As March 8th marks International Women’s Day, here are 8 ways to pamper your breasts.
1. Maintain Good Hygiene
In general, sexual hygiene is essential at all times and for all body parts. However, many women neglect how they wash and care for their breasts. It’s important to clean them thoroughly with a gentle soap, especially under the breasts (the famous underboob), where sweat and buildup can occur. Make sure to dry this area well and avoid leaving it damp.
2. Moisturize Regularly
The skin on your breasts is thin and delicate, so it’s essential to keep it moisturized to maintain its elasticity and natural shape. Proper hydration can help prevent stretch marks (although they are sometimes unavoidable), slow down aging, and counteract the discomfort caused by dry skin.
3. Protect from the Sun
When exposing yourself to the sun, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your chest. It’s often exposed (especially in swimsuits) and is a sensitive area because the skin is more fragile. As the epidermis is thin, breasts tend to age prematurely. Protecting them gives them a second chance to age gracefully along with the rest of your body.
4. Use an Antiperspirant
If you tend to sweat more heavily in your chest area, you can use an antiperspirant or body powder to keep yourself dry. This will help preserve the lifespan of your bras (which won’t stay damp) and keep you comfortable throughout the day.
5. Wear Proper Bras
Whether or not to wear a bra is as personal a choice as sexual preferences. Every chest is different and requires a unique level of support. Here’s one piece of advice: invest in a bra that fits you perfectly. To ensure a perfect fit, you should check the following:
- The band should fit snugly around your torso without gaping and should be parallel to the floor (the front and back should be at the same level).
- The underwire should encircle the breast entirely without sitting on it. If the underwire doesn’t fit, it means the cup size is incorrect.
- The cups should rest fully on your skin. If your breast overflows or the cups gape, try a different bra style before changing sizes.
- The straps should sit comfortably on your shoulders without slipping or digging in. As they are not responsible for the bra’s support, check the band’s fit if you have issues with the straps.
6. Take Care at Night
For comfort (both physical and psychological), some women choose to sleep in a bra. While this remains a personal choice, here are a few tips if you prefer to do so:
Be mindful not to restrict circulation. Bra underwires can shift during sleep and partially or completely block blood flow. Opt for a wireless bra, like a bralette or sports bra, for peace of mind and comfort, while preserving your wired bras for daytime use.
7. Massage Your Breasts
Your breasts experience daily stress — bouncing, being squeezed, pressed, or shifted. They need rest and a little extra love beyond intimate moments. By massaging them, you stimulate lymphatic circulation, which is essential for maintaining good health and a functional immune system. You get a relaxing session that also helps protect your body from harmful invaders.
8. Apply Cabbage Leaves When Needed
If you experience inflammation or pain from menstrual symptoms, cabbage leaves can provide significant relief. Commonly known in the breastfeeding world, cabbage leaves have soothing properties due to their cooling effect and natural fit to the breasts. To use them, rinse the leaves in cold water, flatten them with a rolling pin, and refrigerate for at least an hour. Place them on your breasts inside a comfortable bra and remove them once they wilt or reach body temperature.