Your vagina does an excellent job of managing itself, but just like our skin dryness and irritation can occur as we age. Read on to find out how to stay hydrated from the inside out, says editor Trudi Brewer.
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“Anything that disrupts the delicate balance down there can lead to overgrowth issues and cause discomfort and itching. ”
Your vagina is impressive - the source of pleasure and life that happily maintains itself - until we start to age. According to naturopath Jane Cronin from Clinicians, "Dryness can be measured through our skin, but also through our internal mucosa, including our respiratory and digestive systems. As women, there is also one other area that can suffer from dryness at times, and that can impact our healthy vaginal flora and our sex life." Here's the best advice on how to stay moist.
How can we moisturise our skin from the inside, out?
It depends on whether the skin is dry or dehydrated. Dehydrated skin needs an increase in water and a reduction in dehydrating substances such as caffeine and alcohol. Dry skin is a skin type that can become dryer through the natural process of ageing. Also, moisture is retained in the skin with hyaluronic acid, which too declines as we age. The inclusion of healthy fats in your diets such as avocado, coconut products, seeds, nuts, and omega oils from plants, fish, and seafood, can benefit dry skin. Eating fruit and root vegetables that are rich in vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid ( a sugar type substance that helps draw moisture into the top layers of the skin) helps, retain this naturally, giving that fresh, plump look to the skin.
Clinicians Rejuvenate with Hyaluronic Acid capsules, RRP $60.
Clinicians Rejuvenate with Hyaluronic Acid capsules, RRP $60.
As far as supplements go each capsule contains 250mg of New Zealand marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, and New Zealand avocado oil, as well as a potent red carotenoid named astaxanthin, found in microalgae. This supplement provides nutrient support for hair fullness, stronger nails and smooth-looking hydrated skin.
What can lead to a lack of hydration in the vagina?
Times of hormonal change can lead to changes in the structure of vaginal tissues and the mucosal layer, which houses our healthy bacterial populations. Oestrogen in the vaginal tissues plays a part in maintaining tissue integrity, elasticity, and moisture levels. As local oestrogen declines in menopause, these functions can be affected and can lead to discomfort during sexual intimacy. It can lead to tissue fragility and potential damage. Trying to maintain a healthy oestrogen balance as we move through menopause can be helpful in this situation and plants like seabuckthorn can support normal moisture levels through this change.
Clinicians Women’s Intimacy Support, 60 capsules, RRP $42.
The blend sea buckthorn with Kwao Krua (Pueraria Mirifica) root extract, as well as Bulgarian rose oil help support the health of the vaginal tissues and natural moisture levels, that can be affected by menopause or stress. It also contains Shatavari, a herb known to support healthy libido in women. For best results, take two capsules daily.
Clinicians Women’s Intimacy Support, 60 capsules, RRP $42.
Can vaginal dryness lead to other issues?
Having moist mucosal layers is essential for comfort, but also for maintaining healthy bacteria in the vagina. Our good bacteria produce lactic acid that keeps a healthy pH, (a healthy vaginal pH level sits between 3.8 and 4.5, which is moderately acidic), which discourages less desirable populations of bacteria and yeasts. Anything that disrupts the delicate balance down there can lead to overgrowth issues and cause discomfort and itching. The same imbalances can also occur in the bladder at times of hormone change, which is why when women hit menopause age, they can be more susceptible to recurrent bladder issues.
Clinicians Flora Restore, 30 Vege capsules, RRP $35.
Clinicians Flora Restore, 30 Vege capsules, RRP $35.
This supplement contains a unique oral probiotic scientifically designed to support normal vaginal flora and urinary health. Backed by 25 years of scientific research. One tablet a day is a recommended dose.
What's the best way to keep clean, douche, and or use feminine sprays or washes?
I am not a big fan of vaginal douches as you’re flushing out the good with the bad in terms of bacterial populations. Also, in terms of soaps or other shower products, they often contain perfumes and additives, which affect the pH balance, which could potentially lead to increased discharge or odour. The advice given by my gynaecologist is to use water to wash with and nothing else. This helps support healthy levels of beneficial bacteria, which naturally keep bacteria and yeast in balance.