A Few Female Hygiene/Grooming Questions

[Sarbear213]

Hello!

My first question is more of a hygiene thing. I'm a bigger girl with pretty large breasts, and honestly, it can get pretty gross under/around them. I'm getting more and more self-conscious about my boobs sweating, but I really have no idea how to control or stop it. I usually take a shower every day, but that doesn't seem to help. It's getting into my bras and it's really just gross. If anyone has experience dealing with this, any help would -greatly- be appreciated.

My second question involves shaving. I have pretty sensitive skin, and am prone to ingrown hairs... Every time I try to shave "down there," it only stays nice for a day or two before it starts to get red and bumpy. I've tried shaving in the same direction as the hair, and using baby oil to try to control it, but it really doesn't help. I've also heard that shaving more frequently can help it to grow back nicer, but I live in a dorm and shaving in those shower stalls is not a fun experience. >.> But most of the guys I've talked to prefer girls to be shaved. I could use some tips on how to keep things nice and presentable without having to shave completely, or on how to just get better outcomes with shaving.

Thanks so much for any help you can give!

 

[Sarbear213]

Go with waxing. Seriously. It's longer lasting, the result is cleaner and smoother, the re growth is softer and kinder on your skin. And no more shower stall shaving.

You could also soak your bras overnight in a nappysan solution, or whatever the USA equivalent might be, to avoid wrecking them. Also don't re-wear. Just wear once and wash.

I hope someone else has good advice.

Thanks for the help. Do you have any experience with self-waxing kits and such? I've never tried it before...

I'm pretty stuck on having to rewear them... Laundry is pretty expensive for a broke college student.

 

[unregistered]

 

[MeekMe]

I have no experience with large breast but plenty with shaving/waxing.

The area needs to be clean first and foremost. Use warm water when shaving and something to help the blade glide like shaving gel. Always use a fresh razor. After shaving keep the area clean by using witch hazel.

I like witch hazel because it is inexpensive (less than $2.00 a bottle) and it fights inflammation while cleaning the area. Keeping the area clean will do wonders for ingrown hairs. After showering I always wipe the area down with witch hazel.

Use a sugar scrub to scrub dead skin away from the area. This is also going to keep pores from clogging and causing ingrown hairs. On a budget, just mix olive oil and brown sugar, you'll be smooth and moisturized.

I prefer waxing and these techniques work well with waxing. I suggest seeking professional help for your first wax if you go that route. Most waxing centers have deals for your first wax so definitely check them out.

For waxing take an aspirin one hour before you go and avoid going in the morning. Also avoid going the week leading up to your period. These times it's more painful. Otherwise, waxing isn't so bad and the anticipation is often more painful than the actual waxing.

Good luck, if you have more questions I'm happy to help.

 

[huelust]

I have the same problem regarding shaving. I've settled on keeping the area trimmed fairly short using a men's electric clippers. My upper thigh area has become less sensitive over the past few years making it easier to keep smooth.

I do this also since I have curly hair and ingrowns are almost a given. I use hair clippers to cut the mons hair very close. I actually can use a razor on the labia and I find that having hairless smooth labia and neatly trimmed mons is just as good as being bare as far as sex is concerned and I've never had complaints from partners who usually do prefer shaved pussy.

I'm big enough to have cleavage, but still small enough to not wear bras most of the time, but I do sweat in that area. I find a really light camisole keeps me dry but you may want to invest in a good bra that may have some wicking material similar to a good sports bra but not a sports bra. Sorry I can't really recommend a brand! Bras are not my friends and I tend to wear them only if my top is sheer enough to give me away or when I exercise.

 

[fire_breeze]

Hello!

My first question is more of a hygiene thing. I'm a bigger girl with pretty large breasts, and honestly, it can get pretty gross under/around them. I'm getting more and more self-conscious about my boobs sweating, but I really have no idea how to control or stop it. I usually take a shower every day, but that doesn't seem to help. It's getting into my bras and it's really just gross. If anyone has experience dealing with this, any help would -greatly- be appreciated.

My second question involves shaving. I have pretty sensitive skin, and am prone to ingrown hairs... Every time I try to shave "down there," it only stays nice for a day or two before it starts to get red and bumpy. I've tried shaving in the same direction as the hair, and using baby oil to try to control it, but it really doesn't help. I've also heard that shaving more frequently can help it to grow back nicer, but I live in a dorm and shaving in those shower stalls is not a fun experience. >.> But most of the guys I've talked to prefer girls to be shaved. I could use some tips on how to keep things nice and presentable without having to shave completely, or on how to just get better outcomes with shaving.

Thanks so much for any help you can give!

Welcome to Lit

For the shaving question - I echo many others: wax. The hair grows back thinner, ingrown hairs are virtually non-existent if you exfoliate regularly, and the result lasts and lasts. Before I lasered, I waxed and towards the end I was able to extend a wax for over 7 weeks.

Before you go with the self-waxing route, I suggest several sessions at a professional (cue Pmann's rant against waxing ). There are several reasons for it. First all - a professional knows what she is doing and it will be far less painful than if you try it yourself. Your skin will not only acclimatise to the waxing process, but you will also know how relatively pain-free waxing can be. Furthermore, you will learn the techniques in order to wax properly. No amount of reading literature and YouTube video will compensate. Yes, you are to pull your skin taut, but only a professional knows how taut the skin is to be pulled. Three, no matter how good you are, I found that a professional job is quicker and lasts longer (and I did it myself for years, and I still do for touch-ups).

I understand that you are a poor student - I was once myself (oh hell I still am one!). However, in this case, going cheaper will not save you money in the long run - at least not in the beginning. Save up your pennies and get thee several good waxing sessions. Observe and ask questions. Aestheticians LOVE to give advice and many of them are helpful with cost-cutting hints and tips (for example, I'd go only three times a year and self waxed in between). This is something that is worth getting done professionally, at least in the beginning, to get your sensitive skin used to waxing.

