Recently, a colleague confessed that when we launched Ina, she wasn’t sure if she needed the products; she had never used intimate skincare before. A year or so later, after she had been treated for breast cancer and was placed on a 5-year estrogen blocker program, everything changed. Her vulvovaginal area felt “as dry as the Sahara desert” with life-interrupting bouts of irritation. Now she says she’s a true believer in an intimate skincare routine.

She realized how important it is to care for your intimate skin BEFORE you have a problem ... "I didn't realize I had a problem or needed the Ina products until much more serious health problems to occur (and I consider myself a very savvy consumer of skincare and personal care products). In my case, going off of bioidentical hormones and beginning a course of estrogen blockers made an already challenging situation even worse and set the perfect stage for more serious problems to begin to occur. I didn't know that once the estrogen sensitive tissue in the vulvar area begins to thin and weaken, it can become more susceptible to infections, which can lead to UTI's and other issues. In my case, the UTI's were not only painful and caused bleeding, they would not go away. Thousands of women are on these medications and are suffering these debilitating effects. The Ina products helped to rehydrate, renew and restore the health of my estrogen depleted tissues, making daily activities, work-outs, bike rides and sex much more enjoyable. My OB/GYN stressed the importance of being on a regular, preventative intimate skincare program to stay healthy and prevent reoccurrance (especially important for sexually active women). I am happy to say that since I have been on a regular regime of Ina, I have not experienced any further bladder infections or bleeding and sexual activity has become much, much more pleasant!"

Estrogen levels play a significant role in vulvar skin health

There are numerous factors that can contribute to lower levels of estrogen in the body, and to corresponding vulvar/vaginal dryness, beyond the commonly known factors associated with aging and menopause.

43% of US Women are on the Menopausal Journey

After and around the time of menopause, a women’s body naturally makes less estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that helps maintain the vagina's lubrication, elasticity, and thickness. Low levels of estrogen can cause thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls, which can lead to irritation and painful sex. Estrogen levels can also fall after childbirth with breastfeeding, during cancer treatment or with anti-estrogen drugs. There are also non-hormonal factors, such as cold and allergy medications and some antidepressants that can dry out vaginal tissue.

As a result, painful sex due to vaginal dryness can occur at any age. It is reported that around 17% of women ages 18-50 experience problems with vaginal dryness during sex, even before menopause. Many women may experience vaginal dryness during sex because they are not sexually aroused – which is often caused by insufficient foreplay or psychological reasons such as stress. A Harvard study estimated that vaginal dryness affects about half of postmenopausal women — most of whom, possibly as many as 90%, don't seek treatment for their symptoms, which include not only dryness, but also irritation and painful sex.

Ina to the Intimate Skin Rescue

Ina currently has two moisturizers to help with vulvar skin dryness* — Hydrating Serum and Nourishing Oil Elixir. Our Balancing Cleanser also helps to leave skin feeling moisturized after cleansing. A regular regimen of cleansing and moisturizing will help to keep vulvar skin hydrated, nourished, and protected. The ultimate Ina intimate skincare routine includes cleansing with Balancing Cleanser, moisturizing with Hydrating Serum, followed by Nourishing Oil Elixir to lock in moisture.

Thank you to all of our customers and colleagues who have shared their private Ina stories with us. They help to confirm that we’re on the right track. At Ina, we’re proud to put women’s intimate skin needs first to help with their body's changing needs through all stages of life.

Do you have an Ina story you’d like to share with us? Email us at hello@inalabs.com for an opportunity to be featured on this blog.