Feminine intimate washes can be an effective way to maintain the health, hygiene and comfort of your vulva. However, it’s essential that consumers be aware of any potentially harmful ingredients found within these products that could alter your body’s natural balance and ecosystem.
Find the ideal feminine wash product by looking for something with a pH balance and no chemicals, perfumes or fragrances; additionally if possible select fragrance-free options to reduce irritation.
1. Removes Menstrual Blood
Women often turn to feminine washes to remove menstrual blood from the vulva and clean it after periods, offering an alternative to harsh soaps that could irritate delicate tissue in the vaginum and disrupting natural microflora of their vaginums. Such washes claim to be safe enough for daily vulvar cleansing without disrupting any important natural systems like the natural microflora of their vulvas.
A recent study interviewed 31 women regarding their experiences, knowledge and views regarding vulvar hygiene practices and use of feminine wash products. Questions focused around why these women used the products frequently as well as when and how they learned of them for the first time.
This study revealed that participants used beauty products as part of their practice to meet cultural expectations of an idealised female body. This was particularly evident when women became worried about how others might view them if they did not use these products, similar to how other beauty practices such as dieting and exercising can become vital tools in hiding any undesirable parts of their bodies (Kristine 1982). Furthermore, women were unaware of any negative health implications caused by using such products on their vulvae.
2. Removes Irritation
Feminine wash can help relieve itching and discomfort in the external vulva area. They may also help eliminate discharge or odor. When selecting your feminine cleanser, ensure it contains no ingredients known to cause irritation such as sodium lauryl sulfates or perfumes that could irritate.
Your vagina is filled with millions of healthy bacteria that keep it clean and balanced, but using soap or body wash that hasn’t been specifically tailored for vaginal skin can disturb this delicate balance resulting in itchy discomfort or unpleasant odor.
Feminine cleansers are specially-designed to protect and soothe delicate female skin, often using natural oils and extracts that don’t have that synthetic floral fragrance associated with chemical spring lilac scents. When shopping for feminine wash, look for one with minimal ingredients and an Environmental Working Group rating below 100 as this will have less environmental impact than more aggressive alternatives.
3. Removes Yeast Infections
At any drugstore or supermarket, there’s sure to be an array of feminine hygiene products claiming to cleanse and revitalize the vulva – but is this truly necessary?
Your vulva has its own mechanisms for cleaning itself, which is why gynecologists rarely advise using feminine washes. Feminine washes may alter the natural pH balance between 3.5 to 4.5 and cause irritation or yeast infections, potentially leading to irritation or yeast infections.
However, if you choose to use any product on the genital area, make sure it contains no soap, perfumes/fragrances, chemicals, essential oils, or essential oil essential oils; and is hypoallergenic and gynecologist tested. Furthermore, avoid products containing spermicide as these could harm lactobacilli present in your vulva that contribute to maintaining a healthy microbiome.
4. Neutralises Odour
Women’s intimate areas don’t take well to foreign materials or leftover traces, but this doesn’t pose a problem when using an effective feminine wash. With ingredients like lactic and citric acids used as part of its makeup – all designed to maintain an acidic pH balance (something which all skin needs).
This helps prevent the growth of potentially harmful bacteria that could lead to infections as well as irritation or dryness.
Intimate washes designed specifically to neutralise odours caused by sweat, menstrual blood, vaginal discharge and residue are an effective way of keeping the vulva feeling fresh and clean throughout the day. However, it should be remembered that these are designed for external use only and must not be applied directly into the vulva as this would disrupt its natural flora and cause discomfort.
