The hygiene of intimate areas is a very 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 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 yourself.
So, various means for intimate hygiene in 2024 are widely represented on the Russian market. If earlier women had to use their traditional care products for this purpose - soaps and shower gels, which disrupted the normal microflora, and feel discomfort, now the situation has changed. For quite a long time, modern developments have appeared - gels, creams, wet wipes, foams suitable for delicate care of 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 unequivocally affirmative.
Content
The microflora of the intimate area is made up mainly 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 have no chance to multiply in such an environment. Changing the pH level can upset the balance of microflora and lead to negative consequences due to the growth of harmful bacteria.
Infections and inflammatory diseases lead to abdominal pain, irritation, burning, itching, swelling, and unpleasant discharge. They are caused by stress, unhealthy diet, clothing made from synthetic fabrics, taking medications, 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 belong to a risk group, 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 such funds have no therapeutic effect.
Their pH values range from 3.8 to 4.6, which is close to the standard pH level of the human body.
The composition of intimate gels, creams, foams and similar products contains antiseptic components - extracts from medicinal plants that successfully fight inflammation and fungi, provide an antibacterial and soothing effect.
In some products, lactobacilli are added, which help to improve the condition of the mucous membranes of the vagina. D-panthenol may be present and has a healing effect on tissue.
Of course, ordinary, often chlorinated, water, the quality of which in large cities leaves much to be desired, does not possess such a spectrum of useful qualities.
It is recommended to apply intimate gels and creams only to the outer areas of the skin, since it is better not to invade the bacterial environment of the body once again.
Avoid those 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 marked by the manufacturer as hypoallergenic. The less fragrances, dyes and the like, the more environmentally friendly the product is.
The product is foamed with warm water and applied with light movements to intimate areas, after which it is washed off. Cleansed skin should be patted dry with a dry 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 baby gel or cream, which is recommended to be applied about 1 time per week, since with more frequent use, the mucous membrane will dry out.
Products for intimate areas are fairly neutral, but sometimes they should not be used:
Therefore, if you suspect you have an allergy, you should carefully read the composition. The most common reactions are lactobacilli (lactose-producing) 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 budgetary ones - Nivea, Cafry, Vagisan, DeoIntim. You can find very inexpensive ones - at a price of 30-40 rubles per 100 ml, but doubts arise about them. The quality of the product and the ingredients involved in the composition depend on how much the product costs.
Which company is better to buy a product - it is impossible to say unequivocally, since everything is very individual and the characteristics of the goods are very different in purpose. Something that is praised by some can cause painful and unpleasant sensations from use in other people. Therefore, the "trial and error" method is perhaps the only way to find your ideal means for intimate hygiene.
The popularity of the products does not guarantee that the presented products will suit you, however, they are selected taking into account the reviews of real buyers who have used these products.
This question also cannot be answered unequivocally. The tool should be chosen based on data on the composition, state of health, individual preferences and a number of other factors - everyone has their own selection criteria.
In general, all intimate hygiene products have rather limited functionality - they provide either a cleansing or moisturizing effect. You can build on which of these properties is preferable in your situation.
Moisturizing gels and creams are recommended for women during such a period of their life as menopause. Young women can also use them, for example, during pregnancy, in the case of candidiasis, colpitis or taking contraceptives, which, as a rule, are accompanied by severe drying out 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 vigorous 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, which is the best to buy funds.
The most popular models will be presented below. They come in different price points, which makes them affordable for any woman.
The gel is a cleansing gel. From the point of view of the 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.
A cleansing product with a pine scent that helps keep mucous membranes in their 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 of the brand "Organic Kitchen", which produces jars for all occasions. They enjoy attention due to their availability and, as a rule, natural composition. This gel belongs to moisturizers, it contains lactic acid, caring ingredients and mild surfactants.The optimal pH balance of the gel is about 4.
Volume - 100 ml.
Price - 80 rubles.
The product of the Russian manufacturer "Savonry", which is known for the production of truly natural products. Has a dual purpose - cleansing plus moisturizing. Key ingredients of the product are lactic acid, oils - peach, aloe, wheat germ, sesame, plant extracts - string, chamomile, as well as vitamin B5.
Volume - 200 ml.
The cost is 220 rubles.
This soap is designed to cleanse the mucous membranes of intimate areas. Recommended for sensitive skin - soothes and relieves irritation, thanks 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 product from the Russian manufacturer "Compliment" is intended to restore the normal pH level of intimate areas. Relieves irritation, dryness, itching, burning and other unpleasant symptoms associated with pH disturbance. It copes with the task 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, since the gel is specially designed for girls with a slightly acidic balance. The composition contains natural ingredients - D-panthenol, plant extracts, alpha-bisabolol. They effectively reduce inflammation and help normalize the balance of the intimate area.
Volume - 200 ml.
Cost - 50-350 rubles.
The product from the renowned cosmetics manufacturer "Nivea" is intended for delicate intimate areas. Thanks to aloe vera, it perfectly moisturizes the skin. The lactic acid in the composition maintains the level of acid-base balance and gives a feeling of cleanliness all day long.D-panthenol promotes healing of damaged areas.
Volume - 250 ml.
The cost is 210 rubles.
Designed for pregnant women, new mothers and even babies. The foam contains many plant components - green tea, string and yarrow. There are components necessary in 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 mucous membranes, moisturizes well and removes the discomfort that is typical during pregnancy.
Volume - 150 ml.
The cost is 250 rubles.
Delicate gel from the Japanese manufacturer of cosmetics "Shokubutsu" is produced in Thailand. A distinctive feature of the product is its hypoallergenicity. Suitable for very sensitive skin. 99% of its ingredients 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 nourishes it with micronutrients.
Volume - 150 ml.
The cost is 300 rubles.
The product from the Belgian manufacturer with a pH of 5.2 is intended for women with particularly sensitive skin. The cotton extract in the composition makes the care delicate and gentle. Lactic acid nourishes mucous membranes and maintains a normal pH balance in the intimate area. The gel does not contain fragrances, 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 product from the presented ones 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.