IF you want to go the self-waxing route from the get go, say so and I have more tips. If you want to stick with shaving, our resident Make-Up Fairy, SatinDesire has wonderful tips here

When I had larger breasts, I used corn starch. It is cheaper than baby powder, it is scentless (I hate the smell of baby powder), it's considerably healthier than talc and/or baby powder, and it absorbs moisture better than baby powder. This is something that my pediatrician recommended for my parents when I was a baby, and something that my dermatologist recommended for me.

Your bra may also be the culprit. Make sure you have a well-fitting bra - it's an investment worth having - and make sure that the band absorbs sweat. Also, make sure that the material is breathable and make sure it is completely dry before you put it away.

 

[SkylarFalling]

Hello!
My second question involves shaving. I have pretty sensitive skin, and am prone to ingrown hairs... Every time I try to shave "down there," it only stays nice for a day or two before it starts to get red and bumpy. I've tried shaving in the same direction as the hair, and using baby oil to try to control it, but it really doesn't help. I've also heard that shaving more frequently can help it to grow back nicer, but I live in a dorm and shaving in those shower stalls is not a fun experience. >.> But most of the guys I've talked to prefer girls to be shaved. I could use some tips on how to keep things nice and presentable without having to shave completely, or on how to just get better outcomes with shaving.

Thanks so much for any help you can give!

I do this also since I have curly hair and ingrowns are almost a given. I use hair clippers to cut the mons hair very close. I actually can use a razor on the labia and I find that having hairless smooth labia and neatly trimmed mons is just as good as being bare as far as sex is concerned and I've never had complaints from partners who usually do prefer shaved pussy.

I'm big enough to have cleavage, but still small enough to not wear bras most of the time, but I do sweat in that area. I find a really light camisole keeps me dry but you may want to invest in a good bra that may have some wicking material similar to a good sports bra but not a sports bra. Sorry I can't really recommend a brand! Bras are not my friends and I tend to wear them only if my top is sheer enough to give me away or when I exercise.

It sounds like you're both similar to me - I think perhaps some women have skin that just doesn't tolerate shaving bare, because I've followed all of the advice I can find anywhere and I still don't tolerate it very well..... I can shave in the evening, and it'll look fine in the evening, but come morning I'll be a mess of bumps and stubble.

I do what huelust does - my labia actually tolerate shaving much better than my mons. Invest in a good trimmer and keep your mons neat, shave your labia bare. I've never had any complaints like that.
Of course, waxing would solve the problem completely, but I've had no experience of it, being in the broke student boat also.

As for bras... I'm not really big enough to help that much, but just from experience buying binders and cycling jackets, the type of material makes a lot of difference. As far as I'm aware most bras aren't reallydesigned with breathability especially in mind, but I don't like the sweaty bit under my boobs either.

Anyhoo good luck!

 

[GiggLeGasm]

you've gotten great advice regarding hair removal.. no need to rehash it.

With the skin fold issue, however, I think it's fair to suggest a visit to your local clinic. It's very possible to get a fungal infection in your skin folds. it can be easily maintained with a medicated powder or lotion. We sometimes suggest to women that they sleep with dry-fit fabric slipped under the folds of the breasts and anywhere that seems to collect excess moisture. If you leave tails hanging outside of the fold, moisture can be wicked to the ends of the fabric where it is more likely to evaporate. For extreme situations, you can get a medicated "dry-fit" fabric that will prevent growth of "stuff" in the skin folds.

You might also try using a blow dryer to thoroughly dry your skin prior to getting dressed. If the skin is broken, avoid using scented powders or lotions that could further irritate the tissue. Barrier ointments/lotions/powders can protect the skin, but it's a wise idea to seek a diagnosis so that you choose the right cure.

I hope you get better soon!

 

[Ginger41]

I went to a salon and got waxed and ended up getting a terrible infection that almost landed me in the hospital. It and I were very clean but still happened.
Shaving for me from now on. One swipe over the area every day or every other day. Your skin will get used to it and the bumps will lessen with time. Also Magic Shave does a great job but its pretty smelly. If I go too long without shaving Ill use the magic shave to get back on track. Its very inexpensive.


I have girls mention a product called Monistat Chafing Gel. Well endowed girls seem to use it under their boobs. Its found at Walmart. Maybe give it a try.

 

[PinkPeep]

Boobs! I've always been a big chested lady. And being an active big lady means investing in excellent bras that don't break our piggy bank. Now if your my size (36-38 triple E and during my pregnancy a G) this means you're not going to find a great bra at walmart.

Ladies, we want to look sexy, and supported and sweatless when we do sporty things.

I shop at an online store. pm me if you want to know the name. I'm NOT advertising for them. they sell all kinds of brands in all kinds of sizes. the brand that I use is comfort care wireless sports bra in black. made of all cotton and it has a nice thick band around the rib cage.holds me in. doesn't show the sweat, and easy enough to handwash in the sink and be ready for the next day.

and the prices are good too.

 

[FloridaSmoothie]

Once you have removed your hair with waxing, you could use an epilator for the regrowth about once a week.

 

[Mindlessfruit]

Boob sweat! *shakes fist* I can't stand it. It was pretty bad when I was not wearing the correct bra size. So I'd definitely say go out to a department store (I went to Nordstrom), and get sized. You can tell them your financial situation. Try going when the department store is having a sale on their lingerie, which is what I did.

Other than that, if I feel really sweaty, I use a powder I found out about when I was fighting with seborrheic dermatitis. It comes in a pink bottle called Caldesene. It smells nice and leaves my skin feeling soft. I do use it on my bikini area after shaving too.