By clothing-bag, 28/12/2022
Exfoliants, vulvar serum, dyes. When and how to use intimate cosmetics?
The world of cosmetics surprises us every time with new alternatives for the care of hair, skin or any part of our body. Even for the most intimate area. It is not a secret that hygiene products such as soaps, wipes, gels, are already the order of the day. If we google a little more we can also find other offers, ranging from intimate scrubs or deodorants to vulvar serum, lip balms and why not? pubic hair dye! But, when is this type of cosmetic really necessary? Let's see what the experts say.
What years ago was unthinkable today is possible. Because the care of the genital area has crossed the barriers of lingerie. But what do we understand by intimate cosmetics? Based on the definition of a cosmetic product, we could say that it includes substances and preparations that, applied to the vulvar area, are intended to clean, perfume, modify its appearance, correct odors, and protect and maintain that area in good condition. female anatomy area, points out Carmela Llorente, member of the Dermopharmacy of the Official College of Pharmacists of Badajoz (Cofba).
Includes substances to clean, perfume, protect and maintain the vulvar area in good condition
Carmela LlorenteVocal Dermofarmacia Col. Farmacéuticos Badajoz (Cofba)“Of course,” warns Llorente, “intimate cosmetics must adapt to the physiological differences and the particular conditions to which the skin of the female external genitalia is subjected, so we are talking about very specific products”. Among these differentiating factors are, according to the expert, "epithelial permeability, its high irrigation, the protective microbial flora against pathogenic microorganisms, the remains of different secretions, friction and the frequent occlusion to which this skin is subjected", which which means that intimate cosmetics must be required to have specific characteristics and safety standards that are higher than other cosmetics.
Intimate hygiene products and moisturizing emulsions for the genital area are among those in greatest demand in pharmacies. Although, according to pharmacists, lately there has been an increase in the request for rejuvenating cosmetics that protect against loss of firmness, changes in pigmentation and atrophy caused by age, childbirth and frequent waxing. But do you know when you should start using this cosmetic?
When to resort to intimate cosmetics?
The first aspect to take into account is to determine its use based on the needs of each person. If you have not had irritation or any problem, you do not necessarily have to use cosmetics for this area because that is the message they sell us or because everyone uses it, says Dr. Elena Manubens, a member of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. (AEDV).
“I'm not a fan of cosmetics just because; I would always indicate it based on need –continues the specialist–. For example, a moisturizer there will be who needs it and who doesn't. The same thing if someone who does a lot of sports has erosions and there is a cosmetic that is going to protect that area, then great”.
You have to learn to love yourself just as you are and not be influenced by what propaganda tells you how your vulva or vagina should be. “That said, the skin in this area must be cared for like the skin of any other area of the body; in fact, it is still skin, what happens is that it is in the vulva and that is why it is often checked by gynecologists and other times by dermatologists”, explains Oriol Porta, president of the Societat Catalana d'Obstetricia i Gynecologia. And that skin can also suffer from diseases, some associated with the passing of age. Therefore, you have to take care of that skin in cases of itching, redness and others, says the specialist, who is also head of the Gynecology service at the Mútua de Terrassa.
When choosing
Age, a good diagnosis and prudence
In intimate cosmetics, as in any other, the components are very important. But since this is a very delicate area, a lot of attention will have to be paid to its composition. For example, as Llorente explains, in the composition of intimate hygiene products it is common to find mild surfactants that ensure their tolerance, lactic acid that acts as a moisturizer, plant extracts such as chamomile, burdock, thyme or soybean -with calming, antibacterial or estrogenic properties–, and even chlorhexidine for the prevention of infectious states.
“On the other hand, intimate moisturizers are usually formulated with glycerin and hyaluronic acid, sometimes accompanied by bisabolol, panthenol or lactic acid for their calming and repairing effects,” Llorente points out.
And it warns that "in intimate cosmetics we must avoid soaps with an aggressive cleansing action, which can alter the balance of the microbial flora, and perfumes and dyes capable of causing irritation or allergic reactions." Along the same lines, dermatologist Elena Manubens points out that we must avoid everything that is irritating, and insists on the need to avoid perfumes to avoid contact allergies.
We must avoid aggressive soaps and flee from perfumes to avoid allergies
The most important thing in choosing an intimate cosmetic is to take into account that during the different stages of a woman's life they are experienced changes that alter their vaginal physiology and that are decisive in assessing the suitability of one product or another, explains the pharmacist Carmela Llorente.
“In childhood there is a lack of estrogen, the pH is neutral, the epithelium is thin and the vaginal flora is scarce. During puberty this changes and estrogen production begins, which in adult women causes the epithelium to thicken, the pH to become acidic and a protective flora mainly made up of lactobacilli to develop. But this situation is altered again after menopause, when the drop in estrogen production causes the pH to return to close to 7, the epithelium in the area thins out and the flora decreases, becoming more sensitive to infections. Knowing these circumstances, it will be easy to find the most suitable cosmetic at each moment”, he comments.
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Rocío CarmonaHygiene
Better soap, gel, or just water?
Our body is very wise and knows how to maintain the balance of the skin in each area. So, with the simplest measures, such as cleaning the genitals once a day with water, specific soap and rinsing abundantly so that there are no residues, only in the external area –never in the vagina and in internal areas!– it should be enough to keep you out of trouble, says Manubens. For the expert, a more specific hygiene is only necessary in case there is a problem, be it an infection or an alteration of the microbiota of the area, or irritation.
