When it comes to soap for the intimate area, many people, and rightly so, point out that the body knows how to clean itself, and that water or regular soap may suffice. We decided to examine how this aligns with the various products available in the market and how one can make an informed choice based on knowledge, not just personal feeling—though, as we’ll see later, personal feeling does play an important role.
Body cleanliness, aside from being desirable, is essential. Maintaining hygiene is critical for our health and survival. Some people wash their entire body with regular soap, whether liquid or solid, while others opt for non-soap products or specialized intimate washes. Just as we care for the delicate skin of our face by using a soap suited to its unique needs, so too does the intimate area have a different pH level, and it’s better to use a soap specifically tailored for it.
What’s the Difference Between an Intimate Wash and Regular Soap?
To understand the situation thoroughly, we first need to consider the environment in which the soap operates. Our body is a well-oiled machine, and it has natural ways to clean and protect the vagina. It contains a complex system of beneficial bacteria that helps it function daily and protect itself. These beneficial bacteria, among other things, break down glycogen found in cells into lactic acid, which maintains an acidic environment that protects the body from infections.
pH Levels
The physiological pH level of the vaginal area ranges from about 3.8 to 4.5 on the pH scale. Water (or steam) has a pH of 7, regular soaps have a pH of 9-10, and even some intimate products with a pH of 5.5 can disrupt the natural acidic environment of the vagina. This makes it less hospitable to the “good” bacteria and more favourable to “bad” bacteria. When the balance is disturbed, it leads to an imbalance in acidity, creating an environment that encourages bacterial overgrowth, leading to infections, irritation, burning, discomfort, dryness, and more. From this information only, it’s clear that the pH level of intimate washes is very similar to, and in fact designed to match, the natural pH of this area.
An imbalanced pH might sound like a chemistry lesson, but what causes the imbalance? Any product with a pH higher than 4.5, like washes or soaps with fragrances, can disrupt the natural acidity of the vagina. Other factors that may upset the vaginal pH balance include hormones (hormonal medications, birth control pills), pregnancy, sexual activity, menstrual cycle stages, and tight clothing made from synthetic materials. All of these changes are natural, but when accompanied by abnormal changes such as unusual color, strong odor, excessive discharge, itching, or burning, they may indicate an infection. In such cases, it’s advisable to consult a doctor for further examination. Hygiene can help avoid these situations and ease the duration and symptoms of infections when they occur.
Many people say that water alone is sufficient, but water—especially from hot showers—can dry out the skin. Additionally, sweat from physical activity requires more thorough cleaning. While regular soap and gel do a good job of cleaning the body, they are not designed for the unique pH of the intimate area. Therefore, the most important reason to use a separate intimate wash is to maintain the pH balance of the area.
Not All Intimate Washes Are The Same
Many gynaecologists recommend avoiding intimate soaps that contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) and fragrances, as they disrupt the natural pH balance of the intimate area. It’s important to choose safe products that do not harm the acidity level.
The main risk with soaps is that many contain fragrances, dyes, artificial preservatives, and harsh chemicals that irritate the area and strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. Some washes can be too strong and harm the beneficial bacteria in the vagina. Therefore, it’s important to look for products made with natural ingredients that do not contain SLS (a foaming agent that causes irritation) or parabens (a chemical preservative).
What to Look For?
It’s important to choose a soap that suits all stages of life, from adolescence to adulthood, after childbirth, and for daily use, for external rather than internal washing. Gently wash the intimate area with soap and rinse well.
It’s preferable to choose intimate washes that have a gentler formula than regular soap. The pH level of these washes is either lower or identical to the physiological pH of the vagina, and they are enriched with natural anti-inflammatory and antifungal ingredients, as well as soothing agents that help reduce irritation and itching.
Choose intimate soaps that are based on pure organic oils without synthetic fragrances. Select oils that are rich in calming ingredients and qualities that help make even a gentle wash best effective. Excellent oils for this purpose include tea tree oil, lavender oil, and geranium oil, which work while maintaining the skin’s pH balance.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics are the good bacteria that help maintain the body’s proper pH levels. Prebiotics are the food for these probiotics, which support the health of the body, including the vagina. They are found in fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, miso, and pickled vegetables, as well as in supplements and special ingredients added to intimate washes.
Just as prebiotics balance the bacteria in the intestines, probiotic ingredients like Bioecolia help preserve the natural balance of the vaginal flora and prevent inflammation, dryness, infections, discomfort, and more. Therefore, be sure to choose an intimate wash containing a prebiotic ingredient.
Nutrition
A balanced body knows how to clean itself better than an imbalanced one. Indeed, all washes and soaps are for external use only, while internal cleanliness depends on proper nutrition. The body will take care of the rest on its own.
One cannot discuss nutrition without mentioning water. Adequate hydration helps maintain the necessary moisture in various parts of the body. We’ve already discussed the benefits of probiotics. Fatty acids and natural fats from foods like avocados, flaxseeds, and eggs help retain moisture.
Fiber-rich foods promote the growth of Lactobacillus bacteria in the vagina. Such foods include whole grains like oats, quinoa, and barley, most types of beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide a wealth of vitamins and minerals, some of which play a role in hormonal processes, such as zinc found in pumpkin seeds and almonds. Add leafy greens and limit processed foods to achieve a balanced diet.
Recommendations
In addition to using a gentle gel-based wash tested dermatologically and containing prebiotic ingredients, it is recommended to wear 100% cotton underwear and avoid tight or synthetic clothing made of nylon and acetate. This applies to tights as well. Avoid nylon that traps heat and moisture, creating an ideal environment for harmful organisms to thrive. Instead, wear cotton tights or those with a cotton crotch. Don’t forget to wash new cotton underwear before wearing them for the first time.
It is advisable to avoid synthetic pads laden with bleach and chemicals, as well as fragrant hygiene products like washes, sprays, deodorants, bath soaps, and talcum powder. Avoid adding fragrant or antibacterial soaps to bath water.
One more well-known but important recommendation: After using the restroom, make sure to wipe from front to back with toilet paper or rinse the area with water, always in one direction.
And one last thought: It’s best to avoid vaginal issues altogether, and using intimate washes should not be overlooked. The freshness and cleanliness felt shortly after use can help carry you through the day with peace of mind. For more information contact: info@lavido.nl
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