Very few of us think about our skin beyond the areas that other people see. Unfortunately, that means those areas receive less care. When we are young, it doesn’t seem to matter much, but as we get older, we begin to see signs of wear and tear all over. The vagina is no exception.
There are a few tests you can do at home to see how vibrant your perineal skin tissue may be — and you don’t even have to remove your pants. You can use the skin on the back of your hand and the lips on your face as proxies for your vulva.
Here’s how.
TESTS 1 & 2: How vivacious is your vagina?
This test simulates the kind of tension your vulva experiences when you sit with your legs crossed. With the thumb and forefinger of one hand, lightly pinch the skin on the back of the opposite hand and twist it slightly. Let go. Watch how long it takes the skin to return to its normal state. Does it spring back quickly? Great. Does it take a few seconds to settle back into place? Not great.
This test simulates the kind of tension your vulva experiences when you sit with your legs crossed while wearing a thong, skinny jeans, or leggings. With the thumb and forefinger of one hand, lightly pinch the skin on the back of the opposite hand and pull it upward as far as it will go. Hold it there for the count of 10 and then let go. Watch how long it takes the skin to return to its normal state. More than likely, it’s a bit longer than in the first test. It might even be a lot longer before it fully smooths back out.
TEST 3: How sensitive is your vulva?
This test simulates the kind of stress your vulva experiences when you go to the toilet. Take a clean piece of toilet paper and lightly wet it with a mix of warm saltwater and a few drops of vinegar. Rub the toilet paper on the outside of your lower lip and just inside. Notice if any bits of paper remain or you feel a slight discomfort. Repeat at least as many times as you go to the toilet in a day. There’s a good chance your lips feel sensitive or even irritated.
TEST 4: Can skin vitality and sensitivity be improved?
We think it can. Just the same as you moisturize your hands to keep them soft and supple and use balm on your lips to keep them from feeling rough and chapped, you can use an intimate skin moisturizer on your vulva and outside your vagina. We recommend trying Mia Vita Gel vaginal moisturizer daily for a month — and then let us know how it goes.
Curious about the changes to your vagina that come with age? Read 7 Biggest Questions About Vaginal Dryness Answered.