A gentle reminder before we begin
If you’ve ever felt unsure about vulvar care, you’re not alone. Most people were never taught how to care for this part of the body properly. There’s nothing wrong with you — there’s just been a lack of clear education (and an oversupply of scented opinions).
One simple fact makes everything easier to understand:
The vulva is skin.
Once you approach vulvar care the way you would skincare, the confusion starts to fade.
What is the vulva, exactly?
The vulva refers to the external genital area, including the labia and clitoris. It’s often confused with the vagina, which is understandable, but they are absolutely not the same thing.
- Vagina: internal, self-cleaning, very capable (thank you very much)
- Vulva: external, sensitive skin, needs reasonable care
The vulva is made of thin, highly absorbent skin — more similar to facial skin or lips than to the rest of the body. Which means it responds accordingly. Kindly to gentle care. Dramatically to chaos.
That distinction matters when choosing how to care for it.
Why vulvar skin needs gentle care
Skin reacts to what we put on it, and vulvar skin is especially sensitive. When it’s treated harshly, irritation can show up quickly.
Common triggers include:
- Fragranced soaps or wipes
- Harsh cleansing agents
- Over-washing
- Constantly switching products
This is why symptoms like dryness, itching, or burning can occur even when there’s no infection present. Sometimes nothing is wrong — it’s just irritated and asking you to stop.
Practical tips for healthy vulvar care
Think simple, consistent, and skin-focused.
Do:
- Clean the vulva externally only
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser or water
- Pat dry instead of rubbing
- Pay attention to how your skin feels hours later, not just immediately
Avoid:
- Scented washes, sprays, or wipes
- Products marketed around odor control
- Over-washing out of habit or anxiety
The bigger shift in thinking
When you treat the vulva like skin, care becomes calmer and more intuitive. Less reacting. Less fixing. Fewer products auditioning for the role of “the one.”
So here’s a question to reflect on:
If you treated your vulva the same way you treat your facial skin, what would you stop using today?
With care,
Dr. Joan A.
Physician & Founder, The Intimate Standard
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