Bikini Area Skincare for Butt Acne + Hyperpigmentation and More | Dr. Sam Ellis

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

Skipping underpants when it works for me has drastically improved the skin health of my nethers! Esp wearing a robe after bath/shower for as long as possible to be nice & dry without irritation.

[@zaimajawad7880]

I was shocked that a lot of us women wear knickers to bed. No it should be pj bottoms only. Also a bidet does wonders

[@greenlean8890]

Agreed! This is very important to female bodies, especially important for young girls (children & teens).

[@cynthiagilbreth1352]

Very good informative video, thanks so much for this.

[@albatrozz3058]

Avoid underpants whenever you can! She is 100% right.

[@NaziaH-v8z]

Long cotton t-shirt to bed

[@natalielloyd9200]

Your brief mention of HS...omg. I have been dismissed, ignored, traumatised and generally bruised off by multiple doctors over the course of my life. I've never heard of this condition before. I absolutely have it. I have never heard anyone describe it so accurately before. I just live in fear of the next flare. This has given me the courage to go back and ask for help again. Thank you. SO much. ❤

[@DrSamEllis]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@jessy638]

Please know you are not alone and it has nothing to do with how “clean” you are either ❤️ there are a lot of good online support communities!

[@natalielloyd9200]

@@jessy638 thank you!!

[@caitmdonald]

Same! I never had anything appear until my 20s but I've been at war with multiple massive and outrageously painful cysts on my bikini line. The derm. Was able to confirm what was going on but the treatment has been more "manage the mess as it comes" and it's so aggravating and embarrassing...suggested an off label use of humera or w.e it's called being shown to help people with it but th complications and blood work needed to maintain use of the medication just doesn't seem like an option for me. I'm also super fair skinned so the marks I get left with are literally purple and I rarely find anyone else who has ever heard of it ❤😫😫it does feel nice to hear someone finally go there!!!

[@lunachick7893]

Dr pimple popper has videos about this on TLC. Strange that you haven't seen it there.

[@amyk3020]

As a nurse for many years I totally agree. Proper washing and going to bed without undergarment is a game changer for so many women. Love your channel, your frankness and honesty is amazing. Thank you

[@jungshooking]

Halle-freacking-lujah!! You have finally diagnosed my life-ling problem (HS). I knew something was wrong, but even my gynecologists that I went to for check ups said it was not an issue. The inaesthetism, pain and dirty-feel it creates had always been one of my major insecurities. THANK YOU!!

[@SamMKKK]

Laser hair removal has been life changing for me. I considered my first appointment my entering-adulthood investment in myself, because the pain and discomfort from the boils was actually affecting my quality of life. It obviously hasn’t erased the problem (or the hair), and I never expected it to, but the mitigation and relief has been fantastic.

[@shiver222]

Same! I could finally afford my legs and bikini line at age 33, and my only regret is not having enough money to do it at 20.

[@iwtbf48]

I love this, I might go for that. Wow.

[@Shinebright121]

@@shiver222what’s the benefit of laser treatment, how long did it take for your hair to regrow?

[@shiver222]

@@Shinebright121 the benefit is not having to shave ever again! Especially no ingrown hairs, which I was so prone to along my bikini line. If done correctly over a series of treatments once per month for 6-12 months, the hair never regrows. The hair follicle is done for good.

[@Shinebright121]

@@shiver222 oh thankyou so much✨

[@LadyJadeicorn]

this is the first time i’m hearing of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and im 99% sure i have it and im so relieved to hear that other people experience this. i thought i was the ONLY one 😭

[@skylarsherman-morton9876]

It’s awful, I’m sorry 😢 mine is taking a break currently while other autoimmune issues are bothering me. Many doctors don’t know much about it I’m glad it was brought up here. Hope you feel better!

[@barbarakhan5275]

My niece has it and it’s been awful for her. I had never heard about it until she told me when we were going to the beach and she wanted to explain the scarring she had. She’s had a number of surgeries.