Porta adds another nuance: the skin in this area must be cared for but must not be stripped of its defense mechanisms. For example, excessive washing with soap is generally bad, warns the gynecologist. And he justifies it: “First of all, you don't have to wash with soap three times a day; once is enough; and if you want to wash more times the area should be done only with water. Secondly, if you use a soap that tries to respect the pH conditions, which is a little more acid at the vaginal level, it will be better. And finally, as a general rule it is not convenient to use vaginal showers (another thing is that in a specific situation you are going to do it) since you can alter the pH of the vagina, which is more acidic, and what it does is protect or make sure that this ecosystem does not allow the excessive growth of some germs that can be pathogenic and that usually cause flow problems, discomfort, itching, etc.
The microbiota of the area must not be altered; if you want to wash several times, it should be done with just water
Oriol PortaPresidente Societat Catalana d’Obstetricia i GinecologiaDuring genital hygiene, intimate soap is the best ally, without going overboard! But is it better liquid or pill? Whether it is in gel or soap format does not change much, Manubens responds. “But the less detergent they take, the better, since these are more irritating to the skin. Although if there is some type of skin disease, inflammatory, infections... specific gels are recommended", he points out. Also, we must not forget that it is a very different area from the rest of the body and, just as we brush our teeth with a different product, we must also do the same in the genital area.
It should also be noted that intimate hygiene changes at two times: around ovulation and during menstruation. "Beyond the usual cleaning that we have already explained, which includes the use of soap only once a day, then moisturizing or respectful products with the pH of the area can be used properly and exfoliants should be avoided," explains Porta.
Tips for proper use
In intimate cosmetics there is life beyond hygiene products and for sexual relations. Now there are options for those who seek to fight the passage of time: products that serve to hydrate the genitals and others suitable to combat the dreaded gray hair, which also arises in that hair. Intimate cosmetics is not banned by specialists as long as it is used properly. The experts consulted give us advice to achieve this good use
Wipes, yes or no?
The debate is heated as there are divided opinions on the use of intimate hygiene wipes. For Elena Manubens, dermatologist at the AEDV, if you do not have problems or alterations that require their use, it is best to avoid them. “The skin has to be clean of residues, and the wipes do not clean completely and can leave residues, because in the end everything that you do not rinse does not contribute. One thing is that you clean this area well and then, if you want, you can add a specific cream to hydrate”, he points out. And, also, remember the importance of avoiding excessive hygiene because it can end up modifying the flora in the area.
Exfoliants
Specialists insist that we must be very careful in the use of exfoliants, especially in periods around ovulation and menstruation, emphasizes gynecologist Oriol Porta. "Exfoliating means you're taking away the top layer of the epidermis, and that can expose the deeper layers, which can eventually become a problem," he adds.
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Leonor Mayor OrtegaBarcelonaYou must also remember that the skin of the genitals is in contact with underwear, which can be made of different materials, or with panty liners or some type of protection when you have your period, or in the days before or after. Therefore, it is convenient not to leave the vulva unprotected because it can be irritated more easily. If you have any doubts, it is best to consult your doctor for advice on what type of product you can use.
Moisturizers
There are a wide variety of products and they are very useful against dryness. They are products that are generally made from hyaluronic acid. It is one of the most recommended by specialists. Any product that hydrates both the superficial and deep layers of skin around the vulva works well, Porta says. Creams can be used or also those products that generate a layer of protection, such as natural oils, rosehip, Pompeii or vitamin E, among others, adds Porta.
Doctors recommend this type of product especially after entering menopause to avoid vaginal dryness problems that can cause pain during sexual intercourse. "A moisturizer or any vaginal moisturizer, used regularly, will go well, regardless of the fact that lubricants are occasionally used for intercourse," says Oriol Porta.
Lip Balm
Like gel or mist, you can use lip balm, says dermatologist Elena Manubens. But it is important that one feels comfortable using it. Just as if you have a very irritated area and you put some vaseline or emollient cream to repair or protect it, you can do the same in the genital area, which is highly exposed to many aggressions: "to take care of it, a good lip balm could be an option ”.
Dye for pubic hair
When using a dye on pubic hair, we must take into account the same thing as with hair dye: that they are products that are not very aggressive and that do not carry dyes that can cause allergic contact reactions. That being the case, they can be used without any problem, says Manubens. If someone has never had a problem with a hair dye, then they shouldn't have it either because of a dye in this area, adds the expert.
“Now, it has to be a procedure done by someone who knows what to do, that is done only on the part that is keratinized skin and that the dye does not go to the mucosal area, because then it will it can irritate or we can favor the appearance of allergies ”, concludes the dermatologist.
Guide for the care of the vulvar area
Not only cosmetics can do good for your genital area. There are also simple gestures that can contribute to the care of that part of your body. We share some advice that they give us from Cofba:
- Clean with soaps that do not alter the pH of the mucosa.
- Do not use vaginal showers or antiseptics without medical indication.
- Wash the genitals before and after sexual intercourse.
- Wear cotton underwear.
- Avoid very tight clothing to promote perspiration in the area.
- After antibiotic therapy, probiotics are recommended to restore the vaginal microflora.
- Perform cleaning of the perineal region from front to back (anal area).
- Do not use sponges or gloves to clean the genital area.
- Change tampons and pads frequently.
- Clean, after urinating or defecating, with white, odorless toilet paper.
- It is not recommended to use talc, perfumes or deodorants.
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