Dr Gillian with a patient

 

We all love a luxurious soak in the bath, but could your favourite bath bomb be wreaking havoc on your intimate health? Many women experience irritation, dryness, or even painful sex without realising that their personal care products, clothing choices, or daily habits might be to blame. Let’s talk about how to care for your vulva and vagina properly to keep things comfortable, healthy, and happy.

TOP TIPS for Personal Care, Down There

Practical Daily Habits Your Lady Bits Will Thank You For!

Let Them Breathe!

  • Opt for loose-fitting, breathable underwear—silk or pale-coloured cotton are best (yes, granny pants really are the best!). Dark, synthetic fabrics can increase irritation due to the heavy dyes used in them and even cause mild allergic reactions.
  • Think loose in general—avoid tights, cycling shorts, and tight leggings when possible. Skirts and looser trousers allow better airflow.
  • Avoid wearing underwear to bed if you can. Giving your vulva some breathing room overnight can help prevent irritation.

Optimise Washing & Moisturising

  • Wash once daily in the shower with warm water and a soap substitute like Dermol or Hydramol. These can also double as a moisturiser.
  • Just like the rest of your body, your vulva needs moisture! Apply an emollient cream (such as Balneum, Epaderm, or Aveeno) 4-5 times a day to keep the skin healthy.
  • Keep your cream in the fridge for a soothing, cooling effect, especially if you experience irritation.
  • A barrier cream (like Hydramol or Epaderm) can help protect the skin before passing urine or swimming.
  • If you struggle with itching at night, an antihistamine in the evening can help break the itch-scratch cycle and improve sleep.
  • Be patient! Skin has a natural turnover cycle—about 4-6 weeks in younger women, but up to 8-10 weeks with age. Any changes you make will take time to show results.

Common Irritants to Avoid

Your vulva is home to an army of good bacteria that help protect against infections and maintain a healthy balance. Many everyday products can disrupt this balance, causing irritation and discomfort.

Things to Avoid:

  • Soaps & Bubble Baths – Fragranced products strip away moisture, causing dryness and irritation. Instead, use a soap substitute.
  • Bath Salts, Wipes, & Douches – These can be too harsh for delicate vulval skin. Stick to warm water and an emollient-based wash.
  • Biological Washing Powders & Fabric Conditioners – These can leave residues that cause itching. Opt for non-bio detergents and avoid fabric softeners.
  • Feminine Pads & Liners – Many contain fragrances and chemicals that can cause irritation. If you must use them, opt for fragrance-free versions.
  • Hair Removal Products & Procedures – Waxing, shaving, and depilatory creams can cause microtears and irritation. If you choose to remove hair, use a fragrance-free, sensitive-skin product.
  • Chlorine (Swimming & Hot Tubs) – Apply a barrier ointment before swimming to protect the skin.
  • Toilet Paper – Some brands contain bleaches and fragrances. If irritation is an issue, try unscented, unbleached toilet paper or rinse with warm water instead.
  • Condoms, Semen & Spermicides – Some women are sensitive to latex or the pH of semen, which can cause irritation. Your partner’s semen can change with diet, alcohol and be impacted by other lifestyle habits.
  • Friction & Sweat – High-impact exercise, cycling, and horse riding can cause irritation. Loose clothing and breathable fabrics can help reduce friction.

Ditch the Douching!

Washing your vulva once a day with JUST WATER is more than enough. Anything more can strip away the protective barrier and disturb your natural pH, making you more vulnerable to infections and irritation. Douching is never necessary—it can disrupt the delicate balance of good bacteria and actually increase your risk of infections. You’re literally washing away your boy’s natural defences when you do this.

Tips for Bathing & Showering

  • If you wash your hair in the bath, switch to showering before or after instead. Sitting in shampoo and conditioner residue can cause irritation.
  • When washing your hair in the shower, keep your legs together to prevent shampoo and conditioner running directly onto your vulva.
  • Always pat dry rather than rubbing with a towel. This helps prevent irritation and maintains the skin’s protective barrier.

Final Thoughts

Looking after your vulval and vaginal health doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to keep things simple—less is more when it comes to washing, moisturising is a must, and choosing the right fabrics can make a huge difference. If you’ve been struggling with discomfort, irritation, or painful sex, try making these small changes. Your body will thank you for it!