[@cdubs5711]

0:00 Introduction and credentials 1:09 Genital Area Skin Anatomy and Conditions 2:10 Skin Care for Down There 4:13 Common Skin Issues Down There - Bumps, or Acne-like conditions 12:42 Common Skin Issues Down There - Ingrown Hairs 15:38 Common Skin Issues Down There - Hyperpigmentation

[@Duhhhhhhhhhhhhh.duhhhhhhhh]

GREAT video-ICU nurse here….you do such a great job with patient education and it’s so necessary as you know! Sharing it as I do many of your videos. Lots of folks either can’t afford to go to a medical professional for any reason so you and other doctors are REALLY helping improve healthcare. THANK YOU! And your products rock too❤I do have one question….the prequel spray….can it be used in genital area instead of tend skin for after shaving? Many take blood thinners and have inflammatory conditions

[@SB_41]

Same and I totally agree!

[@Sandra.Viewer]

The St. Tropez Prep & Maintain Tan Build Up Remover Mitt is a staple in my self-care routine as a gentle yet effective body exfoliator. No more ingrown hairs and my skin feels amazingly soft and refreshed!

[@wendyneeb3426]

I wish you would have mentioned Lichen Sclerosis and lichen planus of the vulva. Too many women suffer years being misdiagnosed.

[@ipankajadealwis]

Thank you so much for addressing HS Dr Ellis! It's not a well known condition and there isn't much out there on the topic. If you could do a video on the subject that would be very much appreciated by all of us who deal with the condition 😊

[@mabinogidrws]

I'm sure I've seen Dr Pimple Popper treat this if you haven't seen her videos yet

[@kendallrogers9814]

I would love to see a video specifically on skin care for Hydradenitis Superativa - I’ve had it for almost 10 years but was only diagnosed three years ago. Specifically hair removal? It’s not widely talked about but I was excited to hear you mention it.

[@subi-dubi]

Great that you mentioned HS. So many people suffering in silence. The more information ghat is out there the better. Also would be great to cover LS, another one that can be dismissed as just a simple itch from sweat etc. and go undiagnosed for far too long and progress to a serious stage unnecessarily. More awareness is needed. Thanks for a great video 😊

[@DPDC63]

Thank you for saying KP can happen on the bum, I rarely hear doctors talk about this!

[@db-gb5xi]

Thanks for the video. Other resources for general hygiene are your ob/gyns. Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, ob/gyn has several videos. Urologist Rena Malik also has videos on feminine hygiene and both talk about infections/uti, etc.

[@jarecerv]

Thank you for speaking on this! I have suffered with recurring boils and foliculitis for years on my buttocks and upper thighs… it’s painful and embarrassing. And also hard to get treated because you have to get an appointment in time for them to see it active. Definitely going to talk to my derm about it

[@shay175]

Thank you s much for this video, I think you genuinely saved alot of girls from the pain of trying various products to yield no results!!

[@MelissaK295]

Love this! Can you make a video talking about dermatillomania and trichotillomania, specifically helping skin heal faster and reducing hyperpigmentation?

[@lindseyknauer9921]

I saw the title of this video and my immediate reaction was “I love her 😂”.

[@Bunnydex]

I had HS on my butt for 2 years when I was 13/14. It was a nightmare. I don't remember how many dermatologists I saw, only the last one says it was HS, for the other ones acne didn't exist on the button. Thank you for this super important information you shared with us ❤

[@adriannafisk]

What did u use

[@LadyJadeicorn]

you are an absolute godsend for this video

[@tsvetelinaangelova914]

Thank you for always touching on topics that are not discussed. The information you share is so valuable. Thanks for all you do, Dr. Ellis.

[@nancypadilla3509]

What a great video! I have pigmentation in my inside thighs because using leggings all the time. I have been using glycolic acid spray from the ordinary, retinol body cream and moisturizer and it is getting better. I had hair laser removal in the groin area and that help a lot with ingrown hair and it is very convenient but a little painful though. Thank you!

[@cutedancer24]

If you did virtual appointments I would totally schedule one with you! You keep it real & that's why people like you

[@elzpeth]

Thank you for talking about HS. I had an 8 year struggle with a dozen doctors and a few emergency visits because of how bad it's gotten and how little primary doctors know about skin. Finally got to a dermatologist after all this time and was told only this year what it was and what was going on. Everyone needs a dermatologist. Skin health isn't only about looking a certain way.

