The issue of intimate hygiene is a delicate one. Unfortunately, not many girls and women understand that the most basic knowledge in this area and careful care will help to avoid various diseases that are characteristic of women's health. If a woman does not have the opportunity to discuss this issue with a doctor or friends, for a start, you can take some steps on your own.
So, various means for intimate hygiene in 2022 are widely represented on the Russian market. If earlier women had to use their traditional care products for this purpose - soap and shower gels, which violated the normal microflora, and feel discomfort, now the situation has changed. For quite a long time, modern developments have appeared - gels, creams, wet wipes, and foams suitable for delicate care for sensitive areas of the body.They gently and gently cleanse the skin, avoid irritation, do not cause dryness and, on the contrary, provide hydration and a feeling of comfort. Therefore, the answer to the question of whether an intimate gel is needed is definitely in the affirmative.
Content
The microflora of the intimate area is mainly composed of lactobacilli. They are producers of lactic acid, which maintains the acid-base balance at an optimal level. Due to this, harmful microorganisms quickly die and do not have a chance to multiply in such an environment.Changing the pH level can upset the balance of the microflora and lead to negative consequences due to the multiplication of harmful bacteria.
Infections and inflammatory diseases entail abdominal pain, irritation, burning, itching, swelling, and unpleasant discharge. They are caused by stress, malnutrition, clothing made from synthetic fabrics, taking medications, and hormonal problems. To identify the cause, you need to seek help from a specialist and not self-medicate.
However, outside of acute inflammatory processes, especially if you are at risk, it is recommended to use at least a self-selected product for intimate hygiene, which will have a special composition that does not disturb the pH balance. Also, by preventing the reproduction of pathogens, the intimate gel also eliminates the unpleasant odor that they generate in the course of their life. But there is no therapeutic effect of such drugs.
Their pH values range from 3.8 to 4.6, which is close to the standard pH level of the human body.
As part of intimate gels, creams, foams and similar products, there are antiseptic components - extracts from medicinal plants that successfully fight inflammation and fungi, provide an antibacterial and soothing effect.
Lactobacilli are added to some products, which help to improve the condition of the mucous membranes of the vagina. D-panthenol may also be present, which has a healing effect on tissues.
Of course, ordinary, often chlorinated, water does not have such a range of useful qualities, the quality of which in large metropolitan areas leaves much to be desired.
Intimate gels and creams are recommended to be applied only to the outer areas of the skin, since it is better not to invade the bacterial environment of the body once again.
Avoid products that contain perfume. It can cause allergies and irritation, due to hypersensitivity or individual intolerance. It will be a plus if the selected product is labeled by the manufacturer as hypoallergenic. The less fragrances, dyes and similar elements, the more environmentally friendly the product.
The product foams with warm water, and is applied with light movements to intimate areas, after which it is washed off. Cleaned skin should be blotted dry, and preferably with a cotton towel.
It is recommended to take a shower with special products 2-3 times a day. If you do this more often, then it is better to limit yourself to plain water.
There is also a children's gel or cream, which is recommended to be used about 1 time per week, because with more frequent use the mucous membrane will dry out.
Products for intimate areas are quite neutral, but sometimes they should not be used:
Therefore, if you suspect that you have an allergy, you should carefully read the composition. Most often, the reaction is caused by lactobacilli (which produce lactose) and plant extracts.
How much does an intimate hygiene product cost? It is worth saying that the cost can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer, volume, components in the composition.
The best manufacturers are Lactacyd Femina, Sesderma, SebaMed, Epigen, TianDe. There are also more budget ones - Nivea, Cafry, Vagisan, DeoIntim. You can also find quite inexpensive ones - at a price of 30-40 rubles per 100 ml, but there are doubts about them. The quality of the product and the ingredients involved in the composition depend on how much the product costs.
It is impossible to say for sure which company is better to buy a product, since everything is very individual and the characteristics of the goods are very different in purpose. What is praised by some may cause pain and discomfort from use in others. Therefore, the “trial and error” method is perhaps the only option to find your ideal intimate hygiene product.
The popularity of the products does not guarantee that the presented funds will suit you, but they are selected based on feedback from real customers who have used these products.
This question also cannot be answered unambiguously. The remedy should be chosen based on data on the composition, the state of one's health, individual preferences and a number of other factors - everyone has their own selection criteria.
In general, all intimate hygiene products have a rather limited functionality - and give either a cleansing or moisturizing effect. You can start from which of these properties is preferable in your situation.
Moisturizing gels and creams are recommended for ladies in such a period of their life as menopause.Young women can also use them, for example, during pregnancy, in case of candidiasis, colpitis or taking contraceptives, which are usually accompanied by severe drying of the mucous membrane.
Cleansing gels contain active ingredients, like other washing and cleaning products, and, in addition, a rich antibacterial complex. It is recommended to use them during menstruation, with active physical activity.
