Intimate skincare is essential for everyday health

 The care of intimate skin is mired in silence and misinformation and often subject to trial and error.

Biomedical expert Dr Judey wants South Africans to rethink how they care for these sensitive areas and believes that education and open conversation hold the keys to this.

“Burning, itching, unusual odour or persistent irritation are not things people should normalise,” she explains. “They are signals that the skin’s protective barrier or microbial balance has been compromised.”

Intimate skin is biologically different to the skin on the rest of the body, she says, adding:

“It is thinner, more delicate and has a unique microbiome that protects against irritation and infection. When this balance is disrupted through harsh soaps, fragranced products or over-cleansing, it can lead to dryness, discomfort, inflammation and recurring infections.”

Tight clothing, exercise, stress and even well-meaning hygiene habits can unintentionally harm when intimate care is not approached with the same care as skincare.

These are Dr Judey’s simple, practical ways to care for intimate areas safely and effectively.

Choose Gentle Cleansing

Intimate areas do not require aggressive washing. A mild, fragrance-free cleanser specifically formulated for intimate use helps cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural defences. Overwashing or using standard body washes can cause dryness and irritation.

“Less is more when it comes to intimate hygiene,” she says. “Gentle cleansing once daily is usually sufficient, unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.”

Avoid Fragrance and Harsh Ingredients

Products containing artificial fragrance, alcohol or strong surfactants can disrupt pH balance and irritate sensitive skin. This applies to wipes, sprays and washes marketed for freshness.

“Intimate care is not about masking odour,” Dr. Judey notes. “A healthy intimate area does not need perfume. Balance, not fragrance, is the goal.”

Wear Breathable Clothing

Tight, non-breathable fabrics can trap moisture and heat, creating an environment where irritation and fungal infections thrive. Cotton underwear and looser clothing allow the skin to breathe and recover.

Support Skin Health from Within

Hydration and nutrition play a role in intimate skin health too. Drinking enough water and maintaining a balanced diet supports skin integrity and immune function, reducing the risk of irritation and infection.

Seek Help When Something Feels Off

Persistent symptoms should never be ignored or self-treated repeatedly without guidance.

“If discomfort keeps returning, it is important to seek medical advice rather than constantly switching products,” she adds. “Intimate health is healthcare, not guesswork.”

She emphasises that intimate care should not be seen as gendered or taboo, but as a normal part of personal wellbeing.

“Looking after intimate skin is an act of self-respect and self-care,” she says. “When we treat these areas with understanding and care, we support comfort, confidence and overall health.”

Dr Judey says many popular intimate care practices are rooted in myths rather than medical evidence.

Common myths that need rethinking:

Myth 1: Yoni steaming cleanses the vagina or improves vaginal health“There is no scientific evidence that yoni steaming detoxifies, cleanses or heals the vagina,” she explains. “Steam and herbal vapours can actually irritate delicate tissue, disrupt the natural microbiome and, in some cases, cause burns. The vagina is self-cleansing by design and does not require steaming or internal treatments.”

Myth 2: Douching keeps the vagina clean and freshDouching is one of the most common causes of disrupted vaginal pH.“It washes away beneficial bacteria that protect against infection,” Dr Judey says. “Regular douching increases the risk of bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections and irritation.”

Myth 3: Strong odour means poor hygiene“A strong or unusual odour is not a cleanliness issue, it’s often a health signal,” she explains. “Masking it with fragranced products delays proper diagnosis and treatment.”

Myth 4: The more you wash, the healthier the areaOver-cleansing can be just as damaging as neglect.“Excessive washing strips the skin of natural oils and weakens its protective barrier, making it more prone to irritation and infection.”

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About Dr. Judey

Dr. Judey is a distinguished Biomedical Scientist with extensive expertise in wound healing, regenerative medicine, and cell therapy. Her academic accolades include a Master’s degree in Genetics and Molecular Biology and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. As the founder of Biomedical Emporium®, she has propelled advancements in skincare by formulating innovative products that support the skin's natural rejuvenation and repair processes.