Women’s intimate areas require special care. Feminine cleansers have been designed specifically to be gentle on delicate skin, and some even come recommended by dermatologists or come with hypoallergenic properties.
Search for feminine wash that does not contain essential oils, perfumes or chemicals that could act as yeast triggers such as sulfates, parabens and phthalates. An ideal wash should also be pH balanced for your vulva without drying your vaginal area.
Ingredients
Feminine wash is a mild cleansing formula designed for daily intimate hygiene use on skin around the vulva (also called vaginal canal).
Feminine washes tend to have lower pH levels than regular soap, so that they work in harmony with the vulva’s natural pH balance. Regular body washes with higher pH can upset this delicate ecosystem, potentially leading to yeast infections, bad odor and even dermatitis symptoms.
Seek out a hypoallergenic feminine wash free from irritating ingredients like sulfates and parabens that could irritate sensitive skin in the vulva area. Sulfates may provide sudsing action for soaps and washes, yet their presence can irritate sensitive vulva skin. Parabens, added as preservatives to inhibit bacteria, have also been proven to mimic natural estrogen found in women’s bodies, potentially altering hormone balance in a way that could negatively impact hormonal health in some women.
Avoid feminine washes that contain heavy fragrances as these can irritate skin and alter vulva’s natural ph balance.
Directions
Feminine wash, also referred to as intimate wash, is an everyday cleanser used for maintaining genital hygiene. When selecting one for yourself it’s essential that it meets three criteria: it must be pH balanced and gentle on skin while being free from chemicals or fragrances.
The vaginal canal and vulvae are naturally acidic environments; however, products, sexual intercourse, tampons and periods can disrupt this balance, leading to itching and odor. A gentle feminine wash with ingredients such as lemon balm or chamomile may help soothe any uncomfortable symptoms associated with periods and vulvovaginal hygiene issues.
Studies have linked feminine cleansers containing glycerin to increased yeast infections and can irritate and itchiness of your vulva, so be wary when selecting such cleansers. When washing, always spread lips apart to wash properly without inserting soap between legs. Finally, be sure to dry off this area after each bath with a clean towel as this prevents bacteria from migrating from your anus to your vulva and vice versa.
Side Effects
Women who use feminine hygiene products frequently experience side effects from these products, such as rashes or itching caused by harsh chemicals or fragrances used. Furthermore, these products may disrupt vulva’s natural flora balance.
Many products containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Parabens, known to irritate sensitive skin. Other components that could cause similar irritations include fragrances, dyes and emulsifiers.
Regular use of these types of cleansers may strip the vulva’s natural protective oils, leading to dryness or an imbalance in flora that leads to yeast infections or vaginal odor. When experiencing this side effect, women should seek medical advice; OB-Gynecologists generally advise women seeking gentle cleansers that are fragrance free and non-irritant; they should avoid products formulated with SLS, Parabens, Phthalates or Propylene Glycol because these ingredients are unsuitable for intimate use or cause allergic reactions in those susceptible.
Warnings
At any grocery or drugstore, the toiletry section offers a vast selection of feminine wash sprays, wipes and cleansers marketed towards women as being necessary for vaginal hygiene. In our sexist world, these products perpetuate the stereotype that our vulvas are filthy caverns requiring special products in order to remain fresh.
Feminine washes are designed with an acidity level similar to that of the skin of the vulva in mind and typically include fragrances, chemicals and essential oils that may cause itching or irritation. Furthermore, they may interfere with healthy bacteria found in your vulva which in turn could cause issues like yeast infections and foul odors.
Many participants in a study on vaginal cleansing products cited social pressures to keep idealized bodies as one of their motivations for using potentially dangerous products, underscoring the need to raise awareness about any possible harmful consequences these may pose, including their link to negative body image and self-esteem issues.
