Hygiene practices and personal care: IntyEssentials & BVA study

IntyEssentials & BVA Survey: Hygiene and intimate care practices among women and people with vulvas, and the importance of products adapted to sensitive mucous membranes

Hygiene and intimate care are important concerns for many women and people with vulvas, especially those with sensitive mucous membranes. Product choices can play a crucial role in intimate comfort and well-being.

The survey conducted by IntyEssentials and BVA among 1,000 women and people with vulvas in France in March 2024 reveals intimate care and hygiene practices that raise questions about the products used and their suitability for sensitive mucous membranes. You can consult the full study conducted by BVA and IntyEssentials for more details on the impact of vulvovaginal pain.

Hygiene and care practices for sensitive mucous membranes: practices and products used

Washing the genital area

According to the study, an overwhelming majority of respondents in France (98%) wash their genital area, with 95% of them focusing on the outside of this area (the vulva). However, it is worrying to note that 54% continue to wash the inside of their genital area , a practice not recommended by health professionals. The internal mucous membranes are naturally balanced and do not need to be cleaned with specific products, as this can disrupt their natural pH, impact the vaginal flora and lead to infections.

For those who want a more thorough cleaning of the vulva, it is essential to choose gentle and suitable products. Indeed, it is not always necessary to use a cleansing treatment, and clear water can often be enough to maintain good intimate health without disturbing the natural balance of the skin.

However, for those who prefer to use a cleansing product, it is crucial to avoid strong chemical surfactants , such as sulfate products (e.g. sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate), which dissolve sebum and dry out the skin.

On this subject, IntyEssentials products are formulated without these irritants. For example, the Gentle Intimate Cleansing Gel uses mild surfactants such as Coco-Glucoside and Lauryl Glucoside , derived from sugar and coconut oil, which effectively cleanse while preserving the integrity of sensitive mucous membranes.

Recommendations for hygiene and intimate care: scientific and medical advice

The latest recommendations from the ISSVD (International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease) and other dermatology experts highlight a minimalist and respectful approach to intimate care. Here are the main tips to follow (more details in our previous article on the right intimate hygiene gestures) :

Minimal and respectful cleaning:

• Use lukewarm water to wash the vulvar area, possibly with a mild soap -free treatment formulated specifically for mucous membranes, which respects the physiological pH (generally around 4.5 to 5.5).
• Avoid products containing fragrances , dyes or preservatives that can irritate sensitive mucous membranes.
• Opt for products without harsh chemical surfactants , such as sulfates (sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate), which are often used for their ability to produce a rich lather, but can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing dryness and irritation.

Potentially irritating agents to avoid:

• Parabens : Used as preservatives, they can cause allergic reactions in some people.
• Triclosan : An antibacterial agent that can disrupt vaginal flora.
• Phenoxyethanol : A preservative which, in high concentrations, can be irritating to mucous membranes.
• Alcohol : Present in certain products, it can dry out and irritate sensitive mucous membranes.
• Fragrances : Fragrances, even natural ones, can be potential irritants, especially for sensitive skin.
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine : A mild surfactant, but can still cause irritation in some people, especially in the presence of contaminants such as amines.

No douching:

Douching is contraindicated because it can disrupt the natural flora of the vagina, increasing the risk of infections such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections . The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, and there is no need to clean its interior.

Drying method:

After washing, it is recommended to gently dab the area with a clean cotton towel, avoiding rubbing. This method reduces the risk of irritation and allows the skin to remain intact.

Additional precautions:

Choose underwear made of cotton or breathable fibers and change them daily. Avoid underwear that is too tight or fabrics that are too dense, as they can retain moisture and promote infections. During menstruation, change sanitary protection regularly to minimize the risk of bacterial proliferation.

The impact of products on intimate discomfort

Link between products used and discomfort

The survey reveals a clear link between the use of certain products and the discomfort experienced. Women and people with vulvas who use scented soaps, vaginal douches and moisturisers are more likely to experience regular discomfort . In contrast, those who opt for products intended for sensitive skin or traditional douche products report symptoms of discomfort less frequently. This underlines the importance of choosing suitable products, particularly natural, unscented products and those formulated specifically for sensitive mucous membranes.

For those who want to maintain intimate health without compromising on comfort, products like a natural intimate hygiene product with aloe vera are a safe choice. Their composition, which favors natural surfactants and ingredients like aloe vera, helