Vaginal dryness: what solutions?

❓ Are you suffering from a lack of vaginal lubrication? The vaginal dryness can be frustrating, uncomfortable and even embarrassing. However, it's an incredibly common condition that affects millions of women around the world.

➡️ Vaginal dryness can be caused by a variety of factors, such as hormonal changes, certain medications or your lifestyle, but fortunately there are solutions. 

In this blog post, we'll discuss the possible causes of your vaginal dryness and explore natural remedies and grandmother remedies to restore moisture to your vulva so you can get back to living comfortably!

What is vaginal dryness? 

➡️ Normally, the vaginal mucosa has its own lubrication system and cleans itself without you having to do anything. Unfortunately, sometimes this system can become disrupted, leading to uncomfortable discomfort. 

❓ Vaginal dryness is a disorder of vaginal lubrication that can cause sensations of itching, burning and pain during intercourse. This condition is characterized by a decrease in the natural lubrication of the vaginal walls. It can also lead to increased vaginal infection and general irritation of the vulvar region.

👉 All about how to moisturize the vulva

What causes vaginal dryness? 

🔎 Vaginal dryness is generally caused by a decrease in the production of estrogen, a hormone that plays an important role in vaginal lubrication. It can occur at any age, but is most often associated with aging, menopause and pregnancy, so following a major hormonal change.

👉 However, there are other factors that can participate in lowering estrogen levels:

• A major stress episode or a radical change in lifestyle
• Drug or alcohol use
• The use of soaps, internal soaps, creams or products not adapted to the vulvar area and its pH
• Excessive cleaning
• The period of childbirth and/or breastfeeding
• Synthetic, non-breathable fabrics or clothing that is too tight.
• Some treatments for diseases such as endometriosis or breast cancer. 
• Certain medications, including some antidepressants or hormonal contraceptives. 
• Certain medical conditions such as diabetes

Grandma's remedies for intimate dryness

If you are looking for natural and traditional solutions, several grandmother's remedies can help relieve dryness. These tips, used for generations, harness the benefits of natural ingredients to improve vaginal hydration.

1. Calendula sitz baths

🍃 Calendula flowers, renowned for their soothing and moisturizing properties, can be used to prepare a sitz bath. Infuse a handful of calendula flowers in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes, then leave to cool. Sit in this infusion for 10 minutes to soothe irritations and promote hydration.

2. Organic coconut oil

🥥 Coconut oil is a versatile, natural ingredient, highly prized for its moisturizing properties. Apply a small amount of virgin coconut oil to the outer region of the vulva. It forms a protective barrier while soothing irritation. Make sure you use a pure, unscented oil to avoid any adverse reactions.

3. Mallow infusion

🌺 Mallow, a softening and emollient plant, is ideal for soothing dry mucous membranes. Prepare a concentrated infusion with dried mallow flowers and drink one cup a day. This infusion helps rehydrate mucous membranes from the inside out.

4. Fenugreek seeds

🌾 Fenugreek is known for its stimulating properties on hormone production. Soak a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight, then consume this water in the morning on an empty stomach. It promotes hormonal balance, which can improve natural lubrication.

5. Plain yoghurt applied locally

🥛 Plain yogurt, rich in probiotics, can be applied to the external area to restore balance to the microbiome. Use sugar-free yogurt and apply gently, then rinse off after 10 minutes. This can also relieve itching or irritation associated with dryness.

What natural solutions against vaginal dryness? 

👋 To prevent, but also relieve intimate dryness, simple measures or natural solutions can be put in place to relieve you from this inconvenience. 

Natural plants 

💡 A loe vera gel, made from the plant's leaf, is known for its soothing properties. Aloe vera is indeed a plant with soothing and moisturizing properties, and can therefore be useful for relieving the symptoms of vaginal dryness. Aloe vera gel can be applied to dry vaginal skin to moisturize and nourish it. 

• Calendula tinctures can be used to treat skin irritations and inflammations, including in the vaginal area.
• Horsetail tea can be taken as an infusion to help relieve vaginal dryness and improve mucosal health.
• Borage oil and evening primrose oil are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can be used externally to nourish and moisturize dry vaginal skin.

Change your diet

• Favours a diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, thanks to oily fish in particular, which can help keep skin and mucous membranes moisturized and promote a healthy balance of the vaginal mucosa.
• Eat foods rich in vitamin E, which helps protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Choose foods rich in phytoestrogens, such as flaxseeds, chickpeas, walnuts and green leafy vegetables, which help maintain healthy female genitalia.
• Limit your consumption of cow products, which may contain hormones that can disrupt the body's natural hormonal balance.

💧 In addition, avoid or at least reduce alcohol and tobacco consumption. And finally, make sure you stay well hydrated every day to keep the body well hydrated. 

Drinking herbal teas 

🍃 Herbal teas can be a natural remedy for vaginal dryness in many women. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, these herbal teas are made from medicinal plants such as red clover, dong quai, chamomile and calendula, among others. They not only help moisten the vaginal area, but also soothe inflammation and promote relaxation. Consumed regularly, they can help relieve discomfort while promoting hormonal balance and the healthy renewal of vaginal cells. 

Choosing the right underwear

👋 Farewell to unbreathable synthetic fabrics and overly-tight undergarments, which increase the risk of developing vulvar disorders. Instead, opt for light, loose-fitting undergarments, preferably made of cotton or silk. You can also try not wearing panties at night. 

Natural creams 

🧴 To treat vulvar dryness, you can opt for a natural cream. Choose a cream enriched with hyaluronic acid that helps rebalance the flora.

South Beauty, soothing and protective intimate care

🍃 Intimate care South Beauty, which contains hyaluronic acid, is designed to moisturize and protect the vulvar mucosa. Rich in pre- and probiotics, this multi-action gel strengthens your skin's microbiome and relieves any irritation and itching you may feel. These prebiotics rebalance and strengthen your flora to boost your immune defenses.

🧴 This all-in-one gel soothes, moisturizes and protects the vulvar area. But that's not all! South Beauty reduces discomfort after intercourse or sport and combats vulvar dryness. Formulated with 99% natural ingredients, this vegan care product can be applied to the area when needed, or on a daily basis to enhance your overall comfort.

🚨Finally, we remind you, if the discomfort persists or the irritation worsens despite a change of routine, do not hesitate to consult a gynecologist who will be the most likely to propose an appropriate treatment ;)