The Best Way to Wash Your Genitals: A Comprehensive Guide for Men and Women
Caring for your genital area requires a gentle, thoughtful approach to maintain healthy skin and avoid irritation. While many people reach for soap or scented products, these can often do more harm than good. Here, we outline the best practices for genital hygiene and recommend suitable products to keep this delicate area clean and comfortable.
Why Avoid Soaps and Scented Products?
The surfactants in soaps that create bubbles can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even damage over time. Similarly, wipes, fresheners, and scented products often contain harsh chemicals that can disrupt the natural pH balance of the genital area.
Instead, using only water or emollient-based products is the best way to clean your genitals effectively without causing harm.
Best Practices for Washing Your Genitals
Stick to Water: For everyday cleaning, plain water is sufficient for most people. It effectively removes sweat and debris without disrupting your skin’s natural barrier.
Incorporate Emollients: If you prefer to use a product, emollients can be a great alternative. These non-foaming cleansers are gentle, hydrating, and can mimic the cleansing effect of soap without the drying side effects (in other words, they are better than soaps).
Apply to Wet Skin: Emollients should always be applied to wet skin to maximize their effectiveness. Massage gently as you would with soap, and then rinse thoroughly.
Avoid Overwashing: Washing your genitals once a day is generally sufficient unless there is a specific need, such as after intense physical activity or intercourse.
Pat Dry: After washing, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing, which can cause irritation.
Emollients are great for the skin, but not great for the hair, so you may still need to use a shampoo for the hair on your head.
Recommended Emollient Products
Here are some emollient-based cleansers that are effective, gentle, and suitable for use on sensitive areas like the genitals:
Dermol 200* or Dermol 500
A popular choice for sensitive skin, Dermol 200 and Dermol 500 are antimicrobial and moisturizing. Apply to wet skin, use as you would soap, and rinse off completely.
E45 Shower Cream is specifically designed to clean while maintaining the skin’s natural barrier. It’s fragrance-free and suitable for daily use.
This emollient gel is ideal for very dry or sensitive skin. Like other emollients, it should be applied to wet skin and rinsed off.
Aveeno Dermexa Daily Emollient Body Wash*
Formulated with colloidal oatmeal, this gentle cleanser soothes irritation and helps retain moisture.
Cetraben Body Wash for Bath or Shower*
Though primarily a bath additive, Cetraben can be used in the shower as well. It’s fragrance-free and gentle enough for daily use.
A soap-free alternative that’s ideal for sensitive skin. It’s non-drying and designed to maintain the skin’s natural oils.
Products to Avoid
Soaps and Bubble-Based Cleansers: These can strip the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
Scented Wipes and Fresheners: Often contain alcohol or perfumes that can disrupt the natural pH balance and cause irritation.
Antibacterial Soaps: These are usually too harsh for the delicate skin of the genital area and can kill beneficial bacteria. However Dermol 200 and 500 is an emollient which contains an antibacterial component called chlorhexidine. It is important to use on wet skin and wash off, we advise not to use as a moisturizer as can cause rashes.
Remember, regardless of what you buy, stop using if you start to get a rash and see a health care professional.
Final Thoughts
Gentle, consistent care is the key to maintaining healthy skin in the genital area. Avoid soaps and scented products, stick to water or emollient-based cleansers, and always prioritize products designed for sensitive skin. By following these tips, you can ensure that this delicate area stays clean, comfortable, and irritation-free.