It’s also important to be clear on the terminology. For starters, a common mistake is to use the terms “vagina” and “vulva” synonymously when they’re actually distinct parts of the anatomy. Many people use “vagina” to describe the entire area between the legs when “vulva” is the correct term to refer to all the external organs – the labia majora and minora, the clitoris, the urethral opening and the vagina itself.
The vagina is the muscular tube that connects the vulva to the cervix. Menstrual blood exits through it during periods and babies pass down it during birth. Awareness of these facts is the first step to a healthier intimate routine, as well as recognising that sometimes plain old water just doesn’t do the trick.Take a peek at Dior Spa Cruise, the luxury brand’s floating wellness yacht
Christine Mason, founder of Rosebud Woman that makes intimate care products, suggests people start by filling in the gaps in their understanding of their own intimate and reproductive anatomy. “There are hundreds of little components in here that interact with one another, that we can benefit from learning about,” she explains.
“The structures of the pelvic basin, like how the muscles of the pelvic floor work and support the internal organs, the external and internal genitalia, as well as all the organs and neural pathways of arousal.”
Mason started Rosebud in response after noticing that intimate wellness products were primarily designed for use with a sexual partner or to treat a diagnosed issue, but barely offered any effective formulas to provide everyday comfort.
The primary goal is keeping the area clean without overdoing it. Cleaning your vagina excessively may harm the beneficial lactobacilli bacteria that help maintain an acidic pH to prevent infections. Upsetting this delicate balance can result in unpleasant infections, prompting further washing and complicating the problem.
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According to Bonafide Health’s chief medical officer, Dr Alyssa Dweck, although many individuals may start an intimate skincare routine due to symptoms of vaginal dryness or painful sex, it’s ideal to be proactive about vaginal care even if one is asymptomatic.
Launched to provide prescription-free solutions to address everyday reproductive health issues, Bonafide Health offers formulas made with hormone-free ingredients. The company developed products to boost the natural ingredients your vagina may lose with time. “Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring moisturising molecule, which we all make and which diminishes with age,” Dr Dweck says. “That’s when vaginal moisturisers containing hyaluronic acid – such as Revaree by Bonafide – are optimal.”
“Additionally, it’s important to consider the difference between a vaginal moisturiser and a vaginal lubricant,” she says. “A moisturiser is meant for regular use, similar to a facial cream or serum, which many of us use daily for moisture,” she explains. “A lubricant, on the other hand, is used on demand to enhance sexual pleasure or to ease pain upon insertion/friction in the moment.”Not just hot air: why celebs are getting a sweat on for infrared saunas?
She also recommends avoiding parabens, fragrances, phthalates and flavours, especially if you deal with sensitivity. “Vaginal oestrogen is also indicated for addressing vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. However, some people may not be candidates for hormonal therapies due to medical reasons or personal preference.”And while your vagina can clean itself internally, the surrounding vulva needs some extra care. You definitely shouldn’t use ordinary body or face wash to do so, but cleaning the area with vulva-friendly products should be part of your daily routine. Warm water is OK, but adding a few products can help keep it all clean, fresh and hydrated.
Mason emphasises the importance of keeping toxic products out of your routine. “Only clean period care, organic topicals. Whatever it is that you put in this area, skincare or lubrication, make them naturally supportive,” she says.
She also advises staying away from silicon as it blocks off your own natural emissions, and “don’t use anything that’s got chemical run-off. The skin [in the vulva] is 10 times more absorbent than any other skin in the body. It’s the same kind of skin as the inner lining of the mouth”.
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Besides products, you can do other things to keep the area out of harm’s way. They include increasing blood flow through exercise, keeping pH levels on track (typically 3.8-4.5 depending on age and health), having a balanced microbiome through diet and supplements, grooming responsibly, avoiding underwear made of tight satin or synthetic fabrics, and using soft dry towels after a shower as bacteria can proliferate on wet towels and cloths.ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tK%2FMqWWcp51kuqKzwLOgp52jZMC1xcueZrCdnKF6o7HIp55omaKptqS4xGhqa2thaX55e8inq6KlkamybsPEpaOnnaOoenJ8kGafqK9doLKmvIyypq6qXauuqLXNmmShnZGhwanFjJqlnWWZo7Omr9OipqdllqeypnnMmqCnrJGeu6q6xmaapZ2Ro3q3wcuvmKxlop60qcA%3D