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

Every year, just like we re-up our fire training & all that, health care professionals should come in & have “the talk” with adults about intimate health, menopause, low T, menstruation, etc.

[@hopehrl1]

The BEST thing I did for my intimate skin & hair was getting a ulike device. Ingrown hairs a thing of the past. Only have to shave like once a week or two and it’s smooth as butter and just makes life easier. Also, having a good exfoliating body wash 🤷‍♀️ I alternate between the Naturium glow oil and their glycolic wash.

[@greenlean8890]

Thank you soooo much for making this video!! 🙏🏻 I always wanted to know how best to care for this area and what types of moisturizer & products are best to use for health & dry skin. I don’t understand why this knowledge isn’t more freely given, since it’s a body part practically all people have.

[@sinaghirang]

this is very informative, thank you!

[@dancingshig]

I'm in the joyful peri-menopause stage of life, so thank you! I used to use those "intimate" cleansers, but found when I started peri-menopause that I was experiencing UTIs. I stopped using those on the recommendation of my ObGyn, and I haven't had one in over a year.

[@lunachick7893]

Good and informative video 😊. But you can not use any soap on your hooha. The pH-level in this area is much lower (3,5-4,0) than on the skin (5,5). Ordinary soap oftentimes have an even higher pH than 5,5. Using a soap like this will make your hooha sting and burn. The low pH in this area is there to keep yeast and bad bacteria at bay. The low pH in this area Intimate soaps are quite cheap, so it shouldn't be a problem to buy.

[@antonioricardo6004]

Can you also cover skincare for armpits? How to whiten and make them smooth ?

[@greenlean8890]

You can use an acid like glycolic acid to brighten. I personally love the fragrance free Kosas Chemistry Serum Deodorant-it works great and the acids help to brighten and improve turn over in the skin, which improves texture and stops any issues that come with shaving, like ingrowns.

[@blueelf217]

Laser hair removal and waxing. Any glycolic acid products. I have wipes/pads for the face, but will rub under the arms too. And the soaps with the acids in them. Amazon has a few.

[@sundaylibre]

@@greenlean8890Glycolic acid can help lighten but it also can do the complete opposite especially on an area where a lot of friction happens. It’s also important to note that glycolic acid is not a tyrosinase inhibitor so it does not target hyperpigmentation, it only helps to shed dead skin. Kojic acid, alpha arbutin or other tyrosinase inhibitors paired with exfoliators like lactic acid (a few days a week and at a low percentage) would be a lot more effective and less irritating than GA.

[@mabinogidrws]

I'm pretty sure I've heard another dermatologist suggest benzoyl peroxide (Panoxyl) for this as well

[@MsElizabethweber]

Could you cover caring for Lichen sclerosus, please?

[@FlowerlyF.]

Finally someone!! Jeez! Requested this for so long. Crazy how it still a taboo 🙄

[@_DROM_]

Dr Simi Adedeji has done multiple videos on the subject over her years on YT. Check her out. She's also fantastic! 😉🤩 The products she recommends might be hard to find for you, if you live in America thou

[@lynnedev1920]

Could you do something on skincare under a stomach skin roll? You do amazing education. Thank you.

[@glendaw5221]

Please discuss lichen sclerosus. I had never heard of it until my gynecologist diagnosed me.

[@evelynbarry5046]

Been using both chlorhexidine 2% and panoxyl once ot twice daily for the last 5 weeks and has really helped my folliculitis that I have had for years. I have been to the doctor about it in the past but nothing helped as much as this had. I also lay in front of the fan after showers to give it air time. I'm going to try putting Cerave SA lotion a few times a week

[@evelynbarry5046]

Also, do not use a loofa or any kind of scrub for folliculitis. Just irritates the skin more and folliculitis will get worse 😑

[@uzougwu1511]

SA shower gel by Natrium or La rosche posay and Cerave SA body cream or Babe body lotion. Then exfoliating like 2ice a week also using glycolic acid use it on the body after shower before your body lotion every other day.

[@deimoslyric]

I have been using the Honeypot Co. sensitive wash down there for years. It keeps things feeling fresh and is not irritating at ALL. I use it in the shower, or if I want to feel fresh after intimate time or during my period, I'll use it then and just wash off with a damp cloth.