When you do not have the opportunity to ask a friend or a gynecologist for advice, but you are wondering “how to choose a gel for intimate hygiene?”, You can make a choice based on the rating of quality products according to the Yandex.Market service. This will help reduce the number of options when answering the question of which funds to buy.
The most popular models will be presented below. They belong to different price categories, which makes them affordable for any woman.
The gel is a cleanser. In terms of composition, there is something to complain about, it is not completely natural. However, the pH level of the product is optimal, it contains lactic acid.
Volume - 150 ml.
Price - 950 rubles.
The cream from the Belarusian manufacturer contains aphrodisiacs, aloe extract, and essential oils - patchouli, rosemary, ylang-ylang, as well as moisturizing and soothing ingredients.
Volume - 30 ml.
Price - 50 rubles.
Cleansing product with a pine scent that helps to keep the mucous membranes in a natural state. The composition contains an antiseptic - tea tree oil. The optimal pH balance is ensured by the presence of lactic acid in the gel-cream.
The cost is 250 rubles.
Volume - 300 ml.
Means brand "Organic Kitchen", which produces jars for all occasions. They enjoy attention due to their availability and, as a rule, natural composition. This gel refers to moisturizers, the composition contains lactic acid, caring components and mild surfactants. The optimal pH balance of the gel is around 4.
Volume - 100 ml.
Price - 80 rubles.
The product of the Russian manufacturer "Savonry", which is known for the production of truly natural products. It has a dual purpose - cleansing plus moisturizing. The key ingredients of the product are lactic acid, oils - peach, aloe, wheat germ, sesame, plant extracts - succession, chamomile, and vitamin B5.
Volume - 200 ml.
The cost is 220 rubles.
This soap is intended for cleansing the mucous membranes of intimate areas. Recommended for sensitive skin - it soothes and relieves irritation due to the action of sage extract in the composition. An ingredient such as allantoin moisturizes the delicate skin of the intimate area.
Volume - 370 ml.
The cost is 110 rubles.
This tool from the Russian manufacturer "Compliment" is designed to restore the normal pH level of intimate areas. Relieves irritation, dryness, itching, burning and other unpleasant symptoms associated with a violation of pH. It does an excellent job of moisturizing the vaginal mucosa. There is lactic acid and plant extracts of calendula, chamomile, aloe vera in the composition.
Volume - 250 ml.
Price - 150 rubles.
Gel from a German manufacturer, which can be found both in pharmacies and in Fix-Price stores. Its pH is 3.8, as the gel is designed specifically for girls with a slightly acidic balance. The composition contains natural ingredients - D-panthenol, plant extracts, alpha-bisabolol. They effectively reduce inflammation and help to normalize the balance of the intimate area.
Volume - 200 ml.
Cost - 50-350 rubles.
The product from the well-known manufacturer of cosmetics "Nivea" is designed for delicate intimate areas. Thanks to aloe vera, it perfectly moisturizes the skin. Lactic acid in the composition maintains the level of acid-base balance and gives a feeling of cleanliness for the whole day. D-panthenol promotes healing of damaged areas.
Volume - 250 ml.
The cost is 210 rubles.
Designed for pregnant women, women who have recently given birth and even babies. The foam contains many plant components - green tea, succession and yarrow. There are components necessary for this delicate period of a woman's life - hyaluronic acid, silver ions, prebiotics, which provide an antibacterial effect and normalize the acid-base balance of the vagina.The product soothes the mucous membranes, moisturizes well and eliminates the discomfort typical during pregnancy.
Volume - 150 ml.
The cost is 250 rubles.
Gentle gel from the Japanese manufacturer of cosmetics "Shokubutsu" is made in Thailand. A distinctive feature of the product is its hypoallergenicity. Suitable for very sensitive skin. 99% of the components in its composition are extracted from herbs that grow in Japan. The product perfectly removes unpleasant odors and gives a feeling of cleanliness and freshness for the whole day. Aloe vera extract fights irritation and saturates it with micronutrients.
Volume - 150 ml.
The cost is 300 rubles.
A product from a Belgian manufacturer with a pH value of 5.2 is intended for women with particularly sensitive skin. Cotton extract in the composition makes the care delicate and gentle. Lactic acid nourishes the mucous membranes and maintains the normal pH balance of the intimate area. The gel is fragrance-free, so there is no skin irritation.
Volume - 200 ml.
The cost is 300 rubles.
So, we got acquainted with the most popular means for intimate hygiene. You can choose a tool from the presented or any other, based on your preferences and individual characteristics.
The main thing is to remember that a modern woman is recommended to have a separate product for the intimate area in her arsenal of care products. Gynecologists emphasize that ordinary soap increases the acidity of the microflora of intimate areas and can cause a lot of negative sensations, such as itching, irritation, discomfort and dryness.