In the modern world of today, most women spend a lot of time and money on facial care, make-up and skin treatments, however, many of them fail to pay the proper attention to their intimate area. It’s imperative for women to be aware of how to maintain their personal hygiene in order to stay healthy and avoid problems like vagina irritation, abnormal vaginal discharge, vaginal dryness, vaginal infections, unnatural odour and long-term fatal diseases, including cervical or ovarian cancer.

Nevertheless, although the vagina has a natural self-cleaning system (it produces a discharge that eliminates dead cells and bacteria), it is still important to maintain its health. For that, there is a range of feminine hygiene products on the market that you can use in your intimate care routine.

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Body Wash

Intimacy washes have experienced a great spike in popularity in the last couple of years, however, healthcare professionals recommend avoiding perfumed soaps, gels and antiseptics as these can affect the healthy balance of bacteria and pH levels in the vagina and cause irritation. Instead, it’s recommended to use a natural body wash to wash the area around the vagina gently every day. Bar soaps are often shared among people and left in the shower collecting bacteria, which makes body washes a more hygienic option.

When it comes to choosing a good product to use, natural body washes from Sukin are a good option to consider. The diverse sukin body wash collection contains products made from all-natural ingredients, meaning there are no harsh chemicals to damage the skin or affect the pH levels in the vagina. Sukin Skincare is a well-known brand which was established back in 2007. By using only key botanicals, essential oils and antioxidants, the brand creates a line of products that actually works and leaves all the nasty stuff out. The brand was one of the first ones in the industry to say “No” to artificial additives and harsh ingredients that cause harm to people, the animals and the environment we live in. Sukin believes that everything they need to make products that people love can be found in nature, and it’s this knowledge about what to leave out what makes their products so special.

Their natural body washes can also be a great addition to your daily body care routine. When it comes to how to take care of your body’s skin, a regular routine involving a gentle body wash, a moisturizer and a body scrub can help keep your skin soft and looking good. Aside from cleansing, the sukin body wash can also improve the condition of your skin over time. Packed with nourishing and hydrating plant-based ingredients, it gives your skin extra help to maintain that healthy glow.

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Wet Wipes

Wet wipes can be a great addition to your daily hygiene routine to help you feel clean and fresh. Although today you can find a wide array of feminine hygiene wipes, there is nothing wrong with using regular wet wipes. However, you need to be careful when it comes to the ingredients they are made of. The right wipes can help you wipe away impurities that accumulate during the day without disturbing the balance of beneficial and opportunistic bacteria that live on the skin around your vagina. The wrong wipes could lead to a variety of issues such as an allergic reaction, a burning feeling, yeast infection and even urinary tract infections. Keep in mind that you should use wipes to only clean the outside area of the vagina, as well as the anal area. Never, use wipes inside your vagina.

Regular baby wipes aren’t quite the best option. Their gleaming shade of white is because they are bleached with chlorine and other harsh chemicals. These chemicals are the last thing you want in your vagina. Instead, look for bamboo wipes, which are made of breathable bamboo fibres that leave a silky soft feel on the delicate skin of your vagina. Plus, bamboo has natural antibacterial properties which reduce the chances of irritation. With all the concerns that wipes could take 100 years or more to decompose, you may be asking yourself – are bamboo wipes biodegradable? As a matter of fact, yes, they are. Bamboo is a material that decomposes rapidly. Generally, it can take 6-12 months for it to fully decompose.

Menstrual Cup

With the billions of sanitary products being disposed of annually, new products have been created to help women manage their menstruations without leaving a footprint. One option is the menstrual cup. What is a menstrual cup? It is a reusable, bell-shaped cup that you insert into the vagina to stanch the menstrual flow. This personal care product is as effective as sanitary pads and tampons and it is less expensive. When it comes to how to use a menstrual cup, it is very simple. All you have to do is insert the cup, rim up into your vagina like you would a tampon without an applicator. It should sit a few centimetres below your cervix. Rotate the cup so it can spring open, creating an airtight seal that stops leaks. You can wear your menstrual cup for 6-12 hours, depending on whether you have a heavy flow. However, make sure to never leave it inside your body for more than 12 hours. In case the cup gets full sooner than you thought, empty it to avoid leaks.

Aside from ensuring proper intimate hygiene, regular doctor visits are also important for your intimate health. Sometimes your body may experience changes physically or hormonally, leading to changes in vaginal discharge or menstrual cycle. Do not hesitate to contact your doctor in case you experience discomfort, infection, or anything that you may find not normal.