A Dermatologist’s Guide To Intimate Aging Skin Care

Yes, the vagina is self-cleaning and indeed broadly self-maintaining in all ways, but that doesn’t mean that the vulva doesn’t deserve some love when it comes to skincare. Here’s how:

The first step is: paying close attention

Because often, especially after a certain age, it can go sadly neglected. Here’s what it’s good to know:

Vaginal and vulvar tissues are hormone-responsive (i.e. responding to estrogen and/or testosterone), so hormonal shifts during menopause can cause dryness, thinning, loss of elasticity, irritation, painful sex, infections, and urinary symptoms, collectively called genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).

But, hormonal changes are not the only factor: dryness and itching from reduced collagen and blood flow; shifts in vaginal microbiome increasing infection risk; urinary frequency and bladder control issues; sagging or pale labia; lowered clitoris; thinning or graying pubic hair; benign growths like seborrheic keratosis or melanotic macules; genital warts (re)appearing; and an increased risk of skin cancer in the vulvar area.

This latter is particularly important, as many women don’t examine this area, so issues like skin cancer may go unnoticed. Self-checks with a mirror, followed up by medical evaluation of new spots or growths, can make a big difference to catching a problem early.

While the vaginal microbiome is generally best left to look after itself unless there’s a clear problem, vaginal moisturizers (often hyaluronic acid-based) help with dryness and irritation; lubricants (water, oil, silicone, or hyaluronic acid-based) make sex more comfortable.

For even better results, prescription vaginal estrogen (cream, ring, or tablet) thickens tissues, restores lubrication, and improves suppleness with minimal systemic absorption if that’s something you wanted to avoid for any reason.

For more on all of this, as well as some in-clinic medical options, enjoy;

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Take care!