Both moisturisers and lubricants relieve vaginal dryness by providing moisture and hydration but in slightly different ways. Moisturisers tend to be longer lasting, are absorbed into the vaginal walls and are applied every few days. Lubricants provide immediate relief, are short term and you need to re-apply for each use whether before sex or daily comfort.
The most important thing is to find something that works for you — relieves dryness and supports your intimate wellbeing.
How do you know if you have vaginal dryness?
- Are you finding sex painful or uncomfortable? This is often the time when most people notice vaginal dryness.
- Does your vulva and/or vagina feel itchy, sore or even a bit scratchy throughout the day… even when you’re not having sex?
- Is walking uncomfortable?
- Is sitting down for long periods, wearing tight clothing or jeans sometimes uncomfortable?
- Does it hurt to wee and is it painful when you wipe?
- Do you suffer with recurring UTIs?
If you have answered yes to any or all of these, it is very likely you are suffering with vaginal dryness.
The good news is that this condition can be straightforward to treat and there are lots of safe products available that can help.
So what can you do to relieve vaginal dryness?
Vaginal dryness can occur at any age, but is most common around the menopause when estrogen levels decline. According to Dr Louise Newson, around 65% - 84% of women experience vaginal dryness post menopause. Vaginal dryness is caused by fluctuating hormone levels so it can also occur during pregnancy, breastfeeding, as a result of some cancer treatments, and from stress and anxiety.
According to The Women’s Health Concern, only a quarter of women with this condition go to their GP. Many women are too embarrassed, feel it is just a part of ageing that they need to put up with, or aren’t really aware that it can be treated.
In fact, most of the time, vaginal dryness can be really easily treated. If you are looking for a non-hormonal option, there are lots of products available. The two main choices are vaginal moisturisers and vaginal lubricants. The most important thing is to make sure you know what you are putting on your vulva and vagina — be clear on ingredients!! You want gentle ingredients that are going to soothe sensitive tissues. (See more about what formulas are best below). You may also want to talk to your GP about prescribing Vaginal Oestrogen which is a very low dose hormone option - you can use lubricants like Sylk alongside Vaginal Oestrogen for extra comfort.
Can you use a vaginal lubricant as a moisturiser?
Yes you can!
A vaginal lubricant can absolutely be used to moisturise on a daily basis. This works for many women who trust a lubricant, like SYLK, that works in harmony with their bodies, and does not have any adverse side effects. The important thing is that it works for you. Both vaginal moisturisers and lubricants provide moisture and hydration but in slightly different ways. Vaginal moisturisers tend to be longer lasting and are absorbed into the vaginal walls whilst lubricants provide immediate relief and hydration in the short term. So, you may need to reapply a lube more than you would a moisturiser, but this does also allow you to control what you use.
What is the difference between a moisturiser and lubricant?
Vaginal Moisturisers
- Purpose: To alleviate dryness, itching and irritation by providing ongoing moisture and improving tissue health.
- How they work: They are absorbed into the vaginal walls, helping to trap moisture and make tissue more supple and elastic.
- When to use: Consistently, several times a week, for long-term comfort.
Vaginal Lubricants
- Purpose: To relieve dryness, itching and irritation by providing hydration and slipperiness. To make sex more comfortable and pleasurable and to improve every day comfort.
- How they work: They sit on the surface to provide immediate hydration and slip. And they soothe sensitive vaginal tissue.
- When to use: For daily comfort to supply hydration and moisturisation — apply as needed. Before and during sex.
Key features
What formulas and ingredients are best?
- Water-based formulas can be used with condoms, toys and tampons. They are also non-staining and non-sticky
- pH balanced to match the vaginal environment is important as it helps keep everything healthy and bacteria at bay
- Health professionals recommend not using products with glycerine if you have a tendency to get thrush
- Avoid anything that tingles or warms as these will likely contain chemicals that can cause irritation
- Look for natural and plant based gums and ingredients that will soothe and support sensitive tissues
Why try SYLK?
Our range of plant based lubricants are water based, pH friendly and support sensitive tissues. The female friendly formula is intensely hydrating and relieves dryness immediately. Sylk has been sold in the UK for over 30 years and is recommended by health professionals world-wide.
