When a woman goes to the pharmacy she usually finds a wide variety of intimate soaps available. With the most varied names, they promise basically the same thing: "take care of feminine intimate hygiene, providing a feeling of freshness and comfort."
And it is in this context that the question often arises: Do women really need a special soap for their intimate hygiene? As much as this type of product is nothing new in the market, this is still a subject surrounded by doubts.
Marair Sartori, gynecologist and obstetrician at São Luiz Itaim Hospital and Maternity Hospital, explains that intimate soaps are soaps that have a more acidic pH, ranging from 4.5 to 5.5. Therefore, closer to the pH of the vulvar skin. And they are hypoallergenic (products with low potential to cause allergy). They are composed of lactic acid, glycerin, fatty acids and pH controllers, he says.
Yes, the intimate soap is unnecessary in everyday life. In other words: is it not a? Must? Woman's wear it. But for women who like different types of soaps, they find the smell and feel pleasant, great, this type of product may be a good option. Provided, of course, it is used correctly.
Advantages vs. risks of using intimate soap
According to Marair, the advantages of intimate soap are: maintaining the pH and hydration of the skin. "Because they are mild detergents, they prevent the excessive removal of fat from the protective skin and prevent dehydration," he says.
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That is, this type of soap is known to help keep the vagina region healthy, preventing infections, and can provide a greater sense of well-being.
"Women who care a lot about odors or vaginal secretions are candidates to use intimate soap," adds the gynecologist.
But those with "healthy vulvar skin with no history of allergies or hypersensitivity sometimes feel no need to use specific products," says Marair. "But they should avoid very alkaline soaps that impair function and dehydrate the skin," he adds.
Regarding the risks of using intimate soap, Marair points out that the problem occurs only when there is excessive use, more than three times a day. Or when there is excessive rubbing (rubbing on a part of the body), as removal of the lipid layer from the skin can cause dehydration and loss of skin protection. The time used for cleaning should not exceed three minutes, maximum ?, says.
How to use intimate soap
The intimate soap can be used daily, but it requires some care:
Read also: 7 Facts About The Vagina That Every Woman Should Know
- It should not be used on internal genitals (because the chance of allergic reactions is very high);
- It should not be used more than three times a day (ideally only once a day);
- Sanitization with this type of soap should not last more than three minutes;
- Do not rub the area excessively.
The recommendation is that hygiene should be done only with fingers (in addition to water and intimate soap, in this case), since sponges, cotton swabs can scrape the vulva and cause injury.
Hygienization should focus on the vulva (outside), and movements should be light. The vagina (inner part), compared to the small and large lips, has less fat accumulation. Thus, there is no need for more intense cleaning. In addition, the region has less acidic pH (and the more acidic the greater the control of bacteria and fungi) and this acidity level can be compromised by soaps and / or water jets, eliminating natural protection and facilitating micro proliferation. - harmful organisms.
Top questions about women's intimate hygiene
Below the gynecologist clarifies the main doubts about intimate soap and women's intimate hygiene in general.
Is it necessary to wash the vagina after pee? And after sex?
Marair explains that it is not necessary to wash after urinating. After sexual activity, you can wash with water and intimate soap, but without vaginal douches. It is also recommended to always urinate after sexual intercourse, to reduce the risk of cystitis ?, says.
What other type of soap is safe to wash the outside of the vagina?
• Those with more acidic pH, no exaggerated perfume, no excessive detergent activity. Glycerin soaps, for example ?, tells Marair.
Is it recommended to use wipes for intimate hygiene and intimate deodorants?
According to Marair, baby wipes are useful for hygiene when away from home. • Care should be taken not to rub too much so as not to remove the protective layer of the skin. And some women may have an allergic reaction to their components?
However, the gynecologist does not recommend the use of intimate deodorant. • These products should be avoided by the possibility of local irritation. The same goes for toilet paper and scented tampons?
Can a woman use intimate soap during her period?
? Yes, the use is the same at any period of the cycle ?, highlights Marair.
Can prolonged use of intimate soap cause any problems?
No, according to Marair. "Only excessive or frictional daily use can cause problems," he says.
10 brands of intimate soaps to test
In the gallery below you can check some intimate soap options:
Lucretin Soap for Pregnant Woman for R $ 16.25 at Onofre
Lowell Freshe Intimate Soap for $ 7.87 at Vaidosa Cosmetics
Intimate Dove Soap for R $ 15,11 at Walmart
Ecologie Bio Neutral Intimate Soap for R $ 14.90 at Walmart
Intimate Dermacyd Breeze Soap for R $ 14.92 at Onofre
Vagisil Intimate Soap for R $ 17,81 at Panvel
Dermacyd Delicata Intimate Soap for $ 4.99 at Onofre
Intimate Soap Take Good Care Apothecary for $ 9.99 at Apothecary
Intimate Nivea Soap for R $ 15,90 on Netfarma
Lucretin Women's Intimate Soap for $ 4.95 on Onofre
Simple and effective intimate hygiene tips
Marair cites some simple tips to help ensure female intimate hygiene:
- It is preferable to wear cotton underwear that allows perspiration. • Tissue in contact with the perineum and vulva should allow perspiration and prevent irritation. And do the cotton fabrics fit this description well ?, adds the gynecologist.
- It is not necessary to sleep without panties, but very tight clothes should be avoided for this.
- In the menstrual period, the woman should not stay with the same pad for a long time, depending on the amount of flow.
- Outside the menstrual period, tampons should be changed within 4 hours. Absorbents for daily use (outside the menstrual period) should be those without plastic protector to allow skin to perspirate.
- One should avoid washing the panties in the bath and letting them dry in the bathroom.
- The panties should be washed and rinsed thoroughly, and left to dry in an open, ventilated and, if possible, sunny environment. "This eliminates chemical residue from the substances used in washing, prevents moisture and the proliferation of fungi and bacteria in the tissue," says Marair.
- Do not overdo the intimate hygiene: do not use dowels, cloths or towels, do not rub too much liquid soap. "Use water to remove residues and light detergent soap (which makes little foam) to remove excess fat and other residues," says the gynecologist.
- Do not have vaginal showers or sitz baths.
- Do not use perfumes, ointments, deodorants or moisturizers on the vulva without guidance.
Another important guideline is always to clean with toilet paper from front to back to avoid any vaginal contamination.
So now you know: as much as some people say otherwise, intimate soap is not an indispensable product in your routine. But, yes, it can be useful; It's more a matter of opinion, preferably. And if in doubt, of course, be sure to talk to your gynecologist.
Holistische Intimpflege • Gynäkologische Gesundheit / Secret Ceres (ft. Mallence) (April 2024)
- Prevention and Treatment
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