Olga Lukinskaya
HYGIENE HABITS DEVELOPED IN CHILDHOOD. True, as recent has shown, Russian parents do not talk enough about hygiene with their children; and if the rule "wash your hands after the street" sounds in most families, then they are embarrassed to talk about more intimate things. Both lack and excess of hygiene can lead to problems that have to go to the doctor - and, for example, gynecologists have to re-teach their patients basic self-care. We spoke with the candidate medical sciences, obstetrician-gynecologist Tatyana Rumyantseva and head of the gynecological department of the ATE clinic Oksana Bogdashevskaya and made a list of important hygiene rules that should be followed.
Regularity
Of course, ancient people rarely washed and survived, and the vagina is a self-cleaning system that does not need excessive hygienic efforts, but nevertheless, it is necessary to regularly remove surface pollution and gland products from the external genital organs. It is recommended to wash at least once a day, or better - after each visit to the toilet or (during menstruation) with each change of a tampon or pad. Do not forget that for intimate hygiene you need to allocate a separate towel for yourself and change it more often.
Plain water is enough
Water perfectly rinses off liquid secretions, mucus particles and dust, therefore, in most cases, you can do without soap or gel to cleanse the external genital organs. Surfactants in their composition are intended primarily for the breakdown of fat molecules - and, if used excessively, destroy the protective hydrolipid film of the skin. It is recommended to clean the perianal area with soap, especially immediately after using the toilet, but the genitals can be rinsed with plain water.
Front to back
This rule will probably seem obvious to many, but let's say it: the movement of the hand when washing away should always be directed from front to back. The vaginal flora is safe for the intestines, but the intestinal flora is not for the vagina, so you need to try not to "bring" bacteria from the anus into the genitals. This also applies to using toilet paper, and hygiene in relation to sex toys: nothing should get into the vulva or vagina after anal contact.
Without fanaticism
You don't need to use antiseptics or antibacterial soaps on a regular basis. Treat the skin with an antiseptic without alcohol after epilation or for other injuries, but this is the case when there are indications for its use. In the usual, everyday routine, intimate hygiene should not be excessive; the human body produces many secrets, including those with a certain smell, and this does not mean that it is not clean enough.
Forget about such a procedure as douching: it does not bring any benefit, but it can easily destroy the finely balanced microenvironment of the vagina; in the presence of infection, this is also a sure way to "drive" it into the organs located above. There is evidence that douching (also called douching) is associated with pregnancy complications and even the risk of cervical cancer, not to mention infections and inflammation. The mucous membranes inside the body do not need to be cleaned at all, so we repeat once again: you only need to wash what is outside, and then without a washcloth.
If soap, then neutral
Intimate hygiene is just the case when it is better to use soap or gel if it seems to you that plain water is not enough. The more aggressive the soap, the higher the risk of overdrying the skin and mucous membranes and disrupting the microbial balance - all these factors can lead, for example, to the activation and excessive proliferation of bacteria, which we normally have a little. As a result, the discharge may become larger or appear bad smell- and in attempts to "better" everything, you can further aggravate the situation.
We already know that the microflora can change, for example, when changing the brand of condoms or excessive sweating in the heat. If you have been diagnosed with thrush or gardnerellosis, do not panic and think that you have become infected - these are opportunistic infections, that is, their pathogens are always present in the body. It is worth thinking about what factors could provoke such a failure; one of the possible is too aggressive hygiene.
Pharmacy products are not a marketing ploy
There are also special products for intimate hygiene. Firstly, they are soft, often with moisturizing ingredients and without unnecessary fragrances that can cause irritation or an allergic reaction from the delicate mucous membranes. Secondly, the acidity (pH value) of such products is at a level that is best suited to the intimate area.
True, it is worth talking about the choice of such a remedy with a gynecologist. The most common are acidic (low pH) or neutral. Neutrals are designed to simply replace soap, that is, serve as a complementary hygiene product to water. Higher acidity gels help in the treatment and prevention of certain types of vaginosis or vaginitis; Tatyana Rumyantseva notes that they can cause discomfort in some women, so they should be used on the recommendation of a doctor.
