The year is 2022, and retail pharmacies are slowly being infiltrated by a new breed of personal-care products. And we mean personal. There are hydrating sheet masks for the bikini line, three-step skin-care systems for the entire area and specialised vaginal cream applicators. In short, the latest fad in skin care is all about caring for the skin between your legs.
But hold on a sec - do we really need all this stuff for the skin around our sex organs? The very, very short answer: no. "We don't recommend using any special products to wash the vagina," says obstetriciangynaecologist Dr Leena Nathan. "In fact, trying to cleanse the vagina can alter the bacteria of it and lead to more infections."
The longer answer: While you do not (we repeat: do not) need a suite of skincare products devoted to your nether regions, experts emphasise that it is completely normal to experience annoying or uncomfortable problems - think irritation, dryness, breakouts, itching, ingrowns, and even cysts - in the general area. So if things are less than peachy, keep reading and know that you're not alone on these important issues.
If You're Dealing With
External Bummers
Pubic-area problems tend to be ingrown hairs, hyperpigmentation and folliculitis (a bucket term for irritated hair follicles), says certified dermatologist Dr Muneeb Shah, also known as the 'DermDoctor' with over 16 million followers on TikTok.
This story is from the November - December 2022 edition of Women's Health South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November - December 2022 edition of Women's Health South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Irreconcilable Differences?
You’re one-upping your partner on all health fronts and now your relationship has more tension than your new resistance bands. Here’s how to get over the hurdle of mismatched goals.
Hot And Bothered
Inflammation is all the rage in health conversations right now and research is establishing it as a major player in all sorts of issues you don't want to deal with. But! You can safeguard yourself from the smokin' internal inferno with these smart strategies.
Self-esteem under the microscope
The term brings to mind positive-thinking memes with sunset backdrops and swirly lettering. But could I you sum up self-esteem when asked as part of a pub quiz? Didn't think so. And there's more at stake here than winning the points.
the reset
IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START OVER
Mind Over Muscle
Could you level up your strength training just by putting your mind to it?
ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE
Olympian. All-African Games winner. African champion. Record-breaker. Javelin athlete Jo-Ané van Dyk talks mental fortitude and what it takes to live up to your own hype. If there's one thing she can do, it's to throw down. And it's all about to reach peak levels.
Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free
The choice can be liberating, yet stigmas persist. Here, how to cut through the noise with clarity and confidence to make the decision that's right for *you.*
FUEL YOUR SKIN
Inside your body, there's a crew of unsung protein heroes that scientists believe are the key to a healthy, glowing complexion. Heads-up: your routine is about to change for the better.
How To Be Decisive
You could use a Magic 8 ball to help you make a choice. Or, while you're waiting to 'ask again later', let our experts explain the best ways to get unstuck.
Build A Strong Base
You heard it here: the pelvic floor is the forgotten core - and you're selling yourself short by waiting for a specific life stage to train it. Your four-move workout is here.