Like skin moisturizers, vaginal moisturizers work by locking moisture deep within delicate vulva tissue that becomes thinner and drier with menopause due to lower estrogen levels. They should be used several times weekly and can help alleviate discomfort.
Long-acting over-the-counter moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid provide long-term moisturization to restore balance to dry vulva tissues, increasing rugae (accordion-like folds) to increase elasticity and boost rugae formation.
What is a vaginal moisturizer?
Vaginal moisturizer is a form of moisturizing cream specifically made for use on the vagina and anus (anus), to add moisture back into drier parts of your intimate area as you age or approach menopause, due to estrogen levels decreasing.
Similar to moisturizers sold for skin use, these products help relieve itching and irritation caused by dryness in sensitive parts of the body, trapping moisture within delicate tissue for increased suppleness and softness.
Vaginal moisturizers don’t act as lubricants and shouldn’t be used during sexual activity. Instead, they’re typically applied a few times each week to add moisture and alleviate dryness – even when not engaging in sexual activity. Some products containing estrogen may even help you transition through menopause more smoothly (replacing your natural estrogen may reduce risks such as uterine cancer and other health conditions.)
How do vaginal moisturizers work?
Personal lubricants are designed to add moisture and reduce friction between the inner vaginal walls and vulva, offering relief from inner vaginal dryness and friction. Available as gels, creams, suppositories or liquids; most over-the-counter lubricants do not contain estrogen.
Vaginal moisturizers can be applied with a disposable applicator in the shape of a tampon or by hand. Long-acting moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid have been shown to retain moisture and decrease painful intercourse, as these types of long-acting products alter tissue water content, leading to thicker tissues with enhanced capacity to produce fluid and thus decreasing friction.
Women often turn to lubricants and moisturizers in advance of sexual encounter, though these products may also be useful anytime someone experiences dryness or irritation. When choosing products suitable for latex condom use (some oils degrade them), women may wish to consult their health care provider about possible medical advice – or perhaps consult an on-line forum – for guidance.
Are vaginal moisturizers and lubricants the same thing?
Many products sold as feminine moisturizers or lubricants differ significantly in what they provide: some can be used outside of the vagina, such as hand or face moisturizer, while others only provide temporary relief by lubricating intercourse more comfortably.
Over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers should typically be applied twice each week; however, some products may need to be applied more frequently; these come in the form of suppositories, gels or creams.
There are long-lasting vaginal moisturizing products which have been scientifically shown in clinical studies to increase water content of cells, creating more natural lubrication. Examples include Replens Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer and products using hyaluronic acid such as AH! YES Personal Lubricant; both products are free from estrogen, fragrance and parabens, making them safe to use with condoms or tampons, while compatible with hormone treatments including menopause hormone therapy and topical or systemic sex hormone therapy.
Are vaginal moisturizers safe?
Moisturizers and lubricants are generally safe to use; however, always consult your physician prior to using products containing estrogen or substances that mimic estrogen; these may help treat or prevent Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). You should also avoid moisturizers that aren’t intended specifically for vagina use such as those intended for your face or body.
Hyaluronic acid-containing vaginal moisturizers are easily available without a valid prescription, online, in drug stores, and some grocery stores. Popular brands include Hyalogyn by Bonafide and Revaree by Bonafide; their use has been shown to increase muscle elasticity while increasing water retention within labia skin tissue.
Moisturizers and lubricants should be applied 3 to 5 times each week for optimal results. You may experience more vaginal discharge than usual when first starting using this product, which is an indicator that it is working effectively. Results typically take two or three weeks.
