The vagina is overtaking the world of skincare and beauty goods.
The “feminine hygiene” market, which includes sanitary pads, tampons, panty liners and shields, internal cleansers, sprays, and disposable razors, is expected to reach $42.7 billion by 2022, according to one research.
We appear to be amidst a sizable wave of goods for vaginas and vulvas, according to Dr Kimberly Langdon, OB-GYN and medical adviser at Medzino, a digital health startup based in California.
Although your vulva could benefit, unique products are unnecessary for your vagina.
The terms “vulva” and “vagina” may be used interchangeably in marketing, but they refer to different bodily regions.
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, so there is no need to wash it, according to Dr Renjie Chang, an OB-GYN and the creator of NeuEve, a firm that develops products for women’s sexual health. A healthy vagina has a productive bacterial ecology that aids in maintaining the proper pH.
The pH level would be between 3.5 and 4.5, which is mildly acidic. According to Chang, human vaginas can block the growth of “bad” bacteria at this pH.
This natural equilibrium can be upset by washing or dousing the vagina, which may cause discomfort, bacterial vaginosis, or a yeast infection. Furthermore, according to Langdon, “Douching can result in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to infertility, and actually increases the chance of pushing STIs upward and toward the fallopian tubes.”
Use something as gentle as possible if you spend money on soap, wipes, or other items for your nether regions. It should ideally be hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dermatologist-tested.
These five gynaecologists-recommended items are available for trial:
1. Dove Bath Bars for Sensitive Skin
According to Dr Mary Jane Minkin, an OB-GYN at Yale-New Haven Hospital and a clinical professor of obstetrics, gynaecology, and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine. You should generally use a product that is the least toxic and least likely to contain potentially allergenic ingredients near the vulva and vagina.
I advise my patients to use the least quantity of soap possible and to use unscented soap, such as Dove bar soap, she explains. It has no aroma.
Price: $13.99 for 6 bars; accessible on Amazon
2. Summer’s Eve Towelettes
I support feminine hygiene wipes wholeheartedly, and certain businesses excel at this more than others, adds Ross. “Summer’s Eve products tend to be specifically developed not to disturb the pH balance of the vagina, thus I am a great fan of them.”
Additionally, the wipes have been gynaecologist-tested and are paraben- and dye-free.
When ought one to employ these? When changing pads or tampons, Ross claims.
“Wearing sanitary pads can introduce harmful microorganisms to this highly delicate and sensitive area. Whether at home or on the go, you can use these wipes to clean the blood from the vulva. You might even use them to wipe away sweat from your crotch after working out.
Packages are available on Amazon for $3.60.
3. Moisturizing wash for Vagisil Sensitive
According to Ross, Vigil has a series of personal washes designed exclusively for the labia that contain no additives that could upset the vagina’s average pH balance. She advises using this to wipe the labia.
It has been evaluated by dermatologists and gynaecologists and has a pH balance. Remember that this product has a smell, which may irritate people particularly sensitive or prone to yeast infections.
Bottle price: $10.00; available on Amazon
4. Fur Oil
You can decide how to care for your pubic hair, and fur has an excellent moisturizing oil if you keep any or all of your pubic hair.
Is pube oil necessary for your pubic hair? No. “Unlike the hair on our heads, your pubic area is not exposed to the environment. According to Langdon, it receives sufficient moisture and sebum to maintain its health.
Even so, maintaining the area’s moisture may be something you’re interested in. According to Ross, “Fur Oil has been dermatologist and gynaecologist tested, helping a consumer know it’s a safe purchase. Apply one to two drops to your fingers, then rub your pubic area with them. Additionally, it contains vitamin E to moisturize dry skin, clary sage seed oil to reduce inflammation, and fragrance- and paraben-free.
The oil contains peppermint and tea tree oil, which have astringent effects. Therefore, according to Phillips, heat and irritation may result from broken skin or a shaving nick.
Before applying, place a drop on your inner elbow, wrap it up with a bandage to prevent a reaction, and leave it overnight to see if anything happens.
Price: $46.00 for two ounces; accessible at Ulta
5. Lola Wipes for Cleaning
These wipes seem promising, Phillips remarks. The mild components don’t contain any typical vaginal irritants.
What material do they have? 100% bamboo steeped in a straightforward solution of distilled water. The product is free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic preservatives, colours, and alcohol.
Available on mylola.com for $10.00 each box.
Always test a product before using it, and cease using it if it creates problems.
