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From heavily fragranced moisturisers to bitter-tasting serums, the same products we trust for glowing skin could be standing in the way of intimacy. What feels luxurious in your bathroom might not feel so sexy in the bedroom.
“People don’t realise that what we put on our skin directly impacts how we taste, smell, and even feel during intimate moments,” says Anita Fletcher, sex and relationship expert at Fantasy Co., a company that specialises in enhancing pleasure.
Fletcher notes that while skincare routines are great for confidence, some choices can work against you when it’s time to get close.
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When Beauty Becomes a Bedroom Buzzkill
The products hiding in your cabinet could be the reason intimacy feels a little off. Fletcher breaks down the biggest culprits:
Fragrance Overload
Strong night creams packed with floral or musky scents can overwhelm your partner. “When someone’s face is close to your neck or chest, a strong fragrance can be distracting or even nauseating,” Fletcher explains. “Instead of focusing on pleasure, your partner might be trying not to gag from the overpowering scent of rose or vanilla.”
Layering toner, serum, moisturiser, and night cream only makes the cocktail of scents more intense – sometimes leading to headaches or sensory overload.
The Bitter Truth About Serums
Anti-ageing serums with retinoids or vitamin C often leave a metallic or bitter taste on the skin. “I’ve had clients tell me their partners avoided kissing their neck or chest because of an unpleasant chemical taste,” Fletcher says. “Great for skin, not so great for your Sex Life.”
Texture Troubles
Heavy, sticky creams can feel greasy during skin-to-skin contact. “Nothing kills the mood like a handful of moisturiser when someone’s trying to be romantic,” Fletcher notes.
Essential Oil Intensity
Natural oils aren’t always better. Tea tree, peppermint, or eucalyptus can create tingling or cooling sensations that feel jarring during intimacy. In some cases, they may even trigger allergic reactions on sensitive areas.
Smarter Skincare for Better Sex
Fletcher suggests a few easy tweaks to keep your glow without killing the vibe:
- Time It Right – Apply heavy or fragrant products at least two hours before intimacy. This gives scents time to fade.
- Strategic Application – Avoid applying strong products on kiss-prone areas like the neck, chest, and shoulders.
- Choose Your Battles – Save intensive treatments for nights when romance isn’t on the cards.
- Rinse and Reset – If passion strikes after your routine, a quick shower can make all the difference.
“Scent is one of our most primal senses, and it plays a massive role in arousal,” Fletcher says. “Your natural scent, combined with light, pleasant products, is far more seductive than any expensive cream layered on thick.”
She adds, “I’ve seen couples who thought something was wrong in their Relationship, only to realise it was as simple as a night serum interfering with their connection. You don’t have to give up skincare – just be mindful of how your choices affect your partner.”
At the end of the day, good sex isn’t about perfect skin. It’s about connection – and sometimes, less really is more.
Issued on GQ South Africa by Luthando Vikilahle. | https://www.gq.co.za/sex-relationships/skincare-could-be-ruining-your-sex-life-heres-how-to-fix-it-94190448-4778-42aa-b42c-8dea205e8944
