Intimate hygiene is a delicate topic, and not everyone discusses it with their gynecologist, much less among themselves. Just as not everyone understands the importance proper care"there". Meanwhile, even minimal knowledge in the field of intimate hygiene can prevent a number of diseases and complications in women’s health.
Educational program
The vaginal microflora consists mainly of lactobacilli. They play a huge role in protecting against pathogens. Lactobacilli produce lactic acid, which maintains a normal acid-base balance, unsuitable for the proliferation of pathogenic organisms. And when the pH level changes abruptly in the wrong direction, the balance is disrupted and harmful bacteria can easily colonize the microflora, leading to the development of infections and inflammations. The following symptoms should alert you: nagging pain in the lower abdomen, itching in the genital area, discharge of unusual consistency and color, unpleasant odor, burning sensation when urinating, pain during sexual intercourse.
If you notice one or more of the listed signs, this is a reason to immediately consult a doctor to prescribe treatment. In this case, it is not recommended to self-medicate, despite the abundance of drugs and their free access in the pharmacy, since diseases of the genital organs are similar to each other and it will not be possible to make a diagnosis yourself by reading the symptoms on the Internet. It is also worth paying close attention to common risk factors that disrupt the acid-base balance of the vagina: frequent changes of sexual partners, synthetic underwear, tight clothing, hormonal imbalance, weakened immunity, taking antibiotics, poor diet, etc. So, if you If you are at risk, you need to monitor your well-being and hygiene several times more carefully.
Basic rules of intimate hygiene
Frequent washing, just like infrequent washing, greatly harms and disrupts the normal microflora. Hygiene should be moderate. Somewhere you can find information that you need to wash yourself 3-4 times a day, but this is wrong. This frequent washing provokes dryness, which means the pH environment does not change better side. It is enough to wash yourself 1-2 times a day, but if you suddenly need to shower more often, wash only with clean water, without using hygiene products.
Some girls mistakenly believe that it is not necessary to have a separate intimate hygiene product. Regular soaps and shower gels disrupt the normal acid-base environment, causing the death of lactobacilli, irritation, allergic reactions and promoting the proliferation of pathogenic microbes. A suitable intimate hygiene product should have a pH between 3.8 and 4.5. It is better if it additionally contains lactobacilli and medicinal plant extracts, which have a moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and antifungal effect. Just keep in mind that you can use the intimate hygiene product only on external areas, so as not to disturb the natural bacterial environment. On the other hand, some gynecologists claim that it is quite enough to maintain cleanliness using ordinary warm water.
A properly selected towel also plays an important role in intimate hygiene. It should not contain synthetic fibers - the ideal accessory would be cotton or linen, which allows the skin to breathe. A hard towel is also not suitable, otherwise you can injure delicate skin and cause infection. Only one owner should have a towel for intimate hygiene and change every 2-3 days.
The main mistake when choosing pads, tampons and intimate hygiene products is the preference for perfumed products. The fact is that any fragrances, even if you do not suffer from allergies, can cause irritation and inflammation. So, give up any perfumed products for caring for delicate areas in favor of unscented and preferably hypoallergenic ones.
Underwear also plays an important role in intimate hygiene. It should be made of natural breathable fabric, completely excluding synthetics. If this is not possible, which is understandable due to the desire to wear beautiful underwear, which is not always comfortable, then wearing it should be kept to a minimum. Also, gynecologists do not approve of thongs, which provoke irritation and inflammation, as well as infection with harmful bacteria.
5 best intimate hygiene products
This product delicately cleanses, maintains an optimal level of microflora and contains only useful components. Lactic acid normalizes the acid-base balance of the mucous membrane, protecting the genitals from infections. Glycyrrhizic acid has medicinal properties, strengthens local immunity and fights pathogens. Glycerin moisturizes and softens the skin, phytosphynosines relieve inflammation and fight microbes. Daily use of the gel speeds up healing and also destroys germs, preventing the development of thrush. And most importantly, the product does not cause allergic reactions and will become an indispensable assistant on critical days, when the issue of cleanliness and freshness is especially acute.
Intimate hygiene gel Nivea Intimate Natural
The soft gel formula, which contains natural and medicinal ingredients, gently cares for the sensitive skin of intimate areas of the body. Aloe vera extract moisturizes, soothes and softens the skin, chamomile has antiseptic properties and eliminates inflammation, and lactic acid maintains the natural pH level. Despite the fact that the gel has a light aroma, it is hypoallergenic. The product gives a feeling of cleanliness and freshness throughout the day. Moreover, you will certainly be pleased with its affordable price.
One of the most popular intimate hygiene products is designed specifically for daily use. It contains no dyes, no fragrances, no soap, so irritation and allergic reactions are completely excluded. The texture of the product is soft, silky and very pleasant, and the smell is neutral, which will especially appeal to girls who do not like fragrances. Thanks to the antibacterial ingredients included in the composition, after using the gel, a feeling of cleanliness and freshness will accompany you throughout the day, and from unpleasant odor there won't be a trace left. Lactacyd Femina is an ideal product for intimate hygiene, which gynecologists often recommend to their patients.
The composition of this product is significantly different from its “brothers”. It contains burdock extract, panthenol and even hyaluronic acid. If the former are aimed at relieving irritation, inflammation, moisturizing, restoring and softening, then hyaluronic acid gives the skin elasticity, prolonging the youth of the intimate area. In addition, the gel is an excellent prevention of the development of thrush and other fungal diseases, and can be used as an additional treatment during these problems.
