Cold Weather & Vulvar Health: What You Need to Know This Winter

Cold Weather & Vulvar Health: What You Need to Know This Winter

As the temperatures drop, so does your skin’s moisture, and the vulva is no exception. Winter weather can make dryness, irritation, itching, and flare-ups of conditions like eczema or lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) much more common. The good news? A few intentional habits can help keep this delicate area calm, moisturized, and protected all season long.

At Imana Health, we’re always guiding women toward evidence-based, practical care. Here are our top winter vulvar-care tips to help you feel comfortable from morning to night.

1. Switch to Unscented, Gentle Cleansers

Cold weather weakens the skin barrier, making the vulvar area more reactive to irritants.

✔️ Use fragrance-free, pH-balanced washes
✔️ Avoid scented soaps, body washes, bubble baths, and harsh detergents
✔️ Rinse with warm (not hot) water - heat strips moisture

Why it matters: Harsh products can trigger the itch-scratch cycle and worsen dryness or irritation.

2. Moisturize - Yes, Down There

Just like your face needs more moisture in the winter, your vulvar skin does too.

Opt for:

  • A plain emollient ointment (petroleum jelly, Aquaphor)
  • A gentle barrier cream
  • A fragrance-free moisturizer designed for sensitive skin

Apply externally only and avoid anything inside the vagina.

3. Swap Out Tight or Synthetic Underwear

Winter often means layered, tighter clothing - but this traps heat and moisture, increasing irritation.

Choose breathable, cotton underwear and avoid daily use of:

  • Shapewear
  • Nylon or lace underwear
  • Tights without a cotton gusset

Bonus: Go commando at home when you can to let the area breathe.

4. Stay Ahead of Itching

Dry air = itchy skin.
Itching the vulva can escalate quickly into inflammation, thickened skin, or even LSC flare-ups.

To prevent this:

  • Keep the skin moisturized
  • Use cold compresses for sudden itch
  • Avoid scratching - pat or hold pressure instead
  • If you have chronic itching, a clinician may recommend a short course of topical steroids

5. Protect Against Irritants

Winter laundry routines often include strong detergents or fabric softeners.

Switch to:

  • Fragrance-free detergent
  • No dryer sheets (they leave irritating residue)
  • Avoid new scented pantyliners or pads

6. Prioritize Vaginal Health From the Inside

A healthy vaginal microbiome supports overall comfort, especially when the skin barrier is more vulnerable.

Support it with:

✔️ A consistent daily probiotic formulated for vaginal health (like Muna, our single-strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum + Vitamin D formula)
✔️ Hydration: aim for 6–8 cups of water daily
✔️ Minimizing unnecessary antibiotics or douching

7. Manage Stress (Yes, It Impacts the Vulva Too)

Cold, dark months often increase stress - which can worsen chronic vulvar conditions and itching.

Try:

  • Short daily walks
  • Stretching
  • Breathwork
  • Morning sunlight when possible
  • Warm baths (avoid scented products)

8. Know When It’s More Than “Just Dryness”

Reach out to a clinician if you notice:

  • Persistent or worsening itching
  • Burning that doesn’t improve
  • Pain with sitting, touching, or penetrative sex
  • Thickened, leathery skin
  • Cracks, bleeding, or open areas
  • Discharge with odour or irritation

Winter can aggravate underlying conditions like lichen simplex chronicus, eczema, yeast infections, or bacterial imbalance - getting help early makes a huge difference.

Final Thoughts

Winter doesn’t have to mean discomfort. With the right routine, you can protect your vulva, support your microbiome, and feel confident all season long.

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