We reveal the secrets to a fresh and fabulous you down there! With our ultimate guide to intimate hygiene, get ready for practical tips, product picks, and total confidence boosters!
We're going to talk about a topic that isn't always easy to discuss: intimate hygiene. We understand that it can be a sensitive topic, but we're here to provide helpful tips and advice on how to keep your intimate area clean and fresh. Our goal is to make this a more comfortable and approachable subject.
You’re in the right place if you want to learn how to take care of intimate hygiene. With our expert advice and practical tips, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to prioritise your well-being, embrace a confident lifestyle.
Here are our main intimate care examples and hygiene tips.
The term pH indicates how acidic or alkaline certain parts of body are, including the skin and vagina, and it will differ depending on what part of the body you are taking the reading from. The middle range scale for pH is 7.0 and this is classed as neutral. A healthy vaginal pH is generally a little acidic and around 3.8-5.0, but don’t panic this simply means it’s working hard to protect your intimate area against harmful bacteria and infections.
So, you can see it’s quite important to keep these pH levels balanced and at the right level for that part of the body, because if they are disturbed it can lead to BV, yeast infections and even UTI infections.
Keep your intimate area feeling fresh and clean by washing it regularly with plain warm water, unscented soaps or shower gels, or even pH-balanced intimate washes. You can do this when taking your daily shower or bath. This helps maintain optimal hygiene and minimises the presence of odour-causing bacteria.
Remember that when we say intimate area, we mean the outside bits...the bits you can see, the vulva! There is no need to wash or cleanse inside the vagina itself, it can do this all by itself!
Firstly, gently spread your labia apart (often called the vaginal lips) and gently cleanse this intimate area around the folds using either your hands or a clean washcloth or sponge and don’t forget the groin aread that can often need special attention as sweat and bacteria can form here. Avoid using too much soap, be gentle and rinse the area with plain water thoroughly. If you’re using a washcloth or sponge, be sure to wash it out and leave to dry before using again.
After washing or bathing, gently pat the intimate area dry with a soft towel.
Despite what you may have heard your vagina is able to self-clean, so skip the douching or vaginal steaming. There is no medical evidence to show that this offers any benefit, and in fact they can disrupt the natural balance of your vaginal area, (remember we talked about the pH in this area) leading to irritation and an increased risk of infections such as BV (bacterial vaginosis).
When wiping after using the loo, remember to be gentle and always wipe from front to back with toilet paper. This simple act can help prevent the transfer of harmful bacteria from the rectal area to the vagina, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.
Let your intimate area breathe by choosing underwear made of breathable, natural fabrics like cotton. This allows airflow, reduces moisture build-up, and helps prevent potential infections or irritation.
Pantyliners can be your best friend when it comes to maintaining freshness throughout the day. Choose absorbent pantyliners that are breathable and designed specifically for the intimate area. They can help absorb moisture, keep you feeling fresh, and provide an extra layer of protection for your underwear. They’re especially helpful when you have vaginal discharge.
When on your periods, you may wish to cleanse your vulva in between pad or tampons changes and an intimate wipe will be more suitable during the day for this task.
There is no need for you to jump straight into the shower or wash this area directly after sexual intercourse if you do not want to. But some people do feel that cleaning this area at some time, either immediately after, or a few hours later, can help reduce the risk of contracting vaginal or UTI (urinary tract infections). Ultimately, it’s a personal choice.
The best way to practice these intimate care examples is to create your very own intimate hygiene routine. And it doesn't have to be too complicated either. Perhaps you could start with:
Remember, everyone's needs may vary, so adapt the routine to suit your body and preferences for a personalised approach to intimate care.
By following the tips and examples we've shared, you can ensure a fresh and confident intimate experience. From gentle washing to using breathable cotton undies, each step contributes to a healthier, happier you.
Remember whilst cleansing is vitally important, and a good intimate hygiene routine is key to feeling clean and fresh, infections can still occur from time to time, and if you do find your intimate area is not as it should be, reach out and speak to your pharmacy or doctor for advice.
Intimate hygiene refers to the practice of keeping your intimate area clean and healthy, which includes your genitals and surrounding area. It's important to maintain good intimate hygiene for many reasons, including reducing your risk of infection and discomfort, boosting your self-confidence, and promoting overall health and well-being.
An intimate hygiene wash is a gentle, pH balanced solution made to cleanse intimate areas. It’s typically used to gently cleanse, reduce odour and bacteria build-up. Our tip is to look out for intimate washes that are gynaecologically and clinically approved.
Intimate washes are not always necessary, plain water and unperfumed products will work just as well. But if you are susceptible to vaginal infections such as thrush, you may find a pH balanced intimate can reduce these outbreaks.
Using an intimate wash every day is perfectly safe, be sure to choose a mild and pH-balanced product specifically designed for the intimate area and to rinse thoroughly after use. It's also important to listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
As with any skincare product, sensitivity can very occasionally be noticed. If you experience irritation, or discomfort when using an intimate wash, cease use immediately, use only plain water to cleans this intimate area and have a chat to your pharmacist or doctor.