[@m0byd1ckl3ss]

My gynecologist is very adamant that using anything other than water to wash your vulva is really bad. So this video is a bit jarring. They’ve given me ointments and creams but for washing the vulva cleanser of any kind is a no

[@tianamarie989]

Mine says my body wash us fine as long as I don't have a reaction to it.

[@MichelleLyn84]

Just don’t put anything inside where it’ll affect your pH. If you’re super prone to BV then maybe just follow the water regimen and/or try boric acid suppositories. It’s definitely beneficial to use sensitive cleanser if you do not shave.

[@josephinerodriguez6332]

I’m no spring chicken, but just a few months ago, I discovered Hibiclens is one of the best cleansers I have found for the genital area. Who knew! I would rather follow your advice than the many influencers out there who don’t have an MD after their names, but recommend products that don’t really work. Thanks!

[@salsarmemimi7292]

This is my choice for the genital area cleansing.

[@Future-zx9ts]

It specifically says on the directions “do not use on the genital area”. So I would definitely proceed with caution.

[@Joannabanana1989]

Hiboclens is definitely not safe for the genitals! It even says on the bottle! Please do not use it down there.

[@Tdragonfly]

@@Future-zx9tsfeminine cleansers are not meant for cleaning between the flaps either. Chlorihexidine is recommended by MANY drs and derms for external genitalia area cleansing

[@ChasingCrispyCrunchASMR]

Self cleaning machine.. I'm a mom so that feels so real lol. BP is fantastic for under the arms... I'm a clean person lol but I just get stinky so quickly, BP has been a god send to help with that. Sitting in my skin for like 5 minutes is amazing.

[@sayantaniist]

Ton of thanks for sharing dear doctor... really appreciate your help

[@anivonhunt]

Thank you for this video. We really needed it. This has been so helpful. We also need to discuss the breast too. Skin issues on the vreast are also a problem.

[@lucheeese]

The biggest change to my persistent chronic foliculitis has been IPL, less hair less to be inflamed

[@cynthiashearer-ec6gl]

So hugely helpful and informative!

[@tanakaamandamusekiwa]

Great video, thanks a lot. Please do one on how to treat HS, especially on the booty

[@monique4540]

You did a great job on this thank you for talking about it

[@janeafan4308]

Such a gem .. this video was informative in an easy to understand way.. no one else has tackled this like you. I do have a question about your Prequel hydrochlorous spray.. how often can we use it and is there any concern about developing resistant bacteria to it.. I’m a microbiologist and love the spray but want to use as appropriate. Joanne from Boston

[@beautifulvictory9683]

MOISTURIZER: For external & internal atrophy. Long term moisturizers. Can't believe this wasn't discussed.

[@orozcoaj69]

Please share your thoughts on the Fur products. Thank you 😊

[@eliciacheney84]

I really love the Acne Free benzoyl peroxide cleanser! It's got ceramides and it feels pretty gentle on my skin.

[@aliciarojo3338]

Another great, informative and well thought out video. Thank you! You explain everything perfectly.

[@RG-nz4he]

If you can afford to try diode laser hair removal, do not hesitate! It's been life changing for me, both my bikini and butt are baby smooth and I barely get any hair there, just peach fuzz.

[@mariannejane194]

Bikini laser hair removal was the only thing that worked for me

[@markierosebrook9663]

Someone finally talked about it

[@janettechoy8219]

How about menopausal women who find themselves drier down there (less or no discharge)?

[@kayde4483]

See your gyn

[@janettechoy8219]

@@kayde4483 That’s what I was thinking too. Thanks!

[@carol0055]

Thank you so much Dr. Sam Ellis 🥰

[@elenaBLBJ]

Thank you for your tips and tricks and going over the details !!!

[@alanjames7877]

Thank you for this! I had set up a full skin exam with a dermatologist but it was underwear on. I even said so I don’t have skin below the waist and above the thigh?

[@CathyS_Bx]

The yeasties tend to torment me in warmer months--rashes under the breasts and at the sides of the groin area. I'll use those Water Wipes to clean the skin between showers and I'll use an anti-fungal powder. The powder is also good as a preventative, I've found.

