Picture this. You’re in the shower, you’ve exfoliated and cleansed your body from head-to-toe. But, wait! What about your intimate area? From intimate cleansers to creams, lotions and beyond. pH balanced skincare has become incredibly popular in the world of beauty. But, what is pH balanced skincare and why should you be using it down below?
Keep scrolling to learn more about what pH balanced actually means, why you should be using pH balanced skincare and the products to use to help keep delicate and intimate areas feeling balanced, comfortable and fresh…
1. What Is The pH Scale?
Okay, we’re going to take you back to your middle school science class for a minute. The pH (also known as potential hydrogen) scale measures how acidic or alkaline a chemical/solution is. The pH scale ranges from 1-14, with 7 being considered ‘neutral.’ The lower the number, the more acidic. The higher the number, the more alkaline and nonacidic.
Surprisingly, a healthy skin pH is considered to be more on the acidic side. Our natural pH, helps to protect the skin against external aggressors that could increase the ageing process of your skin. Therefore, pH balanced skincare can be incredibly beneficial for more sensitive and delicate areas that are more prone to feeling sensitised, such as the intimate area.
2. What Is pH Balanced Skincare And Why Should You Use It On Intimate Areas?
pH balanced skincare has a pH that is similar to your skin (slightly acidic). pH balanced skincare is very beneficial for more delicate areas of your body such as your intimate area, as this is a lot more prone to feeling sensitive. If you use harsh bodycare products down below, this can cause irritation and leave your skin feeling stripped, dry and uncomfortable.
An ideal pH of the skin in this area is generally between 3.8 and 4.5, which is slightly acidic. However, your pH level can vary depending on your age. It is believed that your skin’s natural pH is slightly lower through your productive years (aged 15-49) and is expected to slightly increase after you reach menopause.
But, why does the pH of your intimate area matter? Using pH balanced skincare can help to support your skin’s natural barrier, by providing a more well-tolerated wash that leaves the skin feeling clean and protected.
3. How Do I Know If I Have An Unbalanced Skin pH?
In terms of the intimate area, an unbalanced pH level may trigger visible skin changes. Signs and symptoms of an unbalanced skin pH in the vaginal area may include:
- A strong, uncharacteristic odour
- Itchy feeling around the intimate area
- Dry or dehydrated feeling
- Uncomfortable or tight sensation
To help maintain a normal skin pH level of the intimate area, you can follow these simple steps to keep this area in good condition:
- Wear loose clothing: Tight clothes can reduce air flow to the intimate area, which could lead to sweating. Instead, wear cotton underwear and looser fitting trousers/jeans.
- Avoid douching: This is a method used to wash out the vagina that can encourage harmful bacteria to grow. Did you know, the vagina cleans itself inside your body through natural discharge – clever right?! So, there’s no need to cleanse it from the inside out.
- Don’t use products unintended for this area: Avoid spraying perfume and deodorant on your intimate area that is intended for the body.
- Use a gentle pH balanced wash: This will help gently cleanse this area, leaving it feeling comfortable and cleansed.
4. What Daily Bodycare Should I Be Using On My Intimate Area?
When washing your intimate area, it is recommended that you avoid perfumed products and traditional soaps which can be too harsh and leave the skin stripped of moisture. Scented wipes and vaginal deodorants can also disrupt your vagina’s natural flora. It’s normal for your vagina to have a natural scent, as the odour can change during different stages of the reproductive cycle, so this isn’t always a sign of an issue that needs to be dealt with.
Instead, use unperfumed, gentle cleansers to wash your intimate area in your daily bodycare routine. It’s important to note that everyone is different, and some people may use perfumed soap and not notice any problems at all. So, do what works best for you and your body.
Disclaimer: If you’re worried about how your intimate area smells and you have noticed any of the above symptoms such as itching, discomfort or a dry and dehydrated feeling, it’s important to speak with your doctor as this may be a sign of infection that needs medical advise.