SUPERMARKET shelves are already bursting with festive cheer. The aisles smell like gingerbread or Christmas pudding.
It might be tempting to buy a Rudolf or Santa soap, but one expert said that you should stay clear of festive body washes.
1
The wonderful Christmas memories that can be conjured by smells like peppermint, vanilla, cinnamon and vanilla are made possible by the amazing scents of cinnamon, vanilla, and peppermint.
It’s better to keep your intimate health in the kitchen, and to be simple with your vaginal health.
Stephanie Taylor, a pelvic healthcare expert and intimate health expert, is hereKegel8, said there are a whole host of ingredients that go into making up your body products, including some unnecessary fragrances and preservatives that can throw off your vagina’s natural pH balance and do more harm than good.
She explained that these products could disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina.
Stephanie said: “Your vagina has lots of bacteria, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
“Bacteria called lactobacilli ensure that your vagina’s pH balance stays at a normal low level (usually less than pH 4.5), which prevents the growth of other organisms.
“If the balance of bacteria is disturbed, this can lead to infection and inflammation. A dramatic change in your vagina’s pH level can result in infections such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush.”
Stephanie explained that festive thrush is not something anyone wants.
She explained that perfumed soaps used to clean sensitive areas, such as the labia or the vulva, can cause skin irritations such as contact dermatitis. This is caused by irritation of vaginal mucosa, the mucus membrane within the vagina.
Stephanie explained: “Contact dermatitis is most commonly caused by irritants such as soaps and detergents.
There are a variety of natural scents that can cause irritation to the skin, including essential oils. While some of these scents evoke warm feelings of the festive period your lady parts won’t thank you for it.
“Christmas-y scents like cinnamon can cause hypersensitivity and lead to side effects like skin irritation and burning.
“Peppermint oil, which is also a popular scent in festive body washes, can cause skin rashes and irritation.”
Once irritated, even simple things such as friction of your clothing, urine and sweat can exacerbate the issue, so it’s best to steer clear, Stephanie added.
Natural is best
Vaginal hygiene is easy to maintain.
You can clean your vagina with water or unscented soap. Dry it with a towel.
Odours are natural and can be affected by the part of your cycle.
Stephanie suggests that you consult a GP if you notice a change in the colour, smell, consistency, or texture of your discharge.
Stephanie said that plain, unperfumed soap might not be the most expensive option, but it is the best to clean your vagina.
“If you do decide to use afeminine hygiene wash, look for a product that is scent-free, dermatologically/gynecologically tested and hypoallergenic.
“Make sure to look out for a wash that is pH balanced and won’t throw off your vaginal flora or cause dryness.”
We will pay for your stories
Do you have a story to submit for the Central Recorder news desk