Why vaginal moisturizers are more effective than vulval oils when it comes to hydration
Vaginal dryness is a common concern that affects many women. From hormonal causes like menstruation, childbirth, and menopause to lifestyle factors like diet and medication can all impact vaginal health, requiring support from time to time. With that, there are many products on the market that claim to help with intimate health, but how do you know which is right for you?
Feeling empowered when talking about vaginal health and having the knowledge to make informed decisions about which product can help any of your vaginal needs is something we are very passionate about. So, when it comes to vaginal hydration, which is key to vaginal health, what is the right product to address your concerns?
Understanding Vaginal Hydration
Vaginal hydration is an essential aspect of overall vaginal health, featuring symptoms ranging from general discomfort to itching and burning in and around the vagina. It can also lead to painful intercourse and a higher risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), all of which can affect women’s quality of life and their relationships.
The vaginal walls consist of several layers of tissue, with a top layer of mucous membranes that naturally produce lubrication which keeps the vagina moist and happy. When experiencing vaginal dryness, the loss of natural moisture causes these membranes to become thin, dry, and less elastic. This dryness can make the mucous membranes more sensitive and vulnerable to injury. Rehydrating these tissues is important for maintaining vaginal health, comfort, and overall well-being. Restoring vaginal moisture will improve the vagina's elasticity, support its proper function, encourages natural lubrication, and enhances comfort in ladies' day-to-day lives as well as during sex.
Vaginal Moisturizer for vaginal hydration
Moisturizers for vaginal dryness will primarily rehydrate, rapidly relieving the dry and sensitive mucous membranes. Look for vaginal moisturizers that are formulated to mimic the vagina's natural moisture and restore hydration to the vaginal walls. This hydration will then be long-lasting, restoring elasticity and relieving discomfort.
The key benefit of using a moisturizer for vaginal dryness relief is that it is water-based so it can rehydrate the tissues but also check for those that have an iso-osmotic solution. As the body is made up of at least 50% water, and this water contains a mixture of salts, sugars, and other substances, being iso-osmotic means that the moisturizer is matched to the correct levels of salts and sugars, etc, of the vagina, keeping the correct balance and preventing irritation. Having the correct balance ensures that the moisturizer will only rehydrate the membranes that require it and will provide long-lasting hydration for up to 3 days.
Finding a natural solution to vaginal dryness is increasingly popular. Choose a vaginal moisturizer that is free from parabens, fragrances, glycerin, and other ingredients that can damage sensitive vaginal tissues. Applying a natural and organic product will minimize the risk of irritation and allergy. Plus, they can be used alongside other treatments, such as a prescribed hormonal cream, if the application times are a few hours apart.
Do Vulval Oils hydrate the skin?
Unfortunately, the short answer is no. As a vulval oil is not water-based, it cannot rehydrate the tissue. Although they do provide a layer of protection and can soothe dryness, this will be short-lived and does not address the underlying issues of vaginal dryness or rehydration of the vaginal tissues.
Also, it is important to point out that most cannot be applied inside the vaginal canal and must be used on external vulval tissue only. See here on what the difference is between the vulva and vagina and why it matters.
Vulval oils are popular within the wellness industry, and although they do have a place in aiding vaginal dryness and soothing the tissue when it comes to hydration, they just won't cut it.
Key Differences Between Vaginal Moisturizers and Vulval Oils
Let’s dive deeper into the specific differences that make vaginal moisturizers more effective than vulval oils for vaginal health.
Target Area: Vaginal moisturizers can address all vulval and vaginal dryness, while vulval oils focus on the external vulval tissue only.
Formulation: Vaginal moisturizers have a water-based formulation to rehydrate vaginal tissues that need it.
Duration: Vaginal moisturizers provide long-lasting hydration, whereas vulval oils offer only temporary relief to the discomfort of vulval dryness.
pH: Good vaginal moisturizers are pH-matched for the vagina, whereas vulval oils may not offer the same level of protection.
Rehydration: An oil cannot rehydrate the intimate membranes, whereas a vaginal moisturizer will.
Why Vaginal Moisturizers Are Better for Vaginal Health
Vaginal moisturizers are essential for women dealing with vaginal dryness at any stage of life, as they help restore moisture, protect sensitive tissues, and prevent irritation. For those experiencing menopause or hormone imbalances, vaginal moisturizers provide a simple, natural solution. Products like AH! YES VM Vaginal Moisturizer are formulated with natural ingredients and with smart moisture release that will hydrate the vaginal tissues when required.
Did you know that when you are suffering from vaginal dryness, it can cause an elevated pH? This is due to the vaginal microbiome being unable to keep the tissues at the correct pH. Making it important to apply a vaginal moisturizer that is matched to the vaginal pH, to help maintain it.
Conclusion
While vulval oils can be a good option for temporary relief, they don’t address the deeper, long-term hydration needs of vaginal health. A vaginal moisturizer is the most effective solution for restoring moisture, maintaining the correct vaginal pH, and ensuring comfort. For women struggling with vaginal dryness, making the switch to a dedicated vaginal moisturizer is the key to long-term relief and improved vaginal health.
