Your Down There Skin Guide
Women's Health South Africa|November - December 2022
Latest trend? Beauty products catering to your vagina. But experts are skeptical. Here, what to know about caring for your nether regions. (Including: Do nothing!)
JESSICA CHIA
Your Down There Skin Guide

The year is 2022, and retail pharmacies are slowly being infiltrated by a new breed of personal-care products. And we mean personal. There are hydrating sheet masks for the bikini line, three-step skin-care systems for the entire area and specialised vaginal cream applicators. In short, the latest fad in skin care is all about caring for the skin between your legs.

But hold on a sec - do we really need all this stuff for the skin around our sex organs? The very, very short answer: no. "We don't recommend using any special products to wash the vagina," says obstetriciangynaecologist Dr Leena Nathan. "In fact, trying to cleanse the vagina can alter the bacteria of it and lead to more infections."

The longer answer: While you do not (we repeat: do not) need a suite of skincare products devoted to your nether regions, experts emphasise that it is completely normal to experience annoying or uncomfortable problems - think irritation, dryness, breakouts, itching, ingrowns, and even cysts - in the general area. So if things are less than peachy, keep reading and know that you're not alone on these important issues.

If You're Dealing With

External Bummers

Pubic-area problems tend to be ingrown hairs, hyperpigmentation and folliculitis (a bucket term for irritated hair follicles), says certified dermatologist Dr Muneeb Shah, also known as the 'DermDoctor' with over 16 million followers on TikTok.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November - December 2022 من Women's Health South Africa.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November - December 2022 من Women's Health South Africa.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من WOMEN'S HEALTH SOUTH AFRICA مشاهدة الكل
Irreconcilable Differences?
Women's Health South Africa

Irreconcilable Differences?

You’re one-upping your partner on all health fronts and now your relationship has more tension than your new resistance bands. Here’s how to get over the hurdle of mismatched goals.

time-read
4 mins  |
July - August 2024
Hot And Bothered
Women's Health South Africa

Hot And Bothered

Inflammation is all the rage in health conversations right now and research is establishing it as a major player in all sorts of issues you don't want to deal with. But! You can safeguard yourself from the smokin' internal inferno with these smart strategies.

time-read
3 mins  |
July - August 2024
Self-esteem under the microscope
Women's Health South Africa

Self-esteem under the microscope

The term brings to mind positive-thinking memes with sunset backdrops and swirly lettering. But could I you sum up self-esteem when asked as part of a pub quiz? Didn't think so. And there's more at stake here than winning the points.

time-read
7 mins  |
July - August 2024
the reset
Women's Health South Africa

the reset

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START OVER

time-read
1 min  |
July - August 2024
Mind Over Muscle
Women's Health South Africa

Mind Over Muscle

Could you level up your strength training just by putting your mind to it?

time-read
2 mins  |
July - August 2024
ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE
Women's Health South Africa

ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE

Olympian. All-African Games winner. African champion. Record-breaker. Javelin athlete Jo-Ané van Dyk talks mental fortitude and what it takes to live up to your own hype. If there's one thing she can do, it's to throw down. And it's all about to reach peak levels.

time-read
4 mins  |
July - August 2024
Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free
Women's Health South Africa

Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free

The choice can be liberating, yet stigmas persist. Here, how to cut through the noise with clarity and confidence to make the decision that's right for *you.*

time-read
7 mins  |
July - August 2024
FUEL YOUR SKIN
Women's Health South Africa

FUEL YOUR SKIN

Inside your body, there's a crew of unsung protein heroes that scientists believe are the key to a healthy, glowing complexion. Heads-up: your routine is about to change for the better.

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2024
How To Be Decisive
Women's Health South Africa

How To Be Decisive

You could use a Magic 8 ball to help you make a choice. Or, while you're waiting to 'ask again later', let our experts explain the best ways to get unstuck.

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2024
Build A Strong Base
Women's Health South Africa

Build A Strong Base

You heard it here: the pelvic floor is the forgotten core - and you're selling yourself short by waiting for a specific life stage to train it. Your four-move workout is here.

time-read
1 min  |
July - August 2024