary swelling or darkening. After menopause, declining estrogen levels can lead to thinner, less elastic labial tissue.
Common Labial Health Issues
The skin of the labia is sensitive and can develop a few conditions worth recognizing. Contact irritation is the most frequent issue. Everyday products like soap, bubble bath, scented wipes, talcum powder, and fragranced laundry detergent can cause redness, itching, or burning on vulvar skin.
Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition that commonly affects the genital area. It can cause smooth, discolored patches of skin, intense itching, soreness, and skin that bruises or tears easily. Some people experience no symptoms at all. It’s more common after menopause but can occur at any age.
Bartholin’s cysts develop when the small glands near the vaginal opening become blocked. They usually appear as a painless lump on one side of the labia, though they can become infected and tender.
Caring for Labial Skin
The labia generally don’t need special cleaning products. Washing once a day is enough, and overwashing can strip moisture and cause irritation. The British Association of Dermatologists recommends using a plain, unscented emollient cream or ointment as a soap substitute rather than regular soap, shower gel, or feminine hygiene washes. After washing, pat the area dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing.
Avoid scented wipes, deodorants, antiseptics, and perfumed products in the vulvar area. If shampoo or body wash runs over the skin during a shower and causes irritation, applying a layer of emollient beforehand can act as a barrier. Wearing cotton underwear and avoiding tight clothing for extended periods also helps reduce friction and moisture buildup.