Many of us have an extensive skincare routine to pamper our face. However, the more sensitive skin in the intimate areas are often neglected. How many of us here actually have an intimate care regime?
Growing up in conservative Singapore, many of us were not exposed or did not have had the chance to learn about about feminine care from our mothers, nor during sex education in school.
Thankfully with the easy access and availability of information online, there is a growing awareness for females of all ages to practise good vaginal care daily. This is especially important for us, with our humid weather, hair removal treatments, and day to day activities like sports, it is sometimes inevitable that our intimate skin gets irritated, and may feel itchy. Many suffer silently as they feel embarrassed or do not know who to seek help from.
One of the most common misconceptions would be mixing up vulva and vagina. Most women don’t know the difference between the vagina and the vulva. Because of this mix up there is a confusion about using a product for cleansing or not.
Yes, the vagina is self-cleansing, however the vulva is not.
The VAGINA is the inner muscle canal, the birth canal, that runs from the cervix to the outside of the body.
The VULVA is the outside part that you can see; the labia, clitoris, vaginal opening and urethra. These outer parts are NOT self-cleansing.
Between the outer and inner labia, the remains of dead skin cells, discharge, and menstrual blood can accumulate and cause bad odour and infections if not properly cleaned.
Water alone is not enough to cleanse the intimate area thoroughly.
Let us share some tips on how you can keep your lady bits feeling clean, fresh, and healthy.
Firstly, choosing the right underwear.
Super tight panties and thongs may look and feel sexy, however the restricted blood circulation, more sweat and dampness can lead to bacterial infections, especially a yeast infection or urinary tract infection (UTI).
In addition, with the constant rubbing of the material against your skin, this friction can cause irritation and ingrown hairs. Therefore, we would recommend going for soft 100% cotton underwear with the right fit. Choose materials that are most gentle on the skin and will naturally wick away moisture. You can also apply a pea-sized amount of Lip Balm to reduce friction and prevent chafing.
Secondly, using the right intimate care products.
Remember to avoid perfumes, deodorants and powder for the vagina or vulva as these often contain chemicals which may irritate the delicate intimate skin. It is perfectly normal to have a mild natural smell.
A majority of odour is not from the vagina. It may be from the inner thighs and folds.
When cleansing, avoid douching or using soap which can disrupt the natural pH balance of your vagina, and strip your skin of moisture, which leaves it feeling “tight” after cleansing.
Instead, use a gentle intimate cleansing wash like our Cleansing & Moisturising Oils. This oil-based cleanser is specially formulated for the intimate skin to gently cleanses and moisturises with an all-natural formula. It helps with common intimate skin struggles like bad odour, dryness and itching.
Thirdly, taking the necessary steps when visiting the toilet.
When using public toilets, remember to disinfect before using.
Wiping from front to back is especially important for women as this prevents fecal matter from entering the urethra, which is the opening where urine exits the body. Accidental exposure to fecal matter is one of the leading causes of urinary tract infections in women.
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