7 Reasons To Exfoliate Your Bikini Area

Summer and swimsuits go hand in hand. With the warmer weather comes the clockwork-craving to head to the beach with no care in the world. And hey, you deserve it! You've probably already started prepping — from picking out the perfect bikini to getting your yearly wax. However, there's one essential step you shouldn't miss: exfoliating your bikini area. 

Ahead, we discuss the importance of exfoliating this delicate region and how it can benefit you in various ways. We’ll also provide tips on selecting the best exfoliator to help you achieve smooth and flawless skin.

What Is Exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. This can be done using chemical or physical exfoliants or a combination of both. Regular exfoliation is essential for maintaining healthy, glowing skin, as it can help unclog pores, even out skin tone, and support overall skin health.

When it comes to the bikini area, exfoliation is even more crucial. This area is sensitive and prone to irritation, ingrown hairs, and redness. Even if you don’t shave or wax your bikini area, exfoliating can help keep it clear of debris so that your skin stays clear, even, and radiant.

What Are the Benefits of Exfoliating Your Bikini Area?

Exfoliating is important — there’s a reason it’s a common step in many skincare routines. But, while we may be used to applying exfoliating serums or devices to our faces, it’s equally important to exfoliate the bikini area.

Here’s why.

1. Help Prevent Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs are one of the most common issues in the bikini area. They form when hair grows downwards instead of outwards, causing redness and irritation. Regularly exfoliating the area can help remove dead skin cells and encourage blood flow, which may help prevent ingrown hairs.

2. Smooth Skin Texture

Exfoliating your bikini area can not only make it smoother, but it can also help get rid of dullness and dryness. It can help to slough off dead skin cells while encouraging cell turnover, which can result in softer, more radiant-looking skin.

3. Addresses Bacteria and Unclogs Pores

The bikini area is especially prone to bacteria and clogged pores due to increased sweat, oils, and other irritants. Exfoliating ingredients can help remove these impurities, unclog pores, and address bacterial growth.

4. Makes Hair Removal Easier

If you wax or shave your bikini area, exfoliating can make the process easier and less painful. By removing dead skin cells, you can get a closer shave or wax, which may result in smoother skin. Additionally, exfoliating can help to remove any residue or dirt that may prevent the hair removal process from being effective.

5. Brightens Up Dark Spots

Dark spots are a common issue in the bikini area, especially for those with darker skin tones. Exfoliating can help to brighten dark spots by removing dead skin cells and supporting skin cell growth. However, it's important to take a gentle approach to avoid damaging delicate skin in this area.

6. Boosts Confidence

Last but not least, regular exfoliation can help boost your confidence. When your bikini area is smooth and free of ingrown hair, you can feel more comfortable and confident showing it off. You'll enjoy the beach or pool without worrying about embarrassing hair or skin issues.

How Can You Choose the Right Exfoliant?

Choosing the right exfoliator is essential for getting the best results. 

Here are some tips to help you select the right one:

1. Choose a Gentle Exfoliant

Your bikini area has thinner skin than most other parts of your body, which means it's more susceptible to damage. It's important to choose an exfoliator that's gentle enough to use in this area. 

Look for products that contain natural exfoliants, such as sugar or coffee grounds. These types of exfoliators are gentle and effective at removing dead skin cells without causing any damage to your skin. You can also try chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or glycolic acid, which are much gentler on sensitive skin.

2. Take pH Into Consideration

Generally, the ideal pH for the skin around your bikini area is between 4.5 and 5.5. If you use a product that has a higher pH, it can cause irritations and infections and even lead to bacterial growth. 

When purchasing an exfoliant, make sure you look for one that has the right pH level for your skin. You can usually check by looking at the ingredients label and staying mindful of ingredients that can disrupt your pH.

3. Consider Your Skin Type

Consider your skin type before purchasing an exfoliator. If you have oily skin, try an exfoliator that's oil-free and made with salicylic acid. If you have dry skin, look for an exfoliator that's gentle and hydrating.

4. Test Before Using

Before using any exfoliator on your bikini area, it’s important to do a patch test first. Apply a small amount of the product to a small area of your skin and wait for 24 hours to see if there’s any reaction. If everything looks good, you can then proceed to use it on the rest of your bikini area.

How Do You Exfoliate the Bikini Area?

You’ve chosen your exfoliant, and now it’s time to get down to business. To safely exfoliate your bikini area, consider these steps.

Step 1: Prep Your Skin 

Prepping your skin before exfoliating can ensure that you get the best results while minimizing the risk of irritation. Take a warm shower or soak in a bath for at least 10 minutes to soften the skin and open up the pores. Then, use a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt or sweat from the area.

Pro Tip: When shopping for a cleanser, it's important to opt for a pH-balanced formula like our pH Balancing Cleanser™ to avoid disrupting the delicate balance of your skin's microbiome. 

Step 2: Exfoliate 

Once your skin is prepped, it’s time to exfoliate! Take a small amount of your chosen exfoliating product and apply it to the bikini area, focusing on the hair follicles. Gently massage in a circular motion for 30 to 60 seconds, then rinse with warm water. Don’t overdo it, as excessive scrubbing can cause irritation and redness.

Step 3: Rinse and Moisturize 

After exfoliating, make sure to rinse the area thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue. Pat dry with a soft towel and apply a moisturizer to soothe and hydrate the skin. 

Choose a moisturizer that’s made from natural ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile. For instance, our NEW Comfort Cream® is a nourishing moisturizer that is specially formulated to soothe the vulva without causing irritation.

Step 4: Repeat Regularly 

To maintain smooth skin, exfoliate your bikini area regularly. For most people, weekly exfoliation is enough, but you may need to adjust it based on your skin’s reaction. Avoid over-exfoliating, as this can lead to dryness or irritation.

The Bottom Line

Exfoliating your bikini area is an important step in your personal hygiene routine. Not only can it help keep your skin looking and feeling great, but it can also help to prevent ingrown hairs and brighten up dark spots. By following these tips and making exfoliation a regular part of your routine, you can enjoy a smoother and softer bikini area.

At Love Wellness, we're all about women's health — that's why we've curated a line of safer, more effective wellness products to help you feel good in the skin you're in. From Clear Skin Probiotics® to our NEW Comfy Cream®, you can count on us to have just what you’re looking for.

Sources:

Ingrown Hair | Mayo Clinic

What You Need To Know About Chemical Exfoliation | The Skin Institute

How to safely exfoliate at home | American Academy of Dermatology

A study of biophysical profile of inguinal skin: An implication for health and disease | PMC