The variety does not end there: there are also alkaline (high pH) intimate soaps. According to Oksana Bogdashevskaya, it is prescribed, for example, for recurrent vaginal candidiasis (thrush) or other conditions characterized by a sharp increase in the population of lactobacilli, that is, normal vaginal microbes. This makes the environment too acidic and alkaline soap helps to correct it.
composition 
Do not be intimidated by the purpose of this mousse. My opinion is that if it is suitable for such delicate places, then the skin of the face is no worse. In general, I took it because of the presence of lactic acid in the composition, but alas, already at home I found that it was at the end of the list. In general, a very delicate foam, cleans well, but not to a squeak, so I wash off the cosmetics two times, I also wash off the makeup from the eyes for her. Does not dry the skin at all, has a light flower scent, the foam itself is not dense, airy.
Price: RUB 170
Rating: 5 In general, I'm happy, but like any girl I always want to try something new.
Clean & Clear mousse for deep cleansing faces
composition 
Expanded opinion: Another mousse. Compared to Lactacyd Femina, this foam is more porous and less dense. The smell is unobtrusive, chemical, I can't compare it with anything. Cleans well, but after washing, there is a little tightness of the skin, not catastrophic, but still. Although, given that this is a means for oily skin, I think this is forgivable to him.
Price: RUB 165
Grade: 5- (minus for tightness)
Lotions.
Ducray Keracnyl Purifying Lotion Oily Cleansing Lotion problem skin
Expanded opinion: This wonderful lotion is my favorite! There are no swatches, tk. the lotion is a clear water. The smell is very pleasant, light floral-herbal aroma. The composition contains glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids and there is no alcohol! Absolutely does not dry the skin, perfectly cleanses and leaves no stickiness, which is the most important thing for me in tonics-lotions. Globally, it does not get rid of blackheads, but brightens them a little and narrows the pores. I especially like to dilute clay with this lotion instead of ordinary water. Mine is already running out, so as soon as the opportunity arises, I will definitely buy another bottle.
Price: RUB 600
Grade: 5+
StopProblem salicylic lotion for combination skin
Composition: Aqua, Salvia Officinalis Exstract, Plantago Exstract, Calendula Officinalis Exstract, Dipropylene Glycol, Boswellia Serrata Gum, Salicylic Acid, Glycereth-8, Macadamia Seed Oil Esters, Allantoin.
Expanded opinion: Much has been written about this lotion. It is also a transparent water, has no smell. Does not clog pores and does not dry the skin, I did not notice matting from it. Just like the previous ones, I dilute them with clay. I like to use this form more than just in the form of a lotion, tk. after such a mask, the pores are very noticeably cleansed! Most of all I like this one - for combination skin, also for oily and brightening. But the one that is really like water for a sensitive person, I do not notice any effect.
Price: 51 rbl.
Grade: 5 (for such a low price, it fully justifies itself)
Avene Thermal Spring Water Thermal Water
Composition: Avene Thermal Spring Water (Avene Aqua), Nitrogen.
Expanded opinion: Thermal water is just pampering for me. I can't say that I need it, but since I have it, let it be. Now I have a 300 ml bottle (in the title photo, a 150 ml bottle is already over), I have been using it for about two months and it feels like there is another half of the bottle. This is ordinary water, not salty in taste. I fix her makeup. She has one significant plus - it really relieves redness and irritation! I don't know how this water does it, but the fact remains.
Price: RUB 516 for 300 ml, 348 rubles for 150 ml
Grade: 5
Creams.
Bepanthen cream 5% Bepanthen cream
Composition: dexapanthenol, DL-pantolactone, phenoxyethanol, amphisol K, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, lanolin, isopropyl myristate, propylene glycol, purified water.
Expanded opinion: This cream is the only remedy that suits me as a moisturizer. others clog the pores. Enough light cream white, watery consistency. The smell is not strong pharmacy ointment... It is not pleasant enough, but it is practically not felt. A small pea is needed on the whole face, I rub it between my fingers and apply it to the skin with patting movements. With this method of use, it does not grease the skin at all, so it can be used under makeup during the day. Copes well with flaking, redness and irritation.
Price: 240 RUB
Grade: 5.
