In the vagina, the normal medium is an acidic medium, where the pH due to the presence of a milk stick is 3.3 units. The pH level of our body is 5.5 units, the pH balance of the soap is approximately 9-12 units. To keep the acidic environment of the vagina at the required level, it is not recommended to take care of intimate areas using usual alkaline soap. Acidic medium is a kind of barrier that prevents pathogens from penetrating into the vagina. That's why doctors recommend for the safety of women's health to use special means for intimate hygiene.
Types of intimate hygiene products
Gel is a liquid product that does not get very foaming. The gel usually contains moisturizing ingredients (by the way, compared to soap for intimate hygiene, there are more of them in the gel).
Cream. Soothes and moisturizes the mucous membrane and the skin. Cream can be used before swimming in the river and in the pool, it will protect against dryness. In addition, the cream can be used as a lubricant.
Mousse and foam. Delicate, light, ideally suited for sensitive skin not only cleans the skin and mucous membranes well, but also gives a feeling of freshness.
Wet wipes are used in cases where it is impossible to use other means. Such napkins are impregnated with a special lotion, which contains lactic acid, disinfectant and moisturizing ingredients.
Soap for hygiene of intimate areas is more gentle than usual soap, contains vegetable extracts, has no preservatives and colorants.
Deodorant is used only after washing. Deodorant is not suitable for cleaning the sex organs, it just masks the natural smell.
Composition of means for intimate hygiene
Any means of intimate hygiene in its composition should contain physiological acid (preferably, of course, milk). Biologically active substances should be present, which would provide a preventive antimicrobial effect. It is not desirable that such agents contain dyes, flavors, soaps and other alkaline compounds.
Often in the composition you can see:
Thyme. Reduces the likelihood of infection, increases the natural barrier, eliminates burning and itching.
Triclosan is a substance that does not cause the development of a stable flora, which does not irritate the mucous and delicate skin. However, there is a possibility of habituation, as a result of which the microbes previously destroyed by triclosan begin to mutate, becoming stronger individuals, on which already the triclosan will not have any effect.
Tea tree oil, usually found in an "intimate" soap. It is used for the prevention of a number of infectious diseases and inflammations of the genital mucosa of the genitourinary system.
Oak bark extract has soothing, protective and antiseptic properties. Used for inflammation, fungus, infections (caused by bacteria).
Provitamin B5 - D-panthenol. Relieves irritation, moisturizes.
Marigold extract. On the mucous and the skin has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial action. Also heals scrapes, protects the mucous from malicious changes, protects against various infections.
Chamomile. Promotes healing of mucous and skin, prevents inflammation, eliminates redness, relieves itching and burning.
Mullein common. Soothes irritations, regenerates, has a sweet, specific flavor.
Yarrow. Relieves inflammation and irritation, accelerates healing of the affected epidermis.
Field cuff. It removes the inflammatory processes of the mucosa, has an antibacterial effect, accelerates the regeneration of the epidermis, restores immunity. It is used for excretions.
It will be better if as part of the intimate remedy there will be as many natural components as possible. But before you choose to look at the label, if you only see herbal tinctures in the composition, but if the expiration date exceeds one year, it is better to refuse to purchase such a product. Remember, everything natural is quickly destroyed!