[@kaamiim]

such a great video as always❤️

[@d.h.9278]

Could you please do a video on lasers in office and at home- what are they for? Thx

[@stephaniemaynard8450]

Absolutely love your channel!! What about chafing under the fuba or along the pantry line/underwear leg hole? I get such horrible chafing that it’ll open and bleed. Would love recommendations

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

Perfect timing! I’ve been using a variety of prequel products to get my under-bosom itch under control. It’s not candida, just irritation. Any suggestions or tips for using these products under the breasts? How to get the area to dry down? So far, I’ve experienced incredible improvement- I never imagined being able to pursue completely pain-free skin! Oh lol & everything works aesthetically just great, it’s almost like if you get your skin healthy, it will look more youthful & vibrant on its own. But let’s not normalize talking about hero ingredient urea, I want to keep prices low!!!! 😂 jk! It’s great stuff, amazing for my face & bod & nethers! (Uh, I don’t have intimately due to getting a staph carbuncle years ago, so skin can get extra dry when moisturizer doesn’t get all the way onto my skin on my mons pubis, but that 10% urea relief CURED that in 2 uses, now it’s part of my daily routine. No itchies in my pants!!! 🎉

[@KM-xp3cf]

Is waxing in the genital area bad for the skin? Will it loosen it over time since the skin is so thin?

[@courtneykholousi]

How do you feel about those at-home laser removal tools? I’ve been wanting to buy one for years, but they are always promoted by sponsored influencers, and I can’t 100% trust that. I don’t want to waste that amount of money on something that doesn’t work, but if it does, I totally will!

[@autumnbee7936]

I have h.s. and I got a braun pro silk 5 and I swear by it I paid for mine and I'm hairless

[@carolina_girl7795]

I would just add another rash that shows up on the backside due to celiac disease. It looks like a large blistery cold sore but on the buttocks, lower back and hips. It is called Celiac Dermatitis herpetiformis.

[@jennifers6435]

Vera v hydrating cleaning bar is the best product I have found for showering……made skin smooth as a baby butt

[@katehakanson310]

Is there any data on skin cancer risks associated with laser hair removal? I have fairly high genetic risk of skin cancer and thus have always been very skeptical of laser hair removal, but I also am very prone to irritation from shaving anywhere (legs, armpits, bikini line, etc) so try to avoid hair removal in general. I've had fairly good results using "hair eraser" products for my legs such as Hairo (which basically is a strong enough exfoliant to break off the hair at the skin surface) but there's obviously not an equivalent product for more sensitive skin areas. Any tips or research would be appreciated!

[@JeanieD]

I very recently discovered a completely painless, under-the-skin, tiny, hard lump on my labium. I’m not sexually active and I wash my genitalia daily. I believe it’s probably harmless, but thought I’d ask (and I live in a “medical desert” for gynecology, I haven’t seen one in years and years, only a nurse practitioner) - any idea what it could be and if it really needs to be examined urgently?

[@ilovesunsets]

I have one, but it comes and goes. Curious to see what it is

[@NannyDiaries23]

Sounds like a cyst

[@maryhaley3335]

I agree it is likely the type of cyst mentioned below. I have had this come and go as well. Sometimes it gets to the size of a blueberry and will pop (full of only blood and oil) other times it goes away on its own without that happening first. I wouldn’t worry.

[@JeanieD]

To those suggesting this may be a Bartholin’s cyst: I had one before, nothing like this.

[@Commentator488]

How do you know is but acne a folliculitis or stage 1 hidradenitis suppurativa?

[@glancycorner7425]

Hidradenitis is more like boils tan acne. Much more painful.

[@cherlyn458]

Would like to know about vulvar dermatitis especially during leukorrhea. Please.

[@ya1973]

Do you recommend something like the Muse private cream for hyperpigmentation in the groin area?

[@haugrachel]

I love Tend Skin as well as Bikini Zone. Lume is great down there for odor prevention! Are deodorant powders (Vagisil) ok to use on a daily basis to absorb moisture?

