Everyday Irritation, The Overlooked Cause of Dryness

Hormones often get the blame for vulval dryness, but irritation plays a far larger role than many women realise. The skin here works constantly; it folds, stretches, absorbs moisture, copes with sweat, heat and movement, and it does all of this with a thin, delicate barrier. When that barrier becomes tired or inflamed, dryness usually follows.

How irritation starts

Ordinary things can come together and cause irritation: walking, cycling, sweat, warm weather, tight leggings and anything that foams. 

Many intimate washes rely on the same detergent families found in eco washing up liquids. The bottles look gentle and the labels promise softness, but the chemistry is not kind; glucosides, betaines and similar surfactants designed to cut through grease. These ingredients work well on dishes, but they are not great on thin, sensitive skin. Some washes are fragranced too, so they strip off the protective vulval fluids and leave an irritating perfume.

Synthetic fabrics and shapewear trap heat and moisture against thin vulval skin, creating a warm, airless environment where irritation builds quickly. Their tight, compressive fit also increases friction with every step, which is why even a short day in leggings or shapewear can leave the area feeling sore and dry.

Pads can also play a role, especially urinary pads. They trap heat and moisture against the skin, and any leakage can leave the area damp with urine, which contains uric acid and other compounds that can irritate thin, sensitive tissue. When pads are worn most days, or changed less often than feels ideal, irritation can develop quickly.

What it feels like

Dryness often changes the way your vulval skin feels, it does not always look cracked and flakey as you might expect. Super smooth glassy feeling skin is also warning of dryness.  It might burn in warm weather or leave you feeling sore after a day in fitted clothes. Some women notice a small sting when they begin to urinate. Sex can become uncomfortable when the stretch of penetration turns into a pinch or a sharpness that feels out of proportion to what is happening. These sensations normally build up over time and they are a sign the vulval skin's barrier is struggling. 

Why the barrier reacts this way

Vulval skin is thin and unprotected. It is not built for regular contact with detergents, perfume, hot showers and the constant damp warmth created by tight synthetic fabrics and pads. Even mild foaming products can strip away the natural oils and microbes that keep the area comfortable. Irritation leads to inflammation; inflammation disrupts moisture; disrupted moisture increases friction. Once this cycle is underway, the area can feel sore and dry for long periods.

Giving your vulva a break

If you feel your skin is getting dry,  a gentler routine is worth trying.

- Rinse with plain water, once a day.

- Use a simple, fragrance free emollient if you need glide.

- Avoid anything that foams.

- Choose loose cotton underwear.

- Change out of damp clothes quickly.

- If you use pads, change them often and try to avoid wearing them continuously if you can.

- Sleep without underwear to reduce heat and friction and allow the area to air.

- Give the area room to breathe during the day if possible.

- Use a plain ointment or balm as a protective layer while the skin recovers.  

How long will healing take?

Improvement tends to be steady rather than dramatic. A week may help break the cycle, but if irritation has been building for months the skin often needs longer to settle. If symptoms persist or if sex remains uncomfortable, it is worth speaking to a clinician who understands vulval skin. Persistent soreness is common and treatable once identified.

The heart of it

Your vulva is not built for fragrance, foam or tight synthetic clothing. It responds best to a gentle routine and fewer products.