Bottoms Up! How to Properly Care for Your Delicate Anal Skin
Bottoms Up! How to Properly Care for Your Delicate Anal Skin
Amongst jungles of hair and perky cheeks, it’s easy to forget about the skin on our bottoms because, let’s face it, it’s not something we see every day. Unlike our faces or hands, our rear end stays hidden, making it easy to neglect. But the skin there is like a delicate botanical garden, prone to acting up when left untended.
Think about it: this area deals with the likes of daily friction, moisture, and, of course, bathroom activities. Ignoring it can lead to a host of issues like irritation, itching, and worsening painful conditions such as haemorrhoids or fissures. Just because it’s out of sight doesn’t mean it should be out of mind. Paying a little extra attention to your behind can go a long way in keeping you comfortable and avoiding unnecessary problems down the road.
The delicate anal skin is home to an even more delicate ecosystem of bacteria, good and bad, keeping everything balanced and in order. Toilet paper, wet wipes and harsh soaps can leave this bacteria’s home (your bottom) desolate, vulnerable to the harsh conditions of the outside world.
Let’s dive into our sensitive little bottoms and see how we can give them the TLC they deserve, whilst preventing any unwanted damage. In a world where 7-step skincare routines are the norm, let's consider how we can bring the same level of care to our derrière.
Understanding Anal Skin
Why Is My Bum So Sensitive?
Anal skin is uniquely sensitive for a few reasons. Firstly, the skin around the anus is much thinner compared to other parts of the body, especially for women, making it more susceptible to tears and abrasions. Men’s skin is actually 20-30% thicker than women’s in general, so women, take care down there!
Our sinkholes also have a high concentration of nerve endings, which makes them more prone to discomfort and pain when irritated. This sensitivity is crucial for detecting issues like swelling or the presence of foreign objects, but it also means that even minor irritants can make a mountain out of a hole hill.
The area is often moist due to sweat and other bodily fluids too, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive and overgrow if not properly managed. To keep everything tame and comfortable, we want to keep the good and bad bacteria balanced down there. You might have heard the saying swamp a*s before, that's what we're talking about here! This combination of factors makes proper care essential to avoid irritation, infections, and other complications.Common Conditions
When we neglect our perky posterior’s needs, a variety of unpleasant conditions can arise:
Anal itching/ pruritus ani is one of the most common, often caused by irritation from not getting completely clean, harsh toilet paper and over-wiping, and irritants in wet wipes or harsh soap stripping our bottom of its healthy oils and good bacteria.
Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectal area that can cause significant discomfort and bleeding. These are usually caused by straining on the toilet, a sedentary lifestyle, heavy lifting and pregnancy. Essentially anything that causes strain down there. These bumps can become inflamed due to the friction of dry wiping.
Fissures, or small tears in the anal lining, can develop when we encounter a large or hard stool, usually after a bout of constipation or diarrhoea. Other aspects like anal intercourse can also play a part in developing fissures. Over-wiping with dry toilet paper mixed with a blasted fissure is the perfect recipe for a regrettable trip to the porcelain throne.
Additionally, prolonged moisture and poor hygiene can result in fungal or bacterial infections, causing redness, swelling, and pain. Recognizing these common conditions is the first step in understanding why the proper care of our anal skin is so important. Ignoring these issues can lead to chronic discomfort and more serious health concerns.
The Trouble with Toilet Paper
Dry Wiping Woes
Dry wiping often fails to clean our treasure troves sufficiently, leaving residue behind. As the 'leftovers' dry, they can cause irritation and itchiness. Alas, more sinister things than ants reside in these pants.
Many types of toilet paper contain chemicals and fragrances that can exacerbate irritation too, especially for those with sensitive skin. One of the worst chemicals used is chlorine, to bleach the paper white. These chemicals and fragrances can irritate our sensitive skin, leaving us sore, itchy and all-around uncomfortable.
Tears and Microdermabrasion
When we over-wipe with dry toilet paper, we’re actually creating tiny tears on the delicate skin of our bottoms. Many people will assume that wiping harder, or more aggressively, will make for more efficient cleanliness, but that’s not entirely the case. Think about when you have a runny nose, you’re constantly wiping and blowing, but you just end up with sore/cracked skin. It works the same below the waist, not very nice!
Over-wiping can lead to itching, soreness and bleeding. Where this isn’t usually anything to worry about, we can find ourselves running around our rings in circles, worsening the issue over time and simply making toilet time an unpleasant experience. When we experience conditions such as fissures and haemorrhoids, these tiny tears can be more painful than ever.
We believe that wetter is better when it comes to a gentle and effective cleansing experience, so be sure to use a soothing and moisturising toilet paper gel so you can glide into a comfortable toilet routine and avoid abrasions on your chocolate starfish.
