As the skies darken, the winds get stronger, the air gets drier and the weather is colder we all prepare to welcome winter.
Winter may be hard on your skin, especially your V-area (inner thighs, buttocks and bikini line) which can become increasingly dry, itchy and rough.
Medical pharmacist and founder of South Africa’s first intimate skincare range SKINSTEM, Shaista Sophia, explained that many women suffer from the effects of winter on the V-area.
“This is because the dry winter months can deprive the body greatly of moisture, causing skin cracking and dehydration. As a result, the V-area may also dry out.”
Here are a few ways to combat the problem entirely, or manage it at the onset:
- Take a warm shower. Avoid taking steaming hot showers. The hotter the water is, the more oil and moisture get removed from your skin. Additionally, a long shower can also take a toll on your skin health by causing skin dryness and affecting your entire V-area negatively.
- Wear cotton underwear. This also applies to tight clothing. Remember your V-area is hidden under clothes for 99% of your day. By wearing undergarments of a breathable material like cotton and loose-fitting clothes you allow your V-area to naturally ventilate which is good for your skin health as well as your vaginal health. Do not opt for heavy, synthetic, and unbreathable fabrics that can further make you uncomfortable.
- Remember to exfoliate two to three times a week. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that may appear from increased dryness of the skin. Through regular exfoliation, you are able to maintain smooth and clear skin as well as remove or prevent those dreaded ingrown hairs.
- Always use a moisturizer suitable for your V-area. This area of your body has sensitive, thin and easily irritated skin – you want to minimize irritation to the area from clothes rubbing on it throughout the day as well as ensure that the area is hydrated at all times. The V-Cream is a gentle, lightweight moisturizer formulated to target pigmentation and uneven skin tone with brightening properties and hydrate the skin.
Sophia also noted that there are serums for the V-area that people can use.
“We all know that serums are formulated to seep deeper into the skin and this is why you need one for your bikini line. With shaving, waxing and dry skin – you may experience lacklustre and dull skin, perhaps hyperpigmentation and scarring,” she said.
She added that the V-Exfoliator formulated nutri peptides, hydrolysed collagen, salicylic acid, vitamin C, and aloe vera is able to absorb deep into your skin to restore and brighten the area for an overall healthy appearance.
“During the winter season, the best thing you can do to your skin and your vulva is to be gentle and use products that you know your skin will love.
“By using products specifically made for your V-area, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy ecosystem down there and eliminate any discomfort that your intimate area may experience.
“Besides that, keeping your skin healthy and happy during the winter season will also prevent you from having to deal with horrible skin reactions and troubles.”
When it comes to hydration, Vitaderm’s new Rapid Hydration Serum formula is said to be perfect for the winter season.
Vitaderm’s Rapid Hydration Serum formula includes:
- Hyaluronic acid comprising both LMW and HMW hyaluronic acid. LMW improves dermal hydration and stimulates collagen synthesis while HMW boosts plumpness and suppleness, visibly softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- AquaCell assists in boosting the skin’s moisture levels.
- Fision Lift, a plant-based anti-ageing active that has been added to the formulation to instantly firm, lift and tone the skin while offering lasting targeted anti-ageing benefits when used regularly.
Vitaderm’s marketing manager Ruan Winter said: “Winter is a time when your skin tends to become drier and flakier, losing moisture due to the colder elements and indoor heating.
“This is the perfect time to add a serum to your skincare routine and keep your skin moisturised and healthy.”
Speaking to Sunday World, Winter added: “Our product [Vitaderm ] has been around for more than 20 years and we believe in using high-quality ingredients. Our skin is the largest organ on our bodies and we need to nature and take care of it.
“This product is more than skin deep, but rather about getting your confidence back, because our clients love the way that their skin feels and looks. It changes how they see themselves and how people receive them.
“The skin concern would determine if a client would require a visit to a dermatologist, if it is just a normal skin concern then Vitaderm is your go-to product.
“However a skin therapist is more accessible and pocket friendly where you can team up with and get the best advice on your skin journey. Most people do not need to visit the four walls of a doctors room, they just need to take care of their skin. Vitaderm has the products for skin goals.
Winter also shared a message for people who do not care about their skin.
“It is vital to take care of your skin, I cannot imagine a world where people do not care about their overall appearance, health and wellness and your skin is a huge part of your daily functioning.”
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