Skincare for Down There? Yes, It’s a Thing
Think about your skincare routine. It probably consists of washing your face and applying some lotions and potions to boost your complexion. Maybe you even count slicking on lotion or exfoliating your arms and legs as part of your regimen. But what about the skin down there?
Most people don’t think about giving their vulva a skincare routine—and with good reason. We’re generally taught that the skin there is sensitive and shouldn’t be messed with. Given this, you may be surprised to hear that skincare products created specifically for your vulva have become quite popular.
But do you really need skincare for your vulva? Not necessarily. But you also don’t have to stay away from it—and there may even be reasons to consider it (more on that soon).
While the vagina is self-cleaning, the vulva (which consists of the labia majora and labia minora) is not. “Males know how to clean their penises, but females are often not taught how to clean and care for the vulva,” says Jill Krapf, MD, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and associate director of The Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders in Washington, D.C.
For the most part, a gentle soap and water will do the trick. But there may be certain vulva-related issues that could benefit from some skincare help—and the stuff you use on your face or the rest of your body won’t do the trick. “The tissue is completely different from facial skin and needs to be treated as such,” says Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Monica, California.
Here, a closer look at some of those products—but first, familiarize yourself with some of the skin issues your lady parts may face.
What Issues Can Skincare for Your Vulva Address?
Before you start shopping, it is helpful to understand the most common skin problems that can occur down there. Honestly, many of them are similar to complexion concerns that happen in other areas. The main difference is you will need to approach them more gently.
Dryness
Vulvar dryness can happen at any age but is most dominant throughout menopause, says Somi Javaid, MD, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and founder and CMO of HerMD. Regardless of its location, all skin on the body needs regular hydration, yet most women don’t know to moisturize the vulva.
The fix: Load up on hydrating products with naturally derived ingredients that shield against moisture loss while comforting and nourishing the delicate skin. Look for easy-to-use, mess-free balms and wipes that are formulated with skin-safe moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil and aloe vera.
A Not-So-Fresh Feeling
The vulva needs regular gentle cleansing. Just be sure your washing doesn’t entail using soap or cleanser inside the vagina—which can lead to burning, dryness, irritation, and infection. Monica Grover, MD, a board-certified gynecologist and the chief medical officer at VSPOT, recommends routinely cleansing vulva skin to protect it and the vagina from bacteria and other microorganisms that can disrupt your natural vaginal pH balance.
You’ll want to use a fragrance-free cleanser formulated for the area and warm water. “I don't recommend using antibacterial soaps for feminine hygiene since they can be too harsh,” says Javaid. “Plus, our vaginas and vulvas have microbes to protect the skin's delicate balance in the region, and we don't want to disrupt that balance.”
Ingrown Hairs and Bumps
If you shave or wax, ingrown hairs and folliculitis (inflamed follicles that resemble a pimple) may take up residence on the vulva. To reduce your risk of these thinks, you'll want to keep the skin smooth and prevent any sort of buildup that can clog pores. An exfoliator can do exactly this—just be sure to choose something gentle.
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