Vulva Care 101: Cleansing, Hydrating, & Preventing Infections

When I was younger I was told to never let soap touch my vulva. At the time, because I was quite young, most people called it your “private parts,” and made it seem like a mysterious place that would blow up if you tried to clean it. 

I was told that the vagina cleans itself, so I assumed the vulva (the external parts of the female genitalia surrounding the opening of the vagina, as textbook definitions would say), had the same magical power of self-cleaning. 

Once I became older, though, I realized that didn't exactly make sense given that the vulva is an area of skin with many intricate folds and a zone that comes into contact with a number of different bodily substances (sorry to be blunt, but it’s true).

When I began considering vulva care I was met with a long isle of “feminine care” products at the supermarket, many of which promised to mask the odor with the scents of powdery rose or lovely lavender, but my goal was not to turn my labia into a perfumery. I just wanted to make sure I was taking care of this delicate skin. 

Through research, I’ve confirmed that while the vulva is incredibly sensitive, there are some ways to maintain proper hygiene without disrupting the natural state of being. In fact, keeping this area clean can prevent a host of other vaginal health problems like uncomfortable infections. After all, it is quite literally the gateway to your vagina, so it makes sense that keeping it clean would support overall vaginal health. 

Vulva care is not meant to be complex, so don’t compare it to your facial or even your body care routine. The main goal is to keep the skin balanced and clean—keeping any uncomfortable buildup or dry skin to a minimum. 

The goal here is not only to make yourself feel better if you experience buildup or unwanted odor (a worthy reason, though) but to protect your vaginal health by starting on the outside. The location of your vagina makes it quite susceptible to bacterial spread. 

“Due to the area's closeness to the anus and the fact that urine can get stuck, it can give rise to bacterial build-up during the day,” explains board-certified OB/GYN and co-founder of DeoDoc Intimate Skincare Gunvor Ekman Ordeberg, M.D. She adds that having sweat glands on the vulva can also create an unwanted odor. 

On the topic of unwanted side effects, skipping vulva washing and general care can lead to a buildup of fluids from urine, period blood, and sex—which may create itch and discomfort. 

Now this isn’t to say the common “water is enough” mentality isn’t true for everyone. For some folks (like myself, for much of my life) it is enough. But for others, a cleanser can help to maintain proper hygiene and even prevent infections by keeping the path to the vagina clean. 

You have to be extra cautious when it comes to vulva care, though, as too many products and products made without adequate consideration can irritate the vulva and even cause problems like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV)—which is why a lot of women choose to skip it altogether. 

Like anything in skin care and women's health, everyone is different and thus, vulva care may not be for everyone.

"If you have sensitive skin or a history of skin allergies, it may be best to avoid vulva cleansers altogether," says board-certified OB/GYN and Head of Wellness at Modern Age Datta-Thomas, M.D. FACOG.

"Pregnant women should also consult with their healthcare provider before using any new products in the genital area, as the skin may become more sensitive during pregnancy," she says.

Further, if you don't love the way it feels to cleanse your vulva or it irritates your skin, listen to your body and opt for just water instead. While the act of cleansing or hydrating the vulva may be helpful for some folks, that doesn't mean it's a requirement.

The first type of product you may want to consider is a gentle, pH-balanced vulva cleanser. 

“Pick a pH-balanced product that is formulated more on the acidic pH range of 4-6,” Koestline recommends, as it aligns with the natural vulva pH of around 5. 

“It also helps reduce the growth of foul-smelling bacteria and maintain the skin's microbiome,” she says. 

You can reach for a foam or a gel, but Koestline says foams may be better suited for those with a vulva on the dry side, given that they’re a bit more gentle. 

Cleansers like the Honey Pot Sensitive Wash (a personal favorite) can be kept in your shower and used daily, or whenever needed. You may be thinking…when would I need it? 

Glad you asked. A cleanser is particularly useful when your vulva has, been through a lot, let’s say. Maybe you’ve had sexual intercourse, maybe you went swimming and sat in your bikini for a few hours, maybe you wore tight underwear or jeans all day, maybe you just finished a workout, etc. 

