When it comes to vaginal health, taking care of your vulva is just as important as taking care of your vagina — and one of the key things you can do to take care of your vulva is to use a moisturizer. While you may think moisturizers are primarily for your hands and face, your vulva needs some special attention, too.
In this post, we'll explore why and how you should incorporate vaginal moisturizing into your daily routine.
What Is the Vulva?
Not to get confused with the vagina — which is an internal part of your reproductive system — the vulva refers to the external part of your genitalia.
This term includes body parts like the:
- Labia majora (outer lips)
- Labia minora (inner lips)
- Clitoris
- Hood of clitoris
- Urethra
- Vaginal opening
Basically, the vulva includes everything that you can see down there. And just like your skin everywhere else on your body, your vulva needs to be hydrated and taken care of, too!
Why Is Keeping Your Vulva Healthy Important?
Maintaining a healthy vulva is crucial for your overall well-being. After all, it’s an essential part of your body that deserves proper care and attention. With this in mind, let's explore three key reasons why prioritizing vulva health is so important for women’s health.
Helps Prevent Infections and Discomfort
Your vulva is a remarkable ecosystem that requires a delicate balance to stay healthy. Any disruption to this balance can leave you vulnerable to infections and discomfort.
Factors like excessive washing, using harsh soaps, wearing tight clothing, and hormonal changes can upset the natural pH levels and bacterial harmony around your vulva, leading to issues like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.
By practicing good vulva hygiene and using gentle washes like our pH Balancing Cleanser™, you can maintain a healthy vulva environment and potentially reduce the risk of infections.
Encourages Sexual Pleasure
Keeping your vulva healthy can have a positive effect on both your physical and mental health, including sexual pleasure. A healthy vulva is a happy vulva, and when your vulva is healthy and happy, it can actually be more sensitive to the touch during sexual activity.
This heightened sensitivity can lead to a more pleasurable and satisfying sexual experience.
Plus, hydrating ingredients like vitamin E can help support skin elasticity, as well as hydration in the vaginal tissue. When your vulva is adequately hydrated, you may notice more natural lubrication. This can even help minimize your chances of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) after sex (although proper cleanup is still important).
However, it’s still perfectly normal to need a personal lubricant during sex. Just make sure you choose a water or silicone-based lubricant, as oil-based lubes can affect latex condoms and make them significantly less effective.
Supporting Overall Well-Being and Self-Care
Caring for your vulva is not just about preventing infections and supporting sexual health — it’s also about nurturing a positive relationship with your body. By dedicating time and attention to your vulva's health, you can embrace self-love and prioritize your overall well-being.
Engaging in regular vulva care rituals, such as gentle cleansing and moisturizing with a vaginal cream, vaginal gel, or vaginal lotion, can be a powerful act of self-care. It's an opportunity to connect with your body, listen to its needs, and honor your femininity.
This practice can foster a sense of empowerment, body positivity, and self-acceptance and even contribute to mental and emotional well-being.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Moisturizer for Your Vulva?
Now that you're in the know about the importance of caring for your vulva, let's explore why moisturizing is such a crucial part of this essential routine.
Encourages Hydration and Comfort
The vulva is a sensitive and delicate area that requires proper hydration to stay healthy and comfortable. Things like hormonal changes (like a drop in estrogen, which comes with menopause), harsh soaps, and even certain medications can contribute to vaginal dryness and irritation.
By using a vulva moisturizer, you can replenish and maintain the natural moisture balance of this intimate area. The nourishing ingredients in these moisturizers can help to hydrate the skin, alleviate dryness, and temporarily ease discomfort.
Supports pH Balance
Maintaining the proper pH balance of the vulva is crucial for overall vulva health. pH imbalances can lead to issues such as irritation, itching, and increased vulnerability to infections. A vulva moisturizer formulated with pH-balancing properties, like our Comfy Cream®, can help support the natural pH levels of the vulva.
By supporting a healthy pH balance, these moisturizers can create a thriving environment that is less favorable for the growth of harmful bacteria, promoting vulva health and potentially reducing the risk of infections.
Protects the Skin
The skin of the vulva is delicate and sensitive, making it susceptible to external irritants and friction. Using a moisturizer can create a protective barrier that shields the vulva from potential irritants and helps to maintain its integrity.
This barrier function can not only prevent dryness and discomfort but can also safeguard against potential damage caused by friction caused by physical activities or tight clothing.
Pre and Post-Wax Care
The skin of the vulva is easily irritated by waxing, making it important to take proper care before and after hair removal. Pre-waxing preparation is essential because it can help to reduce the risk of irritation and minimize discomfort during and after waxing.
Using a moisturizer before your appointment can help hydrate the skin, allowing for an easier application of wax and reducing sensitivity during the process. Post-waxing moisturization is equally important, as this can help to soothe the skin, prevent irritation and redness, and support the natural healing process.
What Should You Look for in a Vulva Moisturizer?
When looking for a vaginal lubricant or moisturizer for your vulva, it's important to take the following into consideration:
- Formulation. Look for a vaginal moisturizer specifically designed for the vulva, as it will likely be formulated with gentle and nourishing ingredients suitable for this delicate area. Avoid over-the-counter products that contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, or potential irritants like glycerin. It’s especially important to avoid harsh ingredients if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
- pH-Balancing properties. Opt for a moisturizer that supports the natural pH balance of the vulva. A pH-balanced moisturizer can help maintain the vagina’s naturally acidic environment, which is inhospitable to harmful bacteria and can reduce the risk of infections.
- Hydrating ingredients. You may want to look for water-based moisturizers or lotions that contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, shea butter, or natural oils (like coconut oil). These natural ingredients can help replenish and lock in moisture, keeping the vulvar skin hydrated and supple.
- Hypoallergenic formulas. Choose a moisturizer that is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested to minimize the risk of irritation or adverse reactions. This can also help ensure that the product is suitable for sensitive skin and has undergone rigorous testing for safety.
- Absorbency and non-stickiness. Look for a moisturizer that absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy or sticky residue. This allows for a comfortable and seamless experience during daily activities or intimate moments.
- Fragrance-free formulation. Fragrances can be irritating to the genital area, so it's generally best to opt for fragrance-free or lightly scented moisturizers. If you prefer scented options, choose products with natural and mild fragrances specifically formulated for intimate use.
- Paraben and sulfate-free products. Consider moisturizers that are free of parabens and sulfates. These additives can potentially disrupt the natural balance of the vulva and may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. You may also want to look for hormone-free moisturizers, tampons, and suppositories.
- Quality and brand reputation. Select moisturizers from reputable brands that prioritize the highest quality standards and have positive customer reviews. It’s also important to research the brand's commitment to vaginal health and its overall reputation in the industry.
Remember, everyone's body is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you have any specific skincare concerns or sensitivities, it's generally best to consult with your healthcare provider or gynecologist, who can provide personalized recommendations.
The Bottom Line
Using a moisturizer for your vulva is an essential part of any self-care routine. By keeping your vulva hydrated, supported, and happy, the right moisturizer can do wonders for your intimate health and overall well-being. So, show your vulva some love and give it the attention it deserves.
Here at Love Wellness, we strive to provide you with the best and most effective solutions for your wellness needs. From our natural and clinically-proven formulas to our commitment to transparency and education, we strive to make every experience with us a positive one.
Sources:
Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Female External Genitalia - StatPearls | NCBI Bookshelf
Vaginal pH Value for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Vaginitis | PMC
You dont need fancy products for good feminine hygiene | Mayo Clinic Health System