Winter can be absolutely blissful. But the cold can prove challenging for our skin, especially our intimate areas that deserves tender loving care too!
Shaista Sophia, a Medical Pharmacist and Founder of South Africa’s first intimate skincare range, explains that the dry winter air can deprive the body of necessary moisture: causing skin to crack and become dehydrated. Here are 6 tips to creating an intimate skincare routine.
You gotta moisturise the skin.
Taking a hot, steamy shower might be a reprieve from the cold, but it strips your skin of its natural oils. These oil lock in moisture and protect the skin among many other things! That’s why it’s extremely important to moisture after washing (yes, your hands and face apply). The Devon Sexual Health clinic advises applying emollients to your genital area before getting in the shower. It will act as a type of barrier to the soaps and shampoos you might use.
Be mindful of the fabric you wear.
Some fabrics like wool or synthetic materials can cause skin reactions for some. It might even lead to overheating or itching. The menstruation-enthusiasts at Laiqa advises to check the materials in your clothing before layering up. If your skin is really dry and cracked, wear loose-fitting, natural fabrics to reduce irritation. Opt for cotton – or cotton gusset – underwear. Personal Care Coach, Rahul Badesra, says cotton allows air to flow freely and helps prevent moisture buildup. Also be sure not to wear clothes that are too tight on your nether-regions.
Speaking of showers…try not to heat things up too much.
The Baylor College of Medicine says hot water can strip away your skin’s natural oils much faster than lukewarm water (around 37 degree Celsius). So – do not over wash – washing your genitals once a day is adequate. The Devon Sexual Health clinic says that over washing may remove all the good, healthy bacteria and allow ‘bad’ bacteria to thrive.
This is a no soap zone.
In females, soap can disrupt the natural chemistry of your vagina. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists explains that the vagina cleans itself, thus maintaining the correct pH balance: all on it’s own! Do not use soaps or shower gels – even those feminine hygiene products – to clean your vagina says the Mayo Clinic. The foaming agent (lauryl sulphate) is what causes the irritation for some people.
Lauren Streicher, M.D., an associate professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine says you should wash your vulva with plain warm water. Here is a helpful guide. And yes, there is a difference between the vagina and the vulva.
For males, using a little bit of soap is totally okay says David King, a Senior Lecturer in General Practice at the University of Queensland. He advises that is you have sensitive skin, you can grab yourself a soap-free wash from the pharmacy. Here is a helpful guide for males.
Gently exfoliate the skin.
Exfoliating helps keep your skin battle those pesky red, irritated bumps and ingrown hairs, especially after a shave or wax says master esthetician Katie Bell. If physical exfoliants might be too harsh for your intimate areas, give chemicals like salicylic acid or glycolic acid a try. If your skin is already cracked, irritated (from an ingrown hair) or raw, it is best to avoid using exfoliants until your skin heals.
Relax and eat well.
Too much stress can lead to skin flare-ups. Consuming too much sugary or processed foods can also cause an imbalance that can lead to dryness. Stay well hydrated and eat foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