You may see some white-ish buildup from your discharge along your vulva (which is normal but can be itchy), your skin may feel sticky to the touch, or there may be a slight odor you’re not used to. If that’s the case, cleanse away—just be sure to never put the cleanser inside your vagina (remember: that part is self-cleaning). 

Beyond a cleanser, you may want to have a hydrating product in your vulva care routine as well. “The intimate skin and mucosal membranes can get dry and irritated, just like the skin on the rest of our body,” Ordeberg explains. 

“Based on my clinical experience, anyone with a vulva can feel the need for hydration after sex, after your period, or after the summer months when you have been swimming in different types of waters (lakes, rivers, pools, oceans, etc.),” Ordeberg notes.

So it's not something you need to be applying daily as you would a facial moisturizer, but more so a product to have on hand to soothe discomfort should it arise. If you find yourself reaching for a vulva moisturizer daily, you may want to visit your doctor. "Anyone experiencing ongoing vulvar dryness should be evaluated by a gynecologist, as this can be caused by different issues such as infection, chronic skin conditions, allergic reactions, or hormonal changes," Thomas says.

Dryness can also look similar to many other kinds of vulva health concerns, so it's best to know for sure what you're dealing with before treating it.

“In my experience, too many people think that they have a yeast infection when they experience dryness in the vulvar area when the reality is that they only need a hydrating product,” Ordeberg notes, but this dryness is even more common for those going through perimenopause or menopause as the dip in estrogen can trigger vaginal dryness and thus discomfort. 

All of this work will mean nothing if you sit in dirty underwear all day. “The vulva and groin have sweat glands, just like the armpit. And just like the armpits this area can sweat,” Ordeberg explains. “Wearing tight jeans makes the area very warm and moist, which can allow yeast to thrive and increase the risk of irritation,” she notes. 

Also, underwear made from synthetic materials may not be breathable, contributing to an even warmer and moist environment which is not ideal for vulvar and vaginal health. 

So, pick up some cotton underwear and swap it out after you sweat, or at least daily. Look for underwear with a high percentage of cotton like the Skims Cotton Jersey Cheek Tanga, which has 90% cotton and 10% elastic. 

When sleeping, consider wearing looser underwear or boxer-style shorts to increase airflow. “Better yet, consider going commando: Going without underwear while sleeping or when appropriate can allow for even better air circulation and can help keep the vaginal area dry,” board-certified OB/GYN Sarah de la Torre, M.D. told mindbodygreen. 

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but if you’re prone to yeast infections, BV, or UTIs, you may want to start showering before or after sex. 

“The most common cause of UTI is due to E-coli, which is bacteria that is present in normal flora of our feces. Taking a shower before intercourse and cleaning the intimate area including the anal area (with an intimate wash that has a pH of 5, the same pH as the intimate area) of both partners could help reduce the risk of UTIs,” Ordeberg says. 

Also, bacteria can accumulate on the body throughout the day from sweating, then be “pushed” inside the vagina via penetrative sex of any kind, causing irritation. Hence, the case for a pre-sex shower. 

You can also pee after sex to flush out any potential bacteria—this may be enough for some people, but a full shower may be better for others. It all depends on how sensitive you are. 

Post-shower, you may consider cleansing your vulva to clear out any fluid buildup, especially if the person you’re having sex with isn’t using a condom. “Semen has a pH that is around 7.2-7.8,” Ordeberg says, which is much higher than the vaginal pH of 5. “For some the higher pH from semen can alter the vaginal pH and thus contribute to the overgrowth of yeast and cause an infection,” she says—one reason to consider condoms. 

What lube you use during intercourse is considered a part of vulvar care. If you don’t vet this product with the same high standards as your wash and hydrating product, you run an even higher risk of irritation given that it will be entering the vagina. 

First, make sure it’s pH balanced. “Using a lubricant with the wrong pH can set off the pH balance and using a lubricant with the wrong osmolality can lead to micro-tears inside the vagina and the higher risk of infections,” Ordeberg says.