Wet Wipes: Friend or Foe?
Hidden Irritants
Many people will opt for wet wipes to clean up after dropping some pebbles, and sure, they seem like a convenient solution for abiding by our rule of ‘wetter is better’. However, they often contain hidden irritants that cause havoc on the skin around the anus.
Many brands add preservatives, fragrances, and alcohol to their wipes. These chemicals can strip away the natural oils and protective flora of your skin, causing dryness and irritation. Fragrances can be a significant source of allergic reactions, leading to itching, redness, and even rashes.
Stripping the Good Bacteria Away
Preservatives in wet wipes and harsh soaps are often the unseen enemy when it comes to anal skin care. These chemicals are added to extend the shelf life of intimate care products, but they can sometimes paint sensitive skin red.
Common preservatives like parabens, methylisothiazolinone, and formaldehyde-releasing agents are known allergens and irritants so look out for them on the back of wet wipe packets. They can strip away the skin’s natural oils, disrupting its microbiome and the skin’s protective barrier, leading to dryness, itching, and even allergic reactions.
Rectal Surgeon, Dr Evan Goldstein, says that wipes “get rid of the good stuff. They're an irritant no one should use.” It’s best to keep them away from your anal skin.
Repairing your skin barrier when it’s been damaged means nurturing it with a gentle and moisturising routine. Using a formula that’s pH balanced and designed specifically for the skin surrounding your anus is essential to build up the natural oils (and flora) on your backside.
Best Practices for Bottom Care
Gentle Cleansing Methods
Gentle cleansing methods are essential for maintaining the health of your anal skin. Always remember the golden rule when it comes to gentle cleaning, wetter is better! A soothing and moisturising toilet paper gel will soften the abrasive nature of toilet paper, leaving you feeling much cleaner and more comfortable.
Avoid products with fragrances, alcohol, and harsh chemicals that can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the protective flora. After cleansing, gently pat the area dry with a soft towel to avoid friction. Incorporating these gentle cleansing methods into your routine can help keep your anal skin healthy, comfortable, and free from irritation.
Moisturise and Protect
After cleansing, it’s important to moisturise and protect your anal skin to keep it healthy and prevent irritation. Ingredients like aloe vera, coconut and chamomile will help to soothe and moisturise the sensitive skin on your bottom. Luckily, all of these ingredients can be found in Wype’s natural and organic formula.
Opposed to just using our moisturising gel to wipe with, you can also apply a thin layer to your back passage after showering to lock in that moisture and keep your posterior as perky as can be. Just clean yourself as you usually would, pat your bottom dry and apply a thin layer of Wype!
Regular moisturising and protection can go a long way in maintaining the health and comfort of your perianal area, ensuring that it remains resilient against everyday wear and tear.
Healthy Habits for Life
Adopting healthy habits for bottom care is just as important for maintaining comfort and preventing long-term issues on the anal skin. Incorporating a balanced diet rich in fiber can help prevent constipation and reduce strain during bowel movements. Staying hydrated is equally important, as it promotes regularity and softer stools, minimising the risk of tears and haemorrhoids.
Regular exercise can also support digestive health and improve circulation, further benefiting your anal skin. When it comes to hygiene, always opt for gentle cleansing methods and avoid harsh products. Wearing breathable, moisture-wicking underwear made from natural fibers like cotton can help keep the area dry and reduce irritation.
Lastly, listen to your body; if you experience persistent discomfort or notice any changes, consult a healthcare professional. By integrating these healthy habits into your daily routine, you can ensure that your anal skin remains healthy and comfortable for life.
Wrapping up
We’ve learnt about the delicate and sensitive nature of the skin surrounding the anus, and we’ve also inspected how everyday routines can impact the skin, positively and negatively. By ensuring that we’re cleaning gently yet effectively, not using any oil stripping products, and keeping a poop-friendly diet, we can reduce the chances of experiencing discomfort or health conditions in this sensitive area.
Want to give the skin around your balloon knot some TLC? Why not try the Wype Starter Kit? With soothing aloe vera and moisturising coconut, you’ll be well on your way to giving your peach the love it deserves with 20% off The Starter Bundle.
What an interesting read! Never thought I’d say that, considering the subject.
Love Wype – good to hear it’s doing my bottom some good!!
Thank you for a very interesting, informative and relatively unbiased article. It’s a shame that more members of the general public will not have the privilege of being educated on the subject!
P. S. I have been making good use of Wype ever since it was featured on Dragon’s Den.
Type is the best thing to happen for my bottom and front’s care! I love it and I’m sure it is doing a grand job. Thanks.