Intimate hygiene: Should You Choose a Dermatological Bar?

Intimate hygiene practices may vary depending on different factors such as cultural differences, religious beliefs, personal habits, and preferences. When it comes to professional recommendations, one thing is certain - inadequate practices can lead to potential infections and complications, while regular use of suitable hygiene practices can benefit overall health and improve self-confidence.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are common conditions affecting up to 60% of women of reproductive age. BV, the leading cause of vaginal discharge and unpleasant odor, and VVC, a frequently experienced fungal infection, significantly influence a woman's overall health and reproductive success. Genital hygiene behaviors, such as the use of feminine hygiene products and receptive oral sex practices, can disrupt the vaginal flora and cause pH increases, both of which come with a risk of developing these conditions.

Appropriate cleansing techniques are essential for keeping this area healthy and clean - it is recommended that cleansing should be done once or twice a day. Ideally, intimate areas should be washed with clean water and special formulas that maintain optimized pH levels. It is highly recommended to avoid harsh products, shower gels, soaps, bath bombs, and scrubs, as they can cause localized irritation or trauma. According to ABRICOSOVA and PETROVSKA's (2019) study, the pH value of a cleansing formula should range from 3.5 to 4.5, which is compatible with the natural pH value of this area, ranging between 3.8 and 5.

Dermatological bars that are made specifically for the hygiene of the human genital area can have many advantages compared to regular soaps. The benefits of these bars are grounded in their scientific formulations. In contrast to conventional soaps, these dermatological bars don’t contain alkaline ingredients and harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate. Alkaline ingredients increase the pH of the genital area, making it less resistant to infections and irritations. Dermatological bar products, however, consist of mild surfactants, emollients, and humectants like glycerin or plant oils, so they can cleanse effectively without disturbing the skin's natural properties and moisture - they have a physiological pH value. 

In addition to these benefits, some dermatological bars might also have antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory additives like tea tree oil, chamomile extract, or allantoin, which can enhance skin health by reducing the chances of infection. Certain formulas contain prebiotic or probiotic agents that help maintain a balanced skin microbiome for an improved protective mechanism.

Although dermatological bars have many benefits, there are still some things to consider when choosing the right product. For example, you need to consider that pH values for these products still can vary depending on the manufacturer, and opt for ones with lower pH value - this will minimize the chance of irritation.

In conclusion, you should carefully decide what cleaning formula you will use for this area, depending on personal needs, washing frequency, and the individual chemical properties and ingredients of the chosen product.

• FERGUSON T. & al. Factors which determine the skin irritation potential of soaps and detergents. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (1975).

• SHARKO P. & al. The relative sensitivity of two arm-wash methods for evaluating the mildness of personal washing products. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (1995).

• PETROVSKA L. S. & al. Stady of physical and chemical characteristics of a modern intimate hygiene agent. (2019).

• AMARAL R. L. G. & al. Habits of genital hygiene and sexual activity among women with bacterial vaginosis and/or vulvovaginal candidiasis. Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia/RBGO Gynecology and Obstetrics (2022).

• SHAH P. & al. Intimate hygiene for women: expert practice points. International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology (2022).