Skincare for Down There? Yes, It’s a Thing

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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 ob-gyn 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 ob-gyn 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 things, 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.

Rejuvenate Vulva Cream

Hydrate vulva skin with this gentle, fast-absorbing cream—it contains a blend of peptides, prebiotics, and plant-based ingredients to replenish and nourish.

Clean Slate Wipes

Worried about freshness? Stash these discreet, flushable wipes in your bag, desk drawer, or car. A quick swipe will take away odor and leave you feeling clean and fresh.

Vulva Balm

Made with organic ingredients, like extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil, and beeswax, this thick balm can be applied to vulva skin to keep it moisturized and healthy. It can also protect you from chafing and irritation from razor bumps, and help with itching.

V Drops

This brand is known for it's high-end facial skincare, but this serum is specially formulated for sensitive vulva skin. Hyaluronic acid and prickly pear extract combine to soothe and moisturize and a special plant-complex plumps to leave skin soft and supple.

Soothing Vulva Care Set

This trio of products pretty much addresses every issue. A gentle foam wash will keep you clean, a calming gel addresses itchiness, and a soothing mist can refresh and deodorize.

Comfy Cream

This vulva cream helps restore healthy skin thanks to nourishing clean and hormone-free ingredients like organic coconut oil, cranberry seed oil, and beeswax.

Soothing Vulva Cream

This cream is made with lavender and coconut oil to hydrate and mint to cool and soothe. Just use clean hands to dab it on the vulva skin that needs a little extra love.

Cleansing Wash

With no harsh chemicals or added fragrance, this cleansing foam is gentle enough for daily use.

V Bar (Pack of 4)

Enriched with rose water and aloe, this soap bar is made with no harsh ingredients and can be used to cleanse your vulva.

Meno Care Oil Wash

Perfect for those looking for a more gentle wash, this plant-based cleansing oil is made with soothing broccoli oil and vitamin E. It leaves a light protective layer of moisture post shower to maintain the skin's barrier.

Ingrown Hair Exfoliating Scrub

Keep ingrown hairs, razor bumps, and folliculitis at bay down there with this sugar-based exfoliating scrub. It also has jojoba seed and grapeseed oils to leave skin soft and hydrated.

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