Healthy Body

Vulva skin care​ – yes, it’s a thing (but here’s what you should know)

Emma Harpham, Editor, in partnership with Peach and Cream   |   11 Dec 2024


From PCOS skincare to cortisol face and haircare routines for every hair type, there’s a good chance you’re regularly bombarded with all sorts of tips, tricks and ‘must-have’ products through your phone. But what about vulva care? 

While it might not get quite as much of the spotlight on TikTok, taking care of the delicate skin around our vulva is an important part of our overall wellness and comfort.

Let’s start by setting the record straight, though – talking about vulva care absolutely isn’t about following any social trends or making you feel pressured to change anything about your beautiful body. It’s about supporting your comfort, health, and confidence.

The incredible all-female team behind Peach and Cream know this. With their gorgeous, thoughtful intimacy and wellness products designed for women, they make it super easy to integrate simple, natural solutions into your personal care routine. 

Explore their range today, and grab 15% off everything with code TRB15.

Now, let’s get into what you should know about taking care of your intimate skin. Your vulva (and your whole body) will thank you.

What is vulva skin care?

Vulva skin care focuses on maintaining the health and comfort of the skin surrounding your vagina – the vulva. Unlike regular skincare for your face or body, vulva skin care takes a gentler approach. This area has unique needs and can be easily irritated by harsh products or over-cleansing.

The key takeaway here? While your vagina (the internal part) is self-cleaning, your vulva isn’t. That means you might need to take a little extra care to keep it healthy, hydrated, and irritation-free.

Is a vulva skin care routine really necessary?

The short answer is, yes – but it really doesn’t have to be complicated. Think of vulva skin care as supporting your body’s natural processes, rather than incorporating 15 different products.

Harsh soaps, scented products, and elaborate routines can disrupt the balance of your vulva. Instead, focus on gentle, natural products and simple routines that cleanse and protect your vulva.

This isn’t about trends or aesthetics. It’s about empowering you to feel comfortable and cared for in your skin. So let’s get clued up on the specifics, and bust some myths while we’re at it.

vulva skin care

Fad or fact – vulva care edition​

Is it bad to wash your vulva every day?

Not at all. Daily rinsing with warm water is perfectly fine, and is recommended to keep things feeling comfy and clean down there, especially after sex, or if you’re on your period.

The issue arises when we use harsh soaps or over-cleanse, which can strip the natural oils from the skin and lead to irritation. 

Always make sure to wash from front to back, avoid scrubbing, and pat dry with a clean towel.

Is it OK to not use soap on your vulva?

Absolutely! Many gynecologists recommend skipping soap altogether and just relying on warm water. 

However, if you feel more comfortable using soap, stick to a natural, gentle option like Peach and Cream’s intimate soap – a simple, four-ingredient alternative to other chemical-laden products on the market. It’s gentle enough for daily use, won’t affect your pH balance, and can even double as a full-body soap. 

It’s unscented, and made with just olive oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and castor oil – nothing more.

Can I put moisturizer around my vulva?

No, regular moisturizers aren’t ideal for vulva care because they often contain fragrances, alcohol, and other irritants. Instead, use a balm or product specifically formulated for this area. 

A natural vulva balm can provide hydration and relief without disrupting the skin’s balance, like Peach and Cream’s best-selling Lips Natural Vulva Balm. It contains a specially formulated essential oil blend which will help protect and balance the vulvovaginal area. 

Whilst it can’t treat specific conditions, it can be a soothing choice for those who are dealing with dryness, inflammation post-period, pre-menopause symptoms or chronic UTIs and  BV.

What soothes an irritated vulva?

To soothe an irritated vulva, look for natural, soothing ingredients like shea butter, plant oils, or a vulva-specific balm. Avoid anything with fragrance or chemicals that could make irritation worse.

Irritation can happen for many reasons, from tight clothing to certain fabrics, and even if you’re feeling stressed. 

Making little lifestyle tweaks like picking cotton underwear, staying hydrated and shaving in the direction of hair growth, can also go a long way. 

For a little extra hydrating self-care, try Peach and Cream’s massage and bath oil. Adding a small amount to your bath, either on its own or with bath salts (like their Epsom, Himalayan, and Dead Sea salt blend), creates a luxuriously hydrating experience. It’s perfect for colder weather when your skin needs extra care.

What ingredients should I avoid in vulva skin care products?

When choosing products for your vulva, steer clear of fragrances, parabens, and alcohol. These ingredients can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier and cause irritation. 

Instead, opt for natural options with hydrating, skin-loving ingredients like cocoa butter or castor oil.

vulva skin care routine

Three steps to build a simple vulva skin care routine

Ready to keep things simple and effective? Here’s how you can create a vulva skin care routine, featuring Peach and Cream’s best-selling products.

  • Step 1: Cleanse gently Start by rinsing with warm water or using a gentle, specifically formulated intimate soap. This unscented formula is perfect for cleansing your vulva without affecting its pH. Gently pat dry with a clean towel.
  • Step 2: Hydrate and protect – After cleansing, apply a pea-sized amount of a natural vulva balm or vaginal moisturizer to the vulva area. This can help lock in hydration, soothe irritation, and keep your skin comfortable throughout the day.
  • Step 3: Repeat daily – That’s it! This simple routine is safe to repeat daily or whenever your skin needs a little extra attention.

The bottom line? Vulva skin care doesn’t need to be lengthy, complicated or rely on chemical-laden products – it’s about going for gentle, natural solutions that prioritize your health and comfort.

Want to give Peach and Cream a try? Use code TRB15 for 15% off their entire range today.

Want to receive more great articles like this every day? Subscribe to our mailing list

SUBSCRIBE

Tags: , , , ,

Follow Us


WIN

WIN a bespoke fertility assessment worth over £300


ENTER NOW