¿En qué consiste el cuidado diario de la zona íntima?

There's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to keeping your V-Zone happy and healthy. Some of us might have just started puberty and are trying to figure out how to cope with new smells, first periods and discharge. While others might be going through life-changing moments such as pregnancy or perhaps perimenopause, and experiencing changes like irregular spotting or even excessive sweating. This makes keeping up with good personal hygiene all the more important.

But it doesn’t take a big life milestone to take good care of yourself! In this guide, we’ll explore a range of intimate care products and top intimate hygiene tips, so you can choose whatever works best for you, no matter what life throws at your V-Zone.

When we consider caring for our intimate area, it’s common to think about washing our vagina. But that’s only one of the many bits that make up our V-Zone. Here’s some top tips on what you should clean and how.

Wash your vulva, not your vagina

Yes, that's right – it's a good idea to wash your vulva but not your vagina. Sounds odd?

Remember that your vagina and vulva are not the same thing! Your vulva consists of the outer parts of your V-Zone – labia majora (outermost lips), labia minora (innermost lips), clitoris, and entrance to the vagina. Whereas your vagina is the canal inside your body.

Your vagina contains a lot of good bacteria that maintain a natural acidity level (pH balance), so basically, it cleans itself! Washing your vagina is not only unnecessary, but it can actually do more harm than good. Cleaning it with fragranced shower gels or harsh soaps can unsettle your vaginal pH, causing skin irritation and infections. This also means douching is a big no-no. In a nutshell – the best way to take care of your vagina is to leave it alone.

Clean your vulva gently

While every vulva has a unique scent (which is normal and natural), they do come into contact with all kinds of fluids, from discharge and pee to period blood and sweat. And they don’t always get the best ventilation thanks to synthetic underwear fabrics or tight clothes. So having a good intimate hygiene routine is always a good idea!

Washing your vulva with warm water is completely fine but you can also use a mild intimate wash gel that respects your vulva’s natural pH. There are many options to keep you feeling fresh and comfortable, such as our Libresse Daily Intimate Wash Gel.

Just be careful not to overdo it, as your intimate skin is delicate and cleaning too much can be just as harmful as not enough.

With so many options available, it can be quite daunting not knowing what intimate hygiene product is best for you or when you should use them. We’ve got the lowdown, so you can pick what suits your needs.

Panty liners

Liners are basically thin and small absorbent products (similar to period pads) that attach to the inside of your underwear. They’re a great way to manage daily vaginal discharge, irregular spotting, and everything in between!

Panty liners come in different sizes and absorbencies, so you can choose depending on what you feel most comfortable with.

Are panty liners safe to use every day?

The short answer is yes! Liners are safe to use as regularly as you like to. Just remember to change them throughout the day (about every 3 to 4 hours, depending on what kind of fluids you’re dealing with), and you’re good to go.

Breathable and absorbent underwear

Wearing underwear that is breathable and with good absorbency is important for good intimate hygiene. You could try wearing our intimawear by Libresse™ pants. Designed with TriTech Performance, they’re made to handle all kinds of fluids, helping you stay fresh and comfortable for longer.

Intimate hygiene wipes

Using intimate hygiene wipes is a convenient solution to keep you feeling fresh throughout the day. Whether you’re running after your children, hitting the gym, or traveling off the beaten path, you can just pop some wipes into your bag, ready for when you need them.

So why not try our Libresse intimate hygiene wipes? They’re pH-balanced as well as gynecologically and dermatologically tested to give your delicate intimate skin the care it deserves.

And remember: always wipe front to back – never back to front! This ensures that no harmful bacteria from your anus get into your vagina and cause infections.

While using the right products is a great starting point, there’s more you can do to ensure a happy and healthy V-Zone. Let’s take a closer look!

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is a crucial part of vaginal health. That’s because water helps your body to maintain natural lubrication in the vagina, preventing any dryness and discomfort. Plus, staying hydrated also helps to keep your vaginal pH balance in check, which can prevent conditions such as yeast infections and vaginitis.

And, as an added bonus, water can also help flush out harmful toxins from the body and improve circulation in the vaginal area. So bottom line, drink up!

Be gentle if you shave your pubic hair

Everyone has hair around their intimate area. Your pubes are there for a reason too – they act as a barrier preventing any harmful viruses and bacteria from entering your body. But there’s no right or wrong way to deal with pubic hair. Whether you want to shave it, wax it, trim it, or let it grow as it is – it’s your personal choice.

If you do shave your pubic hair, though, remember to use a clean shaving razor and be extra careful. Not only are nicks and cuts uncomfortable, but they can also put you and your sexual partners at higher risk of catching sexually transmitted infections (STIs). ^[1] If you find that your skin is sensitive after shaving, avoid wearing trousers or underwear that are too tight to avoid friction. You can also try using intimate wash gels to minimise the risk of further skin irritation.

See a doctor when something doesn’t feel right

It’s important to pay attention to your V-Zone and get familiar with your normal. This will help you spot whether everything’s okay, or if a change needs checking out with your doctor. In general, a healthy V-Zone should not feel sore or irritated.

Watch out specially for aching labia and changes in the consistency or smell of your discharge, as they could be signs of vaginal infections such as thrush and bacterial vaginosis. If your intimate skin is sensitive to touch, red, swollen and itching, seeking help from a medical professional can help you get the right treatment in good time. The solution could be as simple as changing the intimate hygiene products you’re using or being more careful with your V-Zone hygiene routine.

Remember, less is more when it comes to maintaining good intimate hygiene. If you do decide to use products, make sure that they’re specifically designed for intimate skin and free from any harsh chemicals and fragrances. If you don’t have a daily intimate care routine yet, why not try incorporating some of these tips and tricks to keep your V-Zone clean and healthy?

If you’d like to learn more, find out what sorts of things can appear in your vulva or explore what causes vaginal dryness.

[References]

^[1]   https://www.verywellhealth.com/can-shaving-or-waxing-my-pubic-hair-affect-my-std-risk