The Care Your Boobs Actually Need
Why do we overlook a skincare routine for our chest and neck area while funnelling so many products towards just our face?
Your boobs need just as much attention.
Just like your face, your chest area is exposed to UV rays when you head outside in your V-neck sweater or tube top. Regardless of your bra size or breast shape, your boobs are prone to dryness, breast sagging, breakouts, and stretch marks.
And that's why they need a skincare routine of their own.
Here, we explore everything you need to know about boobs wellness and how to fix those pesky issues you might currently be dealing with.
Chapped Nipples
Everything from harsh soaps to irritation from synthetic fabrics can cause dry, chapped nipples. That's because harsh cleansers strip your skin of natural oils, causing dryness, and fabrics like nylon can cause irritation that leads to dry skin around the nipples.
Breastfeeding also ups your chances of chapped nipples and soreness. As does wearing an irritating sports bra or going braless in synthetic materials - which may cause chaffing and ultimately, dryness.
During and post menopause, you may also experience more dryness and cracking on the nipple. That's because the skin becomes less elastic due to decreased estrogen.
The fix: Dryness and flakiness is generally easy to treat. However, rather than attacking the symptom itself, focus on addressing the underlying problem. Moisturize, eliminate irritating soaps, cleansers, and fabrics, and make sure you're wearing the right cup size.
Keep your boobs smooth, hydrated, and taut with Truly's 3-Step Nice Melons Kit.
Ingrown Hairs
Ingrowns on your breasts happens and it's a bummer, but luckily, you can get rid of them.
Why do they occur in the first place? They just do. Nipple hair is a common issue and can happen to anyone. Some people get them by shaving around the nipple area which is something we strongly advise against.
The fix: If you're dealing with ingrown hairs on your boobs, the best thing to do is head to your dermatologist or ob-gyn for advice and treatment. In some cases, ingrowns can become infected so it's always best to proceed with caution.
If you'd prefer to remove it yourself, be extra gentle. Take a warm shower to soften the skin and open up the follicles. Then exfoliate the area using a gentle boob scrub or dry brush. Now you can extract the ingrown hair with a clean, dry pair of tweezers. Follow up with a soothing boob cream.
Itching and Irritation
A few culprits might be behind your itchy boobs.
It could simply be down to a dirty bra or lingerie.
“Dirty clothes, including underclothes, often have bacteria that can…irritate the skin,” says Gary Goldenberg, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.
It might also be that your bra straps are too tight and are rubbing against the skin. Or perhaps your fitting bra is a little too fitted?
There's also the chance you've got sunburn. Your breast skin is sensitive and prone to getting burned, which can cause redness, irritation, and itching.
The fix: For starters, always apply lotion after taking a shower and make it part of your daily routine. Look for hydrating ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or hyaluronic acid to moisturize your skin and prevent irritation.
Next, make sure your bra is measured for your breast size. If you're wearing a bra that's too tight, it could be rubbing and causing itching.
Last but not least, always wear sunscreen when you leave the house to optimize your breast health.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks can also show up on your breasts. It's perfectly natural and normal, and there are a few treatments to reduce its appearance.
However, in some cases skin changes such as marks and dimpling may be a sign of breast cancer. If you're concerned, have it checked out by your healthcare provider or book in for a mammogram to check you're safe.
When it comes to breast care, the earlier the better. That's why it's always important to carry out breast self-exams once a week to look out for anything abnormal.
The Fix: While you can't get rid of stretch marks on the breasts completely, you will find creams formulated with ingredients proven to fade them. Some of these ingredients include caffeine, collagen, retinol, and melon.
Try regularly massaging your breasts using body oil to stimulate circulation or a dry brush. Doing this will make stretch marks look less visible.
Sculpt and tighten your breasts with Truly's Acai Your Boobies Bundle.
Breakouts
Yep, breakouts happen there too.
Most of the time, chest acne is caused by sweaty workouts or wearing too tight clothing. In some cases, it may be your hormones. The good news is, you can banish those boob breakouts with the right skincare products.
The fix: To keep your boobs acne-free, start by always taking a shower immediately after working out to prevent sweat from clogging up your pores. Next, opt for breathable clothing that won't irritate your skin or cause unnecessary sweating. Finally, wash your chest with a salicylic acid-formulated body cleanser to rid the skin of oil, dirt, and bacteria that may be behind those breakouts.
Try Truly's Boobne Bundle to say bye-bye to boob blemishes once and for all.
Breast Pain
When it comes to women's health, it's important to always look out for abnormal signs that may need medical attention.
If you're noticing unusual signs like breast discomfort, back pain, or breast bumps, visit your healthcare provider immediately for assistance.
There's probably nothing to worry about. Sometimes breast pain just happens and it may not be related at all to your health. However, it's always good to stay ahead and take action if you see any worrying signs.
It's officially time to start taking better care of your boobs! Incorporate skincare products designed for the breasts, swap out bad habits for good ones, and make breast self-examination a weekly thing to keep your twins happy, healthy, and heavenly.