Do not put lotion on your vulva. Do not scrub vulvar skin with a washcloth. Pat dry. You may use a hair dryer on a cool setting.
Body lotions are not designed for the vagina and should never be used on the genital area. A vaginal moisturizer has specific hydrating ingredients that won't disrupt the delicate pH and balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina.
Small amounts of extra virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, or solid shortening may be applied to your vulva and vagina as often as needed to protect and moisturize the skin. It also helps to decrease skin irritation during your period, and when you urinate.
There are many varieties of vaginal moisturizers available. Brand names are K-Y Liquibeads, Replens, Sliquid and others. Avoid common allergens that you are sensitive to (fragrances, parabens, benzyl alcohol, propylene glycol and lanolin to name a few). Those with hyaluronic acid are popular but can be expensive.
The short answer is: it depends. If you're not experiencing any dryness, itching, or flaking of the skin, then you likely don't need to apply a moisturizer. In fact, the genital region is typically fairly moist, so in some cases, over-moisturizing could lead to a fungal infection like jock itch.
Infections might be the cause. You may have bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, or an STI. Menopause-related hormonal changes, diabetes, or skin conditions are other possible causes. Or irritation from and allergic reactions to detergents and other products could be at work.
Vaginal dryness occurs at any age. It's most common in women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB) during or after menopause when estrogen levels decline. The hormone estrogen helps keep your vaginal lining moisturized and healthy. Low levels of estrogen cause your vaginal walls to become thin and dry.
You should never avoid using moisturizer at night. It won't solve any issues. In fact, it could cause issues! After all, your skin needs moisture and protection at night, too.
When to Pat: Almost your entire skincare regimen — toners, essences, serums, moisturizers, and eye creams included — should be patted into the skin, since liquids, creams, lotions, and gel-based offerings absorb best with this technique. Leave the (gentle!)
You can use body lotion everywhere, except on your face. While it's ok to apply body lotion on your face once in a while, don't make it a habit. The skin on your face is different and much more delicate and thinner than your body. So, it needs different care regimes.
It's best to allow body lotion to sink in completely, so that your skin can remain hydrated throughout the day or night. Washing it off may result in dry skin, regardless of if you put lotion on already, so let it sit, so that you can feel super hydrated after.
Most people make a habit of letting their skin breathe by washing off their makeup and/or the residue from the day before bed, which may be enough “breathing” to give most complexions the break they need. If you're not washing your face before you go to sleep, it's time to start!
Apply Lotion After a Shower
“Your skin has the most moisture when it's wet, and most moisturizers work best when skin is already hydrated,” he says. After a shower, Dr. Kaminer says water evaporates off your skin quickly, which can leave your skin feeling dry.
The most common causes of unpleasant vaginal odor are: Bacterial vaginosis (BV): An infection that's caused by an imbalance in your vagina's flora. BV is responsible for the fishy smell most commonly associated with unpleasant vaginal odors. The fishy smell may be especially strong after sex.
Clotrimazole reduces vaginal burning, itching, and discharge that may occur with this condition. This medication is an azole antifungal. It works by stopping the growth of yeast (fungus) that causes the infection. The vaginal product comes in 2 forms (a vaginal cream or tablet).
Apply to the skin only. Avoid sensitive areas such as your eyes, inside your mouth/nose, and the vaginal/groin area, unless the label or your doctor directs you otherwise.
Gently wash the groin and anal areas with warm water and a soft face cloth. Rinse well and dry completely. Use a blow-dryer on a warm setting to get the area fully dry.
Lifestyle and home remedies. For a mild case of tinea versicolor, you can apply an over-the-counter antifungal lotion, cream, ointment or shampoo. Most fungal infections respond well to these topical agents, which include: Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) cream or lotion.
Your body boosts blood flow to the skin while you snooze, which means you wake to a healthy glow. Skimp on sleep and your complexion can look drab, ashen, or lifeless. “Sleep deprivation causes a decrease in blood flow to the skin surrounding your face,” Breus says.
"Skin's oil production peaks at midday, and there is less oil production at night. Therefore, when you lose that protective layer of natural oils, your skin loses more water, so it's important to replenish the water loss with a moisturizer overnight," says Sobel. "While you are asleep the skin goes into renewal mode.
While almost everyone knows that around seven to eight hours of sleep is essential for healthy skin, the time of sleep also matters. The best time to sleep for healthy skin is between 9 PM to 11 PM. If you wake up early, hit the bed by around 9-9.30 PM.
"Dehydrated skin shows all the lines," says Dr. Whitney Bowe, board-certified dermatologist. And while you might not be doing major harm by skipping or skimping on skin cream, Dr. Bowe notes that it increases the chance of dryness and irritation, which can lead to flakiness and itching as well.
The barrier keeps the moisture in and the outside world—full of bacteria, allergens, and irritants—out. Thus, if you're applying moisturizer on dirty skin, you're locking in all the bad stuff, making you vulnerable to irritation.
“It typically takes around 30 minutes for products to be absorbed, meaning, that if something is washed off before 30 minutes, it would need to be reapplied,” she says.