Are You Meant to Exfoliate Your Vulval Skin?

It's no secret that exfoliating your face is the key to soft skin and a healthy complexion.

And whether you're using a physical scrub or a chemical exfoliator as part of your skincare routine, if you're doing it right you'll be basking in the benefits of boosted circulation, even skin tone and clear pores.

So maybe while you've been admiring your radiant skin you've been wondering whether you should be trying out the technique in other areas of your body, too.

But lets clear a few things up. While exfoliating your thighs or upper arms does have its benefits, it is a different story when it comes to taking care of your delicate vulval skin.

Photo by Linda Prebreza from Pexels

"It is not recommended to exfoliate the vulval skin," says health expert, Dr Frankie Jackson-Spence.

"The area is delicate and harsh scrubbing and exfoliation can not only disrupt the vulval microbiome and pH, but also could be left very sore!" says Dr Frankie.

It is worth noting this intimate skin is different to the rest of the skin on your body. It can be more delicate and sensitive, so you need to treat it with care.

Much like you wouldn't use a perfumed body wash to wash your face, you shouldn't use harsh perfumed products down there either.

"Vulval care should simply include washing with just warm water or a pH-balanced wash daily and nothing else... keep it simple!" says Dr Frankie.

While lightly washing with a warm, wet washcloth can help tease out any ingrown hairs you may have in this area from shaving, there's no need to use harsh products or to scrub the area.

Something like Femfresh Daily Intimate Wash is perfect for a daily cleanse.

And if you do notice changes on the skin of the vulva, or if you have itching, burning, or pain, contact your gynaecologist or other health care professional.

Words by Delicia Smith.

Topics: Health

Mel Ho