Beauty routines have expanded far beyond cleansers and moisturisers. Over the past decade we have become comfortable talking about scalp care, body serums and even specialised products for the neck and décolletage.
Yet one area still rarely gets mentioned despite experiencing some of the most noticeable changes as we age. Intimate skin.
For many women, particularly after menopause, hormonal changes can affect the delicate skin of the vulva and vaginal area. Lower oestrogen levels can lead to dryness, irritation and increased sensitivity. These changes are extremely common, yet they are not always widely discussed.
The good news is that awareness around intimate skincare and wellness has grown significantly in recent years, with more products designed specifically to support comfort, hydration and balance in this sensitive area.
Just like facial skin, intimate skin benefits from gentle cleansing, hydration and barrier support. Choosing products formulated specifically for this delicate environment can help maintain comfort and reduce irritation.
Here are several products designed to support intimate wellness and everyday comfort.
Gentle cleansing: YES Cleanse Intimate Wash Price
$22.95
The first step in intimate skincare is choosing a cleanser designed specifically for the area. Traditional soaps or heavily fragranced body washes can disrupt the natural balance of the vulva and lead to dryness or irritation. YES Cleanse is formulated to be gentle and fragrance free, helping cleanse the area without stripping moisture or altering the natural pH balance. Products like this are designed to support the natural environment of the intimate area while still providing effective cleansing. For women experiencing sensitivity, switching to a dedicated intimate wash can make a noticeable difference in comfort. The formula is certified organic and uses plant-based ingredients, which aligns with its focus on maintaining the natural microbiome rather than disrupting it. It is also designed for regular use, making it a practical everyday option rather than something reserved only for flare-ups.
Daily intimate care: Skin Federation Daily Intimate Skincare Routine
Price $109
Just as facial skincare routines now involve more than a single moisturiser, intimate care can also benefit from a simple routine designed to support hydration and skin health. The Skin Federation routine focuses on maintaining the delicate skin barrier while supporting overall comfort. Products designed for daily intimate care often include gentle hydrating ingredients that help maintain balance while avoiding irritants such as fragrance or harsh surfactants. This range has been developed with sensitive skin in mind, using dermatologically considered formulations that prioritise barrier repair and long-term skin health. It also reflects a more clinical approach to intimate care, bridging the gap between skincare and medical-grade support. Approaching intimate skincare in the same way we approach facial skincare is becoming increasingly common as awareness of vulval health grows.
Some products focus specifically on supporting the natural balance of the intimate area. Kolorex Vaginal Care Cream uses bioactive horopito, a plant extract traditionally used in New Zealand for its soothing and protective properties. Formulas like this are often chosen when skin feels irritated or unsettled. Horopito is known for helping support the natural microbiome of the area while providing gentle comfort to sensitive skin. The cream is designed for external use and is often recommended as part of a broader approach to maintaining healthy vaginal flora. Its targeted formulation makes it particularly useful during times when the balance of the area may be disrupted.
Nourishing oils: Gaiae Yoni Oil
Price $39.95 50ml
Botanical oils designed specifically for the vulva are becoming increasingly popular as part of a broader self care routine. Products such as Gaiae Yoni Oil are formulated with gentle plant based oils designed for external use, helping soften and hydrate delicate skin while supporting the skin barrier. Oils can be particularly helpful for dryness or sensitivity and are often used as part of a calming self care ritual. This blend typically includes nourishing botanical ingredients selected for their soothing and skin-conditioning properties, making it suitable for regular use. The focus is on external care, reinforcing hydration without interfering with the body’s natural internal balance.
Another aspect of intimate wellness that becomes increasingly relevant with age is lubrication.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can lead to vaginal dryness, which can make intimacy uncomfortable. Personal lubricants can help restore moisture and improve comfort.
This water based lubricant was designed specifically with perimenopause and menopause related dryness in mind. The formula includes ingredients such as aloe, squalane, olive leaf extract and vitamin E which help hydrate and soothe delicate tissue while providing smooth lubrication. Water based lubricants are often recommended because they feel lightweight, wash away easily and are compatible with condoms and most intimate products. The addition of skincare-focused ingredients sets it apart from more basic formulas, offering hydration as well as glide. It is also designed to be non-sticky and pH balanced, which can make it more comfortable for ongoing use.
Longer lasting option: Pjur Woman Silicone Lubricant
Price $39.95
Silicone lubricants provide a different experience because they do not absorb into the skin as quickly as water based formulas. This allows them to provide longer lasting glide and comfort. Pjur Woman is designed specifically for sensitive skin and delivers a silky, smooth feel while helping protect dry or delicate tissue. Only a small amount is needed, making it a concentrated option for women experiencing significant dryness. It is also free from preservatives and water, which contributes to its long-lasting performance and suitability for those who find water-based options need frequent reapplication. The texture remains consistent over time, making it particularly useful for extended comfort.
Intimate skincare is simply another extension of self-care.
Just as we now use targeted products for the face, scalp and body, products designed specifically for intimate skin can help support comfort, balance and confidence as our bodies change over time.
For many women, the biggest shift is simply recognising that these concerns are normal and that thoughtful solutions now exist to support this often-overlooked area of wellbeing.
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