[@menak8693]

Question unrelated to this topic: do nail beds breathe? Heard both yes and no so, asking a doctor for a correct answer! TIA 😊

[@daniicarrion]

Hi Dr. Sam I live on an island where I do not have access to laser hair removal. Do you think it is ok to use the Ulike Air 10 device on the genital area, like the mons pubis, the labia majora, the skin at the end of the areola where there are usually hairs ? And also I wonder if it can also be used for the perianal zone?

[@GulmiraRobbins-c5c]

Thank you for sharing about HS. Suffered for few years had to have an operation at the end. @drsamellis can you please advise if it is safe to have CO2 laser for post acne scars and I have mild Vascular rosacea. I’m so lost, some say yes some say no

[@iloverednails]

Thank you!

[@ivyberyyll8849]

What kind of moisturiser is safe to use down there? Like can I use an emolliant moisturiser? Also you mentioned retinol for down there, what concentration is safe to use? An issue not mentioned in the video that I have is that with laser hair removal, the hair I have that still grows back is thinner so it struggles to get through the skin and I find myself having more ingrown hairs a few days/weeks after laser sessions, even though I have a lot less hair overall. Not sure what to do about since I started getting laser hair removal because I has so many ingrown hairs so often.

[@Skirkly]

HS is very uncomfortable in the groin along the panty lines. Tight underwear always causes a flare.

[@manojipereira9169]

The cerave 4% BPO cleanser works great for folliculitis, though now you made me want to invest in laser hair removal. Does PHA make you sun sensitive?

[@shaimaamoustafa4273]

Great video. What's your take on applying deodorant and/or Lume ( deodorant cream) in the genital area?

[@rachelhelman2098]

Hi, great video. I was wondering what you recommend for chaffing down there caused by doing lots of spin classes. I tried anti chaffing cream which helps a bit but it can get very irritated down there! Thanks in advance ❤

[@Daniel.rmendez]

Try chafing powder!!! Unscented baby powder

[@brendatravis248]

Can a person have closed comodomes in the pubic area? If so, how could or should they be treated?

[@hippopotamusanonymous1580]

Never had acne on my face but I have it on my buttcheeks.

[@mabinogidrws]

Buttock fluff = Peach fuzz 🍑 Feel free to use that term haha

[@carolegriffith7198]

How do you find a good dermatologist in your area? I'm having a difficult time. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[@jacobs3707]

is the tend solution safe to use daily?

[@salonirai3851]

How do i get rid of the acne marks post foliculitis?

[@Lele-rj6ro]

I have a skin question: is it safe for my kids to use my sunscreen that has antioxidants like vitamin c in it? Or is that not safe for certain age groups?

[@glancycorner7425]

I get sweaty in my genital folds and then I get what we used to call “gaulded” which is terribly painful. I found that to prevent it, if I use a good quality shea butter-based moisturizer in my folds, I don’t get the problem. Should I be using something different?

[@ramabk4930]

Can i use Glycolic Acide 7% toning solution from ordinary to whiten this area???

[@eeee2641]

Thank you so much for mKibg this video. I would be too embarrassed.

[@coraW]

i have so many ingrown hairs on my legs. they don't hurt and they're all really small but idk what to do about it. any suggestions?

[@rockyfan1959]

O k I have a very embarrassing personal question. I am 65 years old. I have always wanted to get a Brazilian wax. But to be honest, I am afraid that if I do that. The scan under the hair is going to be old and wrinkled looking, Like one of those hairless cats! Is that a possibility? Can you be too old to get a brazilian wax? 😊 How long does the skin stay smooth after one? I would appreciate any help with this. 😊😊

[@raneylee9617]

Assne. Acne on the butt we call assne. 😂

[@vanshikamukheja6513]

OMG, Moon Glow Tablets by Planet Ayurveda is the best thing I’ve used for glowing skin! My face feels so soft now 🌿

[@emiliaessentials]

Can you use color shampoo if you don't color dye your hair??

[@ChristineCraig-rr1kv]

Pilonidal (sp) cysts??

[@bamagirl952]

I had one of those when I was 12, had to have it surgically removed. That was fun for a 12 year old girl.

[@Elaine-ed1lm]

I have dariers disease. Do you have any tips? I have it on my legs and chest and have tried everything