Personal hygiene refers to keeping oneself clean and in shape, with activities like washing your hands and face, brushing teeth and shaving being part of everyday hygiene regiment. Furthermore, taking good care of one’s vulva (vagina) should also be part of everyday practice.
Women and girls often struggle to maintain good feminine hygiene habits, but there are steps they can take. Start small by adopting one new habit at a time until it becomes part of your everyday routine.
Wash Your Hands
Hand hygiene is important for everyone, particularly women. Since skin acts as a filter for germs entering our bodies through our hands, keeping hands clean can help keep harmful infections at bay.
Before and after using a restroom or using any sanitary products (tampons, etc.), be sure to wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and place used products in a trash can properly for disposal. Wrap used sanitary products securely in toilet paper before disposing of them safely in an appropriate manner.
An alcohol hand sanitiser should always be the preferred option when possible; when this is not feasible, an alternative such as hand wipes may be better suited. Rub the product over palms, backs, and between fingers before rinsing thoroughly and drying hands thoroughly using either paper towels or air dryers.
Wash Your Face
Washing your face might seem like an obvious task, but it should actually be one of the key parts of your personal hygiene regimen. Washing is essential to remove dirt, makeup and pollution that accumulates throughout the day and can have lasting health benefits for your complexion.
Experts advise washing your face twice daily; once in the morning and once at night. This will not only keep your complexion clear and clean but will allow for your skin to replenish its own oils naturally. Washing post-workout may also be beneficial in clearing away sweat and germs from your pores.
Wash Your Nails
Cleaning your nails regularly is essential to good hygiene and can often go unseen. Aim for at least twice-daily nail washing with natural, gentle soap containing no parabens or alcohol as these can make nails brittle over time. A great way to achieve truly clean nails is soaking them for several minutes in warm, soapy water (neither too lukewarm nor scorching hot) followed by vigorous scrubbng under and around each nail, including underneath them. In addition, I suggest using a nail brush once or twice weekly in order to get into cracks and crevices between nails.
Wash Your Body
Cleaning your body helps rid it of bacteria that causes unpleasant odors. Scrubbing all areas – armpits, groin, back of knees and gaps between feet are especially crucial – is vital to ensure all odor-causing cultures don’t develop there.
As part of your monthly period, gentle cleansing of the external vulva should be undertaken daily in order to help avoid infections. A carefully formulated and clinically tested external feminine hygiene wash that does not negatively impact upon natural vulvovaginal microbiota is best.
Maintain sanitary pads, tampons and menstrual cups at least every 4-6 hours depending on your flow, washing hands before and after each use of these items is also key to health and hygiene. Regular visits with your gynecologist is highly advised as well.
Wash Your Clothes
Washing your clothes frequently will ensure they continue looking and smelling their best, but make sure you follow the care instructions on their labels for best results. Overdoing it with washing could damage them; thus it’s crucial that you set an interval before each washes takes place.
Always have an annual wellness check-up with a physician or nurse, including getting your pap smear, pelvic exam, and breast exam done. Speak up if any changes occur such as vaginal odor, pain or bleeding – they should all be evaluated as soon as possible!
If you are on your period, be prepared for each day by keeping an emergency kit of pads and wipes handy – this can help avoid accidents while providing comfort.
Wash Your Stuff
Clean your intimate area often, especially during your period. Make sure to wipe from front to back while washing in order to prevent outside bacteria from infiltrating your vagina. Furthermore, always wash your hands after handling sanitary pads, tampons or menstrual cups.
Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear that allows airflow into the vulva for optimal vulvar health, helping reduce infection risks and odor. This may reduce the likelihood of infections and help keep odor at bay.
Maintain proper hygiene by visiting your healthcare provider regularly for checkups and wellness exams, including pap smears and pelvic exams. Don’t forget to discuss any changes in vulva odor or discomfort with them as soon as they occur!
