Vaginal moisturizers differ from lubricants in that they rehydrate vaginal tissues more regularly; typically applied 2-3 times each week. Unfortunately, however, they won’t address the source of dryness–only its symptoms.
Moisturizers with hyaluronic acid such as Replens and Good Clean Love can be purchased over-the-counter without needing a valid prescription. Available as both vaginal suppositories and topical gels, they’re great ways to moisturize.
Replens(tm) Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer
Replens Vaginal Moisturizer is a personal lubricant that offers up to three days of relief from dryness symptoms. Featuring non-greasy formula, this over-the-counter hormone-free moisturizer contains glycerin as its moisturizing ingredient for soothing dry vaginal cells while being fragrance- and paraben-free for convenient use.
Women often find that using lubricant makes intimacy more pleasurable. Lubricants may be applied any time of the day or night, although for optimal performance it should be applied regularly rather than just before intimate moments.
Vaginal dryness is one of the hallmarks of menopause, yet can affect women of any age. It may be caused by various factors – including aging, low estrogen levels, medications taken during pregnancy/feeding/breastfeeding cycles, certain drugs taken to manage diabetes, cancer treatment or frequent use of tampons.
Replens is a long-lasting glycerin-based formula designed to provide long-lasting lubrication. Easy to apply and without residue or odor, its formula allows for effortless application without leaving behind an after-feel. Each package comes complete with enough moisturizer for 14 applications and one reusable applicator with easy gripping handles and an angled tip for application – simply tear open its seal using its easy open notch and apply directly into vagina.
Replens(tm) Silky Smooth Personal Lubricant
Replens Silky Smooth is a premium silicone lubricant created to foster intimacy. Its thin yet slippery formulation supplements your natural body lubrication to help ease intercourse and make intimate experiences more pleasurable. Preservative free, non-irritating and safe for use with condoms; alternatively it can also be applied directly before intimate encounters to ease pain during intercourse and enhance sexual pleasure – it is even non-comedogenic and ophthalmologist tested. If silicone sensivivity concerns arise, first test it on a small patch of skin before use if silicone may affect it or just makes sense!
Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants both work to replenish moisture, but each serves a distinct function. Moisturizers can be used throughout the day for ongoing discomfort while lubricants should typically be applied prior to sexual encounter to ease painful intercourse and enhance feelings of intimacy.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally produced by your body in skin, connective tissue and eyes. It acts by binding water together into gel form that keeps tissues moisturized – it is even commonly found as an ingredient in eye drops! Hyaluronic acid-containing vaginal moisturizers and personal lubricants may even be purchased over-the-counter without needing a valid prescription.
Vaginal moisturizers are usually gel or cream formulas applied directly into the vagina with either a disposable applicator shaped like a tampon, or with your clean hands. As they don’t contain estrogen or other hormones that increase pregnancy risks, these vaginal moisturizers may be used 3-5 times weekly to relieve symptoms of dryness.
Hyaluronic acid vaginal gels may be particularly helpful for women experiencing vaginal elasticity issues due to repeated childbirth, age or menopause. One study evaluated how effective an estriol vaginal cream was at alleviating dryness symptoms such as dyspareunia, erythema, itching and sensations of incomplete urination; both treatments had significant impacts on restoration of vulva elasticity with more significant effects from the former than from its counterpart (hyaluronic acid gel had greater results). Additionally, being non-hormonal made it safe even for use premenopausally.
