Many women favour personal hygiene to feel good. Feminine hygiene is no exception!

The heart of femininity

Nowadays, women often have a busy life and a busy schedule! Although it isn’t always easy to find the time to take care of oneself, there are some things that shouldn’t be neglected, such as feminine hygiene. A personal care routine is an integral part of a woman’s beauty. Regardless of their hygiene ritual, it’s important to women to make the right choices to feel clean and fresh.

The benefits of proper personal hygiene go beyond merely esthetic considerations; it also helps to maintain a healthy sexuality. The vulva is a genital organ consisting of the external and visible part of the female reproductive system. Like any other part of the body, it has to be cleaned properly, while respecting its fragility.

A delicate balance

Have you ever heard of the vaginal flora (or microbiota)? There are several billion “good” bacteria found in the vagina that protect against the proliferation of germs that can cause infections. Like a real ecosystem, its balance can be threatened by a number of factors, including hygiene care that is either too vigorous or poorly adapted. So, excessive hygiene should be avoided!

Women of all ages should pay particular attention to feminine hygiene and focus on effective care that maintains a delicate balance. Vaginal flora is constantly changing, especially during certain key stages of a woman’s life, such as during adolescence, pregnancy or menopause. This can be primarily explained by hormonal changes associated with these transition periods. 

A woman’s genital area has a pH level that is moderately acidic. In order to preserve the skin’s and the mucous membrane’s natural protective barrier, it is appropriate to use neutral-based pH products that are in line with the skin’s acidic levels. This helps to prevent common infections such as bacterial vaginosis or fungal vaginitis.

Gentle care

The key word to remember when carrying out personal hygiene is: gentle! Here are some tips when providing gentle and tender care in this delicate area.

• When cleaning the genital area, use warm water.
• Choose soap-free cleansers to avoid drying out this sensitive area. Do not rub vigorously; be gentle.
• Avoid products containing irritating ingredients such as alcohol or fragrances.
• Use cleansing products specially formulated for feminine hygiene. Several of them, under various brand names, can be found on pharmacy shelves.
• After washing, gently tap the skin dry with a clean towel.
• Wash your underpants with a detergent for sensitive skin and make sure they are adequately rinsed.
• Do not carry out personal hygiene too often: once or twice a day is ample.
• Do not wear underpants that are too small or too tight. Opt for underpants made of white cotton instead of synthetic fibres for better aeration. Change them at least once a day.
• Keep in mind that the vagina is, to a certain extent, “self-cleaning”. Therefore, it is only necessary to clean the external area (the vulva).
• Refrain from using the products such as vaginal douches, powders or perfumes, which are of very little interest and which increase the risks of irritation and infection.
• When you go to the toilet, always wipe from front to back.
• If you go swimming, remove your wet bathing suit immediately after.
• Clean the vulva after vaginal intercourse.
• If you use a condom or a vaginal lubricant during sexual intercourse, choose one that is free of fragrances or superfluous ingredients.
• If you experience bladder leaks, wash your feminine parts after a “small accident”.

Speak to a healthcare professional if you notice an odour or abundant or abnormal secretions, or if you experience symptoms such as vaginal dryness, irritation, itchiness or pain. It could be an infection or another health problem.

Don’t hesitate to speak to your pharmacist for additional information about personal hygiene.