Avene Cleanance K Cream-gel - Sebum-regulating cream-gel for problem skin
Composition: 
Expanded opinion: The cream is white, rather dense (swatch below). It contains glycolic, milk, salicylic acid... The smell is specific, like all acidic products. To apply on the whole face, you need just a drop of this cream, it does not give matting, it is better to use it at night. You can overdo it with it and then the face sticks to the pillow. Designed to fight skin imperfections, acids in the composition help cleanse pores and provide exfoliation for deep skin cleansing. Maybe it is, but this product did not suit me because of its "silicone" composition. Silicones for my skin are evil, they clog the pores terribly. Before realizing this, I used a whole tube of this cream, this one is already the second, practically new. The volume of the tube is 40 ml, the first one was enough for me for 7 months of regular use. I left it for writing a post, then I'll give it to a girl I know, maybe it will suit her
Price: 791 r
Grade:
Bioderma Sebium AI - Anti-imperfections cream for oily skin
Composition: 
Expanded opinion: This cream, in comparison with the previous one, looks more like a cream-gel. Has a more liquid consistency, also white (below on the swatches you can see how the droplet spread, and Cleans remained "sitting like a pea"). The smell is light, pharmacy, I catch something citrus in it. It is applied easily, does not leave stickiness, but it does not give me matting either. An hour later, my face shines. In terms of texture, it is more pleasant and convenient to use compared to Cleans K. It is suitable for use during the day, makeup lays down well, nothing rolls off. The manufacturer promises to remove inflammatory elements and blackheads, prevent scar changes and clogged pores. Zinc gluconate in the composition normalizes the secretion of sebum, eliminating oily sheen. Unfortunately, I did not manage to notice any of the above. this cream clogged my pores too. Therefore, it will also be given to a friend.
Price: 870 RUB
Grade: I do not appreciate it, tk. did not suit me.
left Avene Cleanance K, right Bioderma Sebium AI
Now I'm looking at natural cosmetics so all kinds of recommendations are appreciated!
That's all, the end. Thanks to everyone who read to the end. I am Dasha, and to me on "you"
Hair shampoo, shower gel, hand soap and ... means for intimate hygiene. Recently, almost every woman uses cosmetics for the care of the delicate area. Often, such means are attributed not only to detergents, but also medicinal properties... How justified is this, what effect can be expected from the use of cosmetics for intimate hygiene and are they really better than ordinary soap or shower gel? The editors of the site received answers to all burning questions from the gynecologist Irina Luzina.
Irina Luzina
What is the difference between intimate hygiene products and regular shower gels?
On this topic
The peculiarity of intimate hygiene products is in the pH value. It is close to the acidity of the mucous membrane of the intimate area and has a value from 4 to 4.5. When using such products, the natural environment of delicate places is not disturbed. As a rule, intimate hygiene products contain less dyes, fragrances, and herbal extracts. All these substances can cause irritation of the external genital organs, up to and including an allergic reaction.
Which means to give preference?
As we have already said, it is better to choose products for intimate hygiene, in which there is nothing superfluous: no fragrances, no dyes - only a cleansing component. Now about the plant extracts in the composition: many women think that it is better to choose cosmetics with chamomile or calendula, which have an anti-inflammatory effect. How relevant is it for healthy skin? The answer is obvious: if there are no inflammatory diseases in the intimate area, then why use such remedies?
And if they are, they need to be treated in conjunction with a gynecologist, and not only with the help of intimate hygiene products. Again, products with herbal extracts can cause a serious allergic reaction, especially if a woman has a tendency to them. And one more important advice: if you have found a suitable product for yourself, do not change it unnecessarily!
Prevention of gynecological diseases
Compliance with the rules of intimate hygiene, regular proper cleansing the delicate area is the prevention of gynecological diseases. If traces of discharge remain on the external genital organs, then the risk of developing vulvovaginitis increases and the treatment of existing diseases becomes more difficult. But the fact that intimate hygiene products reduce the risk of developing STDs is nothing more than a myth. They do not contain components that can prevent infection with sexually transmitted diseases.
Cosmetics for intimate hygiene can cause the development of female diseases
Especially in cases where a woman is trying to use them to cleanse the vagina. Intimate hygiene products are designed to cleanse the external genitalia. If, when washing away, the detergent regularly gets inside the vagina or you specifically try to wash it in this way, the risks of developing bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and vaginal dryness increase. Care should be taken to use the so-called lactogels for intimate hygiene (at least consult your doctor!). The lactic acid contained in such products provokes the growth of lactobacilli, and they, in turn, enhance the reproduction of yeast fungi. In this case, the risk of developing vulvovaginal candidiasis increases.
Does it help to deal with unpleasant odor?
The smell can be caused by several reasons. If it appears due to non-observance of intimate hygiene or due to urinary incontinence, then in these cases it can be eliminated with the help of detergents. If the cause of the odor is a disease, for example bacterial vaginosis, the use of cosmetics for intimate hygiene will not give any effect. In principle, an attempt to mask an unpleasant scent with cosmetics is not the best way... Often, for a month, a woman tries to find a cleansing agent that would give the desired effect, thereby postponing the treatment. If you feel that you smell something wrong, just make an appointment with a doctor, do not hide behind floral fragrances, deodorants, and so on.
