Natural Vaginal Moisturizers: Is Jojoba Oil a Good Choice?
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This can be a touchy subject for many women, but it’s very common.
It can affect women of all ages. Entering into menopause, the number of women that experience it increases.
One widely shared estimate puts it at 44% of women aged 40 to 59 and 70% of women over 60, though figures vary between studies.
We’re talking about vaginal discomfort and dryness. It’s not a subject most women feel comfortable or want to talk about. However, it’s a very common issue.
Many readers ask about plant oils, especially jojoba, as a natural vaginal moisturizer. The product we looked at is Teak Naturals Organic Cold Pressed Unrefined Jojoba Oil.
Before you try it, know what the NHS advises. It recommends vaginal moisturizers and water-based lubricants, and warns against creams, lotions or moisturizers not made for the vagina, because they can cause more irritation or an infection.
Jojoba Oil Versus Vaginal Moisturizers
I want to stress how delicate the balance is down there. Ladies, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.
Given that, be careful what you put on your lady parts. Natural doesn’t always mean gentle, and products made for vaginal use are designed for that delicate area.
Jojoba oil is different from most plant oils because it resembles the skin’s own oil (sebum), which is why it’s popular in skin care.
It isn’t risk-free, though. Some people react to it, and there’s no good evidence that it prevents yeast infections.
Oils also weaken latex condoms. The NHS says not to use oil-based lubricant with latex condoms, so jojoba is a poor choice if you rely on condoms for birth control or STI protection.
Teak Naturals Organic Cold Pressed Unrefined Jojoba Oil
The maker describes this cold pressed oil as organic and non-GMO. It sinks into skin fairly quickly, which makes it a nice body and hair oil.
For vaginal dryness, though, a product made for vaginal use is the safer first choice. If you try jojoba on the outer skin of the vulva, patch test first and stop if you notice itching, burning or unusual discharge.
Teak Naturals also sells their oil in quality dark amber glass bottles which further preserves the oil so it lasts a long time.
A little of this oil goes a long way, and it’s multi-functional, from your hair to your feet. For intimate areas, choose products that are safe and great for that specific use.
More Great Features Of Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is actually not really oil in the cellular sense but a liquid wax that’s extracted from the seeds and nuts of the jojoba plant. Bet you didn’t know that!
The reason why, is because it’s actually a combination of long chain monounsaturated liquid wax esters.
They’re different than triglycerides, which are what most oils, like coconut oil, are made of.
Jojoba has a long history of traditional use on skin.
Skin care brands often pair oils like jojoba with ceramide, a type of lipid that helps skin hold on to moisture.
This oil also has a very long shelf life so it can sit in your shower or on your bathroom shelf for years!
To focus on the positives, if you’re a woman who suffers from vaginal dryness you’re not alone.
There are many different things you can do to help deal with and prevent this from happening.
To Sum Up
Unrefined jojoba oil is a lovely body oil, but it isn’t made for vaginal use and it can damage latex condoms. For dryness, start with a vaginal moisturizer or a water-based lubricant.
See a doctor if dryness lasts a few weeks, affects your daily life, or comes with unusual discharge or bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause. If hormone changes are the cause, prescription estrogen treatments may help.
Sources
- Vaginal dryness, NHS
- Condoms, NHS
