Get the Best Skin for Sex — Women's Edition

Protect the Skin Barrier — Stop Cleansing

A great skin barrier starts with doing as little harm as possible. Minimize soaping, eliminate all scrubbing and exfoliating entirely. For body odor — use soap under the armpits, groin folds, and buttock crease only. Do not use soap anywhere else. Your skin does not smell from head to toe — only under the stinky bits. And even those are widely overblown.

Break the habit of cleansing the vulva regularly. Soap has no place on the vulva on a routine basis. Avoid scrubbing altogether. If soap is used after intercourse with a partner whose health you're uncertain about — use regular soap and lukewarm water, restricted to the outer parts (groin folds and labia majora only). No soaping inside the vulva — that compromises the mucosal surface and makes it more irritable. Rinse with lukewarm water only.

Moisturize with an Oil-Based Occlusive

Dry areas — especially the lips, nipples, and vulva — benefit from regular moisturization with an oil-based occlusive like Butter Oasis or Butter Blossom. Never scrub the lips. Nipples tend to get dry and can develop eczema if not properly maintained. Vulvar moisturization is particularly important if you practice any form of hair removal or cleansing — both highly abrasive. Moisturizing before, during, and after intercourse can also help protect the vulva and vagina from friction-related irritation.

Pubic Hair Removal — If You Must

Pubic hair removal is a highly abrasive practice that removes much-needed cushioning from the area and opens the door to bacterial and viral infections — including genital warts. Not recommended. If you remove hair for your own reasons, do so as gently as possible: laser hair removal, waxing, or shaving with a sharp razor and shaving gel or foam. Always follow with an occlusive immediately after to allow the skin to recover.

Never exfoliate the vulva — not before shaving, not after shaving, not ever. It is harmful, sets up inflammation, and causes misery inside and outside the bedroom.

When to See a Dermatologist

If you develop persistent irritation — burning, itch, pain, redness, flakiness, or pimples in the vulvar or surrounding area — consult a physician, preferably a board-certified dermatologist. Do not self-treat with a rotation of over-the-counter products without a diagnosis.