Vulvar dryness: how to moisturise the vulva?
🥵 Vulvar dryness, like vaginal dryness, is more common than you might think. It can manifest itself as intimate itching, everyday discomfort and sometimes even pain during intercourse. Although often benign, vulvar dryness can affect your quality of life. Fortunately, there are solutions to moisturize the vulva and soothe these discomforts.
What is vulvar dryness?
Vulvar dryness is characterized by a sensation of dryness in the vulva, often accompanied by redness, itching and sometimes burning. Unlike vaginal dryness, which affects the inside of the vagina, vulvar dryness affects the outside of the female genitalia.
👉 The causes of this condition can be varied. Hormonal changes, such as those seen during menopause, are common factors. Other causes include intense physical activity, heat, ingrown hairs, razor cuts and irritation from hair removal. These factors can all contribute to an imbalance in the vulva's natural moisture content, leading to noticeable discomfort.
Common causes of vulvar dryness
1. Hormonal changes :
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly the drop in estrogen, play a crucial role in the health of the intimate mucosa. During menopause, lower estrogen levels reduce natural moisture production, which can lead to vulvar and vaginal dryness.
2. Excessive intimate hygiene :
❌ Excessive use of intimate hygiene products, especially those containing sulfates, perfumes or antibacterial agents, can upset the natural balance of your vulvar flora. This can cause irritation and worsen dryness.
3. Environmental factors and lifestyle :
Wearing synthetic underwear, strenuous physical activity or exposure to heat and humidity can all contribute to irritation and dryness. Similarly, laundry detergents and fabric softeners containing harsh chemicals can aggravate the situation.
4. Shaving and waxing :
❗️ Shaving and waxing can lead to micro-cuts and ingrown hairs, irritating the delicate skin of your vulva and causing dryness and discomfort.
5. Local medicines and treatments :
Certain locally applied or oral medications can also contribute to vulvar dryness. These include certain antibiotic treatments, antihistamines and certain hormonal medications.
How can vulvar dryness be prevented and treated?
1. Choose gentle hygiene products:
✅ It's essential to choose products specially formulated for intimate areas, with no perfume, no soap and a suitable pH. Using only lukewarm water for cleansing can sometimes be enough, and limit washing to once a day to avoid disturbing the natural balance of your vulvar flora.
2. Opt for cotton underwear:
Choose cotton undergarments, which allow the skin to breathe and reduce the risk of irritation. Avoid synthetic fabrics and tight-fitting garments, which can increase heat and humidity, thus promoting irritation.
3. Avoid irritating products:
👉 Laundry detergents, fabric softeners and other products containing perfumes or harsh chemicals can irritate your vulva. Choose hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products to minimize the risk of irritation.
4. Adopt a gentle approach to shaving and waxing:
To minimize irritation, prepare your skin well before shaving or waxing. Use a moisturizing shaving cream and good-quality razors. After shaving, apply a soothing treatment to prevent redness and ingrown hairs.
5. Use a suitable moisturizer: South Beauty
❤️ To moisturize your vulva and soothe discomfort, a specific moisturizer can make all the difference. South Beauty is designed to moisturize, soothe and soften intimate skin and other sensitive areas. Formulated with naturally-derived hyaluronic acid, it helps soothe daily discomfort without leaving a sticky residue. Its fragrance-free composition with pre- and probiotics helps balance the vulvar microbiome, reinforcing your skin's natural defenses.
The benefits of South Beauty :
- Deep hydration: Thanks to hyaluronic acid, this treatment deeply moisturizes, reducing feelings of dryness and tightness.
- Immediate soothing : Soothes itching and irritation thanks to its gentle, skin-friendly formula.
- Prevent ingrown hairs: Used regularly, South Beauty helps prevent ingrown hairs and irritation from shaving or waxing.
How to use South Beauty ?
😍 Apply a small amount of South Beauty to clean, dry skin. Use it daily or as soon as you feel any discomfort. This treatment can also be used after shaving or waxing to soothe the skin and prevent irritation.
When should you consult a healthcare professional?
🧑⚕️ If vulvar discomfort persists despite appropriate care, or if symptoms worsen, it's important to consult a healthcare professional, such as a gynecologist. Vulvar dryness can sometimes be a sign of medical conditions requiring specific management, such as infections, hormonal imbalances or dermatological conditions.
A healthcare professional will be able to assess your symptoms, advise you on how to care for them and prescribe appropriate treatment if necessary.
Additional tips for maintaining good vulvar health
- Internal hydration: Drink enough water to maintain general skin hydration, including that of intimate areas.
- Avoid irritating products: Limit the use of scented tampons, panty liners and pads that can irritate your vulva.
- Beware of douching: Vaginal douches are not recommended, as they disturb the natural balance of the flora and can aggravate dryness and irritation.
Conclusion
😉 Vulvar dryness is a common condition that can cause noticeable discomfort. By taking care to choose gentle, skin-friendly products, adapting your hygiene habits and using specific skincare products such as South Beautyit's possible to soothe and prevent the symptoms of vulvar dryness. Remember that if discomfort persists, it's important to consult a health professional for appropriate advice and treatment. The aim is to make you feel at ease in your body and to look after your intimate health with care and attention.
