What works for Vaginal Dryness? Is body lotion not enough?

Posted on September 22nd, 2023 06:25 PM

Moisturizers specifically meant for the intimate areas is the best choice.

Moisturizing intimate areas can be beneficial for several reasons, primarily related to maintaining the health and comfort of the skin in those sensitive regions, for both men and women.

Vaginal moisturization is essential for a multitude of reasons, primarily for maintaining skin health and preventing friction, irritation and infection. Listed here are the benefits of regular moisturization of the vaginal and penile areas.

Preventing Dryness: Just like the skin on the rest of your body, the skin in intimate areas can become dry. Dryness in these areas can lead to discomfort, itching, and even microtears in the skin, which can increase the risk of infection.
Comfort: Proper moisturization can help alleviate discomfort or irritation caused by dry or chafed skin in intimate areas, which can be particularly common during certain activities like exercise or sexual intercourse.

Preventing Friction: Adequate moisture can reduce friction between skin surfaces in intimate areas. This is especially important for preventing chafing and discomfort during physical activities and also during menstruation due to use of sanitary napkins.
Maintaining pH Balance: The skin in intimate areas, especially the vaginal area has a delicate pH balance that helps protect against infections. Proper moisturization can help maintain this balance and promote overall skin health.
Enhancing Sensitivity: Moisturized skin is generally more supple and sensitive. This can contribute to a more comfortable and pleasurable sexual experience.
Reducing Irritation: Some personal care products, such as certain soaps or perfumes, can be irritating to intimate areas. Moisturization can help protect the skin and reduce the likelihood of irritation.
Postmenopausal Health: Post-menopausal women often experience changes in the vaginal area, including reduced moisture and increased dryness. Specialized moisturizers designed for intimate areas can help alleviate these symptoms.

Here’s the thing to remember though: If the skin of the vulva tends to get dry no matter what time of the year it is, it likely has to do with what’s going on inside your body, not the fact that it’s coming into contact with dry air from the outside.

Our body is dehydrated, probably because of not drinking enough water and consuming fruits and vegetables, which have a high water content.

When our body is properly hydrated, the outside skin of the vagina, including the inner and outer labia, are less prone to dryness, and the inside of the vagina will be moist and well lubricated too. Same goes for the inner and outer skins of the penile area.

Vaginal dryness can also be caused by endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

When moisturizing intimate areas, it's important to use products specifically formulated for this purpose, as these products are typically pH-balanced and free from harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. Avoid using regular body lotions or creams in these areas, as they may contain ingredients that are not suitable for intimate use.

Solutions #1

Vaginal Moisturizers

Intense Hydration Body oil from GoSkin+ve contains the benefits of pure sunflower and sesame oil that not only nourishes the skin but also acts as an anti-pigmentation and antiseptic oil.

Sunflower oil contains high levels of linoleic acid, a fatty acid found naturally in our skin’s sebum. Because of its high fatty acid concentration, sunflower oil has great emollient benefits, helping to improve skin barrier function and maintain hydration. Sunflower oil is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties helping to calm the skin.

Sesame oil’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties fights boils, infections and rash and makes it effective in healing dryness and redness. It helps in rejuvenating skin, removing dead skin cells and reducing the appearance of aging signs down there.

Aside from sunflower oil and sesame oil, squalane and Bakuchiol oil infuses skin with omega fatty acids to nourish and strengthen the skin barrier. Additionally, Vit E is chock full of antioxidants.

Best used for:

Preventing dryness in the intimate areas, gender neutral.
Post hair removal (waxing, shaving or laser) prevents ingrowth, chaffing of skin and pigmentation.
Post sexual activity to keep the skin hydrated and healthy
Prevents itching and redness, so can be used when under treatment for fungal or bacterial infections.
After surgery and after a normal delivery, to heal and nourish the skin.

Best used twice or thrice a day, 3-4 drops, massaged on moist skin.

Solution #2

Lubricants

Use a lubricant right before sexual activity to increase comfort and decrease chafing and irritation.

Water-based lubricants usually have minimal ingredients and a low chance of causing irritation or a reaction. Silicone based lubricants are longer lasting but may cause irritation.

Solution #3

Prescriptive medications

If vaginal moisturizers and lubricants aren’t doing the job, it may be time for prescription medications. The catch, though, is that these medications are only for postmenopausal women.

Speak up about vaginal dryness

Vaginal and penile dryness is a common problem, but many people aren’t comfortable telling their doctors about it. But it’s a quality-of-life issue.
Don’t let embarrassment stop you from getting the treatment you need.