The product contains soft components that neutralize the hardness of tap water, so after using it there is no feeling of dryness. The gel contains chamomile and calendula, which soothe, soften and relieve irritation, and lactic acid, which maintains the natural pH level. intimate area, and an antimicrobial complex that protects the skin from bacteria, eliminates unpleasant odor and gives a feeling of freshness until the end of the day. CORA gel perfectly relieves discomfort after use panty liners and synthetic underwear.
First of all, this is due to the fact that, as a rule, the intimate area has a lower PH level - from 3.8 to 4.4 (while the average for the skin is 5.5). The environment in this zone is more acidic due to the lactobacilli that live there. In order not to disturb the acid-base balance (which is fraught with an increase in the population of pathogenic microbes), it is necessary to use detergents with low PH. That is, ordinary soap and shower gels with a pH of 5.5 and higher are not suitable. After all, if the environment in this area becomes too alkaline, the number of lactobacilli will drop, which can lead to dysbacteriosis with unpleasant consequences in the form of dryness, itching and irritation.
One of the most important components of intimate hygiene products is lactic acid. It has a mild antiseptic effect, while maintaining the same PH necessary for normal flora.
In addition to lactic acid, natural intimate products include plant extracts known for their soothing and antifungal (preventing candidiasis) effects, such as chamomile, thyme, St. John's wort, ylang-ylang.
Many girls mistakenly believe that regular shower gel or baby soap is suitable for intimate hygiene. Gynecologists warn that such inattention to the most delicate places can result in problems with microflora - simply, thrush. The fact is that in this part of our body it is especially important to maintain the acid-base balance. If you use regular soap, this balance becomes more alkaline (while the environment in this zone should be acidic), and fragile microflora becomes susceptible to bacteria.
Moreover, products for the intimate area do not contain soap at all. They have a pH level of 4−5, which corresponds to a woman’s natural pH. For comparison: the pH of baby soap can reach up to 7, and regular soap - up to 9. In other words, the risk of disturbing the balance of bacteria in the most delicate places is very high if you do not use special cosmetics.
After all, you don’t put hand cream on your face or wash your hair with shower gel? Intimate parts worthy of no less attention than facial skin or hair.
Intimate Natural intimate hygiene gel from Nivea
The Nivea soft cleansing gel pleases not only with its affordable price, but also with its composition, which does not contain alkaline soap or dyes. True, the product still has a fragrance, but it is barely noticeable and delicate - the gel has a deodorizing effect, but should not cause allergies (just in case, do an allergy test before use). The product contains chamomile extract and lactic acid, which help neutralize inflammation and soothe the skin.
Price: 190 rub.
Intimate hygiene gel Lactacyd Femina
You will not find this product in a regular store - Lactacyd gel is sold only in pharmacies. The gel contains lactic acid and whey (lactoserum) to maintain normal microflora. The product is used very economically - a few drops are enough for one application. In addition, we liked the texture of the gel - silky and delicate.
Price: 210 rub.
Sesderma Intimate Hygiene Gel
This product contains burdock extract, skin soothing panthenol and even hyaluronic acid! Still, the most delicate places also need special care and attention to ensure that the skin remains elastic for as long as possible. In addition, the gel relieves minor inflammatory processes in the mucous membrane and significantly reduces the risk of thrush.
Price: 2400 rub.
Gel for intimate hygiene Carefree Sensitive
One of best options for daily intimate care - the gel is inexpensive, economical and, most importantly, suitable for very sensitive skin. The gel whips into a light foam, has a subtle aroma and a deodorizing effect. True, the packaging is seriously lacking a dispenser - in this sense, the product is inferior to its competitors.
Price: 170 rub.
SebaMed feminine hygiene gel
Another pharmaceutical product our list includes SebaMed gel with a low pH of 3.8. Manufacturers claim that the intimate hygiene gel is suitable specifically for young girls, who mostly have a slightly acidic balance - this is why the pH level is slightly underestimated. This gel has a fragrance, but it is also light and subtle. And in the composition natural ingredients- panthenol, virgin nut extract and betaine, which relieve inflammation and restore the microflora of the delicate area.
Price: 350 rub..
Gel for feminine hygiene "Epigen Intim"
Like most intimate hygiene gels, Epigen contains lactic acid - you already guessed that it helps maintain the correct balance. But unlike similar products, this gel also contains glycyrrhizic acid, which fights bacteria better than others. That is why we do not recommend using the product every day; it is rather suitable for some problematic moments - for example, after sexual intercourse, during menstruation, or if at the same time you are treating thrush. In this sense, the gel will be the best helper!
Intimate hygiene areas require special care. Many people use regular soap for this purpose, but due to its composition it destroys the microflora. Many experts recommend using special means intimate hygiene, which we will discuss in more detail in this article.
Rating TOP 7 best intimate hygiene products
- Uriage Gyn-8.
- Planeta Organica.
Let's take a closer look at the listed positions.
Opens rating the best remedy, recommended for regular use. The composition contains special ingredients that help restore skin elasticity and have a moisturizing effect. The product is based on oils with high fat content, which help create a film. Helps on for a long time get rid of discomfort and itching.
- restores skin elasticity;
- has no odor and blocks it;
- fatty oils create a protective film;
- suitable for daily use;
- allows you to get rid of itching and discomfort.
- not found.
Price: from 300 to 450 rubles.
What I like about this product is the quick relief of irritation and the calming effect. After use, the pleasant smell lasts for a long time. I use it every day. I no longer face the problem of unpleasant odor and itching.
for intimate hygiene Vagisil