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"As we age, our vaginal tissue—just like our face—thins and loses collagen, tone, and elasticity," says Monica Grover, a gynecologist and chief medical officer at
Vspot
. But the changes really ramp up during
perimenopause
and
menopause
, when our body's estrogen level starts to decrease. This causes vaginal tissue to thin and blood vessels to recede, resulting in drier and more fragile tissue, explains Betsy Greenleaf, board-certified urogynecologist and member of the
plusOne wellness collective
.
For visual learners: "Think of a rubber band," says Greenleaf. "A new rubber band can stretch and return to its original shape because it has maintained its elasticity. An older rubber band will crack or break if stretched too far." This lack of pliability can lead to vaginal dryness, discomfort, and sometimes pain during intercourse, says Liana Baixauli, a nurse practitioner at
Lievano Perez Obstetrics and Gynecology of Miami
. And, to be clear, this is an everywhere problem: It doesn't happen just inside the vagina; the vulvar skin is in on this, too. "Essentially, everything down below can be affected by menopause," says Greenleaf.
The Best Vaginal and Vulvar Creams for Dryness:
Best Overall:
Replens Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer
Best Over-the-Counter Hormonal Cream:
The Girlfriend Doctor Julva Vulva Revitalizing Cream
Best Lightweight Vulvar Cream:
Say La V. Prebiotic Serum Moisturizers
Best Suppositories:
Bonafide Revaree Vaginal Moisturizer
The good news is that there are helpful solutions for vaginal and vulvar dryness, from
treatments
to red light therapy and even
massagers
that help stimulate blood flow and reduce pain. Often, the easiest go-to is a vaginal cream or lubricant that contains hydrating ingredients. (If you find that these aren't doing it for you, know that there are also
hormonal creams
available—mostly by prescription—that deliver
hormones to the vaginal tissue
to help target moisture and elasticity.)
Best Deal
PlusOne Menopause Massager
$43
$38
NOW
12%
OFF
JUMP TO REVIEW
Best Overall
Replens Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer
$13
Amazon
Also Consider
$13
Walmart
$13
Target
Why We Love It
Easy to use
Affordable
Great alternative to hormonal creams
What to Consider
It's not pH-balanced
Baixauli recommends trying this over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer. It's a hormone-free formula that contains moisturizing glycerin.
Bio-adhesive technology
delivers continuous moisture by attaching itself to dry cells to help combat vaginal dryness. For the best results, the brand recommends using it every three days. However, depending on the severity of dryness, it's safe to use daily. Each kit comes with up to 14 applications.
Key ingredients:
Purified water, glycerin
Best for:
Internal use
Hormone-free?
Yes
Best Over-the-Counter Hormonal Cream
The Girlfriend Doctor Julva Vulva Revitalizing Cream
$70
Amazon
Credit: The girlfriend's Doctor
Why We Love It
Promotes healthy cell production
Helps produce estrogen and estradiol
What to Consider
Because it contains DHEA, it's best to speak with a doctor to ensure it will fully address your concerns
"This is a topical cream that uses a hormone called DHEA, which helps the body produce estrogen and estradiol, which helps increase moisture levels and elasticity," explains Greenleaf. It also contains alpine rose stem cells to promote skin cell vitality and production, as well as hydrators like coconut oil, vitamin E, emu oil, and shea butter. One caveat: While creams with hormones can be helpful, "it is important to have a comprehensive exam and lab work completed to make sure that the cream will fully address your concerns," advises Grover.
Key ingredients:
Purified water, coconut oil, DHEA
Best for:
External use
Hormone-free?
No
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Best Lightweight Vulvar Cream
Say La V. Prebiotic Serum Moisturizer
$15
Amazon
Credit: Say la V.
Why We Love It
Lightweight
Helps promote a healthy microbiome
pH-friendly
What to Consider
Packaging and name recently changed
"During menopause, the amount of healthy collagen drastically reduces, and the vulva becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic and flexible," says Grover. This vulva cream is lightweight and rich with hyaluronic acid and moisturizing vitamin E; apply to the outer skin. It also contains prebiotics; Grover says pre- and probiotics are beneficial in maintaining the
vaginal microbiome
. (Baixauli likes the
Happy V probiotic supplements
.)
Key ingredients:
Water, hyaluronic acid, prebiotics
Best for:
External use
Hormone-free?
Yes
Best Suppositories
Bonafide Revaree Vaginal Moisturizer
$48
Amazon
Credit: Revaree
Why We Love It
A great alternative to cream products
Packed with hydrating skincare
What to Consider
It's one of the more expensive options on this list
Suppositories are a great option for those who may not want to deal with creams, says Baixa
Book Your Appointment
Ready to transform your skin? Visit Candy Beauty Skin Care at 32 Pell St, Chinatown, NYC.
Call (646) 691-8273 or book online at candybeauty.store.
Our expert estheticians are ready to create your personalized treatment plan.
Source: https://www.oprahdaily.com/beauty/g60979109/best-vaginal-dryness-creams/
