After childbirth, your body goes through an enormous recovery. While there is plenty of information about healing from delivery itself, very little is said about the changes to your vulvar skin — and how to care for it in the weeks and months that follow.
Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a cesarean, hormonal shifts affect your intimate skin. Here is what to expect and how to support your body recovery.
What Happens to Intimate Skin After Childbirth
During pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels actually increase moisture to the vulvar area. After delivery, estrogen drops sharply — especially if you are breastfeeding. This sudden shift can cause:
- Vulvar dryness — Sometimes significant, especially while nursing
- Increased sensitivity — Skin that previously tolerated certain products may now react
- pH changes — The vaginal and vulvar pH can take weeks to rebalance
- General discomfort — Tightness, itching, or a feeling of fragility
These changes are normal and related to hormones, not to how your delivery went.
When to Start an Intimate Skincare Routine Postpartum
Important: Follow your healthcare provider specific instructions for the immediate postpartum period. Every delivery is different, and if you had tears, stitches, or complications, your doctor guidance comes first.
For general vulvar skin care (external only), most women can gently begin once they feel comfortable — usually after the initial healing period that your provider will discuss with you.
Gentle Care for the Postpartum Period
Cleansing
Your vulvar skin is more sensitive than usual right now. Skip anything with fragrance, alcohol, or harsh surfactants. A pH-balanced intimate cleanser is gentler than soap and helps support the microbiome as it rebalances.
Our PureBalance Cleanser is formulated at pH 4.5 with probiotics — it is designed for sensitive intimate skin and works well during this transitional period.
Moisturizing
If you are breastfeeding, vulvar dryness can be persistent because low estrogen levels continue throughout nursing. A daily intimate moisturizer can provide relief.
Our InstiMoist Moisturizer is a lightweight, non-greasy formula with hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Apply to the external vulvar area as needed.
Extra Hydration When Needed
For women experiencing significant dryness — especially those breastfeeding for extended periods — adding a hydrating serum can provide additional comfort. Our VulvaRevive Serum is a lightweight option that absorbs quickly.
A Note About Breastfeeding and Dryness
If you are nursing and experiencing vulvar dryness, know that this is hormonally driven and common. It typically improves as you wean or as your cycle returns. In the meantime, consistent external hydration can make a meaningful difference in daily comfort.
Our Recommendation for New Moms
Start with the basics: our Cleanser + Moisturizer Bundle covers gentle cleansing and hydration. If dryness is significant, consider the Complete 3-Step Care Set which adds the serum for extra nourishment.
This article is for informational purposes only. Always follow your healthcare provider postpartum care instructions. Do not use any products on healing wounds or stitches without your doctor approval. All LOVV products are for external use only. Do not use during pregnancy.