Maintaining a clean vulva and intimate area is vital to good health. Utilizing products designed specifically to do so will help maintain an ideal pH balance while supporting beneficial bacteria to flourish.
But what products can be found on the market, and are they safe? Intimate care has become a trend and new online brands offer premium products.
Washes
Intimate hygiene involves daily cleansing of the vagina, with an aim of maintaining vaginal pH balance, relieving symptoms such as itchiness, discharge and infections as well as eliminating odor. It also involves avoiding practices which disrupt vaginal microbiomes (douches, genital body piercing, total pubic hair removal with harsh products and perfume) and encouraging healthy feminine habits such as wearing cotton underwear, washing with mild soaps and detergents, practising safe sexual conduct in a safe manner, eating balanced diet, exercising regularly and maintaining good menstruation hygiene during periods.
Intimate wash products come in the form of gels, liquid soaps and sprays. It is important that they are designed for gentle cleansing while being clinically tested to provide targeted antimicrobial benefits without disrupting natural vulvar microbiota. Also look out for ingredients free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, propylene glycol and synthetic fragrance.
Wipes
Wet wipes have come a long way since their humble origins as simple fabrics soaked with water or cleanser solution. Now they can be tailored specifically to individual preferences with additional softeners, lotions and perfumes; disintegrate quickly for flushing after use; and can fit a range of intimate feminine care applications.
Wipes can be an ideal way to maintain cleanliness when you don’t have time or the opportunity to wash your hands quickly with soap and water, as well as after sex sessions or simply as part of your daily intimate hygiene regimen. They come in handy in handbags, backpacks, cars and gym bags and come pre-moistened with various liquids – some may even be fragrance-free and free from parabens, propylene glycol mineral oils phthalates synthetic fragrance or dyes with pH range between 4.5-5! Some eco-friendly alternatives exist!
Liners
A liner acts as a mini backup pair of underwear designed to catch any discharge or spots that might stain pantyliners. They’re ideal for everyday protection and freshness whether on your period, midcycle, or just experiencing light flow days – ideal for protecting you both physically and psychologically!
Liners aren’t intended to handle heavy menstrual flows, so on days with heavier flow it would be wiser to switch to pads. But they’re perfect for lighter days of your period or catching light spotting during the luteal phase.
Liners are also an ideal solution for hot weather, since they’re designed to prevent heat and sweat from building up in your V-Zone. Simply change a liner every three to four hours for optimal freshness and protection; look for one with cottony soft surface infused with Aloe Vera that keeps bacteria at bay while managing vaginal odour – popular choices include CAREFREE Original, Acti-Fresh, Breathable or any of their variants.
Lubricants
Personal lubricants mimic the body’s natural moisture to minimize friction during intimate moments and alleviate dryness or discomfort, increasing sensation while building confidence and strengthening relationships.
Due to hormonal shifts associated with perimenopause or menopause, many women experience pelvic pain, urinary tract infections and vaginal dryness that interfere with intimacy as well as increases risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI). These issues may create discomfort during intimate encounters while increasing risks for sexually transmitted infections (STI).
Selecting an ideal type of lubricant is key, with most individuals opting for water-based options that tend to be thin, slippery, and easy to use. But these might dry out more quickly than other kinds, requiring reapplication more frequently.
Silicone-based lubricants are also a great choice, lasting longer and remaining slippery and smooth. They are safe for use with latex condoms as well as most silicone toys like pelvic wands and pelvic trainers; just be sure to rinse it off afterwards with soap in order to avoid rashes!
