Penis skin is sensitive and, in at least one respect, that’s a very good thing. Without responsive skin, a man wouldn’t derive as much pleasure from his solo- and partner-based sexual experiences. However, for some men, the skin may be susceptible to dryness and chafing, which make penis washing difficult as they create a different kind of sensitivity that can lead to pain in the shower. Since regular, thorough washing is one of the key components of penis health, it’s important for men with dry, sensitive skin to figure out how to go about it. The following tips may help.

1) Don’t wash too frequently. Washing the penis every day is a good idea; washing it several times a day isn’t likely necessary. Men with foreskin sometimes experience quick smegma buildup, and this is something to take care of, since smegma left sitting around beneath the prepuce can collect bacteria, creating odors and/or infection. But men with this issue can simply retract the foreskin, dampen a finger and wipe the stuff away, perhaps every time they urinate. It doesn’t require a thorough washing, which, when repeated several times a day, could dry the skin out.

2) Don’t scrub. Many people were taught to scrub their skin in the shower to make sure all the dirt, dead skin cells and excess bacteria are being sent down the drain. But scrubbing is not a good idea for the penis, and it’s not necessary to clean it. Men can use a gentle massaging motion with their fingertips as they rinse, which should not only cut down on irritation, but actually feel good.

3) Use warm instead of hot water. Hot water is best for killing germs, right? Actually, hot water is best for stripping natural lubricating oils from the skin, leaving it dry and raw. If a man has to have his hot, steamy shower, then he should turn the temperature down before focusing on his penis.

4) Skip the soap. Generally, warm water is sufficient to clean the penis. Soaps can irritate the delicate manhood skin, particularly those with fragrances. If a man feels he must use soap on the member, he would do well to choose a natural soap with no astringent ingredients in it.

5) Mind the body wash as well. The soap or body wash a man uses on the rest of his body also carries the potential to irritate his penis skin if he is particularly sensitive. It’s not really possible to keep things totally contained in the shower, and streams of body wash can end up cascading over the penis despite a man’s best intentions. Natural, gentle body soaps are best.

6) Avoid other harsh products. Shower time may be easier on the penis if a man isn’t entering it with a bad start. Harsh fabrics, laundry detergents, lotions and scented lubes can all be rough on a man’s equipment, creating a sore and dried-out area requiring special care in the shower. Some men even develop a rash from contact dermatitis associated with harsh products. Weed out potential irritants that may contact the penis in one’s daily life.

7) Use a penis-specific moisturizer. When a man has dry penile skin, he may reach for any lotion lying around the house. But, as with soap, lotion that is suitable for the rest of the body may be too harsh for sensitive penis skin. That’s why it’s best to go with a product designed especially for the equipment with its delicate nature in mind. A penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) with vitamin E and Shea butter is a great choice for men whose skin sensitivity is attributed to dryness. Other beneficial ingredients like L-arginine and vitamin C may promote healthy blood flow to the member, and plenty of fresh blood can make tissues more resilient.