Vaginal dryness after using intimate hygiene products
If you do not use them to cleanse the vagina from the inside, then you will not feel any discomfort. In general, gels do not dry out the skin if there are no predisposing factors. These can be disorders associated with a decrease in estrogen levels. For example, younger girls have polycystic ovary disease, older women have premenopause. So do not attribute the dryness of the intimate area only to care products. It is important to see a doctor and find out the true cause of discomfort in the intimate area.
Some background information
My acquaintance with this remedy began after I understood the reason for the change in intimate microflora. After being examined by a gynecologist, it turned out that the smear had a low content of lactobacilli. The gynecologist said that the reasons could be different, incl. stress, changes in hubbub, etc. Once, during an intimacy with his husband, he once again complained of dryness and said that this was all due to the fact that I was “washing out too much” there (sorry for such details). And only after a while I remembered these words and realized that this is precisely the point! After all, the deterioration of microflora began precisely after I began to use the new Le petit marseillais shower gel. It just happened gradually, and not abruptly after the first application of this gel. And how could I have thought of him then, because he is so fragrant and French ...
That is why I decided to purchase a gentle, delicate product designed specifically for intimate hygiene. My choice fell on LACTACYD PHARMA SENSITIVE
And now about the tool itself
A very pleasant, delicate jar with a dispenser, I would say feminine.
Here is what the manufacturer writes about this tool:
Special formula LACTACYD PHARMA SENSITIVE, due to the lack of fragrances and the content of a minimum amount of components, intended for daily use, suitable for the hypersensitive skin of the intimate area, and even for girls during puberty. The higher content of natural lactic acid and pH 3.5 promotes the growth of lactobacilli, thereby not only supporting, but also restoring the natural microflora of the intimate zone.
Based on the manufacturer's promises, this is exactly what you need!
Color and smell: colorless, translucent; almost no smell
Consistency: enough liquid, practically does not foam, it is easily washed off.
Volume: 250 ml.
I bought: in the Internet pharmacy, for 228 rubles. in May 2017.
Profitability: in my opinion, the tool is quite economical, a small amount is required for one procedure.
Result: feeling of freshness, cleanliness and comfort, no feeling of dryness. Cleans very gently and gently. After using it, the feeling of dryness in the intimate area disappeared, the microflora recovered.
Experiment with washing.
I really liked the gel because it has a mild, hypoallergenic effect. It is so soft and delicate and delicate. Therefore, I have thought more than once: "Surely if you wash your face with this gel, the result will surpass all your expectations?" I even began to think that I would soon expose cosmetic companies, because The secret remedy for the perfect wash is in my hands. I have no doubt that similar thoughts would arise in you when using this tool.
Alas, I cannot say that the result pleased me. Although the gel remained the same soft when washing, but after that there is no feeling of freshness, plus the skin is tightened and peels off. In general, it turned out that this remedy is certainly not for the face. And that's why.
It turns out that on average our skin has a pH of 5.5. And the intimate area is 3.7-4.5. By the way, for those who, like me, did not know before - the lower the pH value, the more acidic the environment, and the higher the more alkaline. Thus, our feminine intimate parts have a more acidic environment than the skin on the body, and, therefore, shower gel can damage women's intimate health. Conversely, facial skin tends to have a pH of 5.5, and washing with an acidic gel (pH 3.5) can have adverse effects.
In conclusion, I would like to note that before (before this ill-fated "Little Marseille") for intimate hygiene I always used baby soap, and it never caused any dryness and changes in microflora. Therefore, LACTACYD is definitely a good product, but, in my opinion, for intimate hygiene it is not at all necessary to use only specially designed products for this purpose. Personally, I liked most of all that the product is fragrance-free, it does not smell of any flowers-berries, which means that it allows you to preserve your natural body odor (which is important when close).
And a few more tips for intimate hygiene.
- The skin needs to breathe. The most correct will be cotton linen. Try to avoid underwear that causes debate, which is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Personally, I try to avoid wearing underwear at home.
- Do not overuse panty liners. They also interfere with normal air ingress.
- Too frequent and careful intimate hygiene destroys beneficial bacteria that are a natural part of the indoor environment. Especially if you use regular soap or shower gel for these purposes. What happened to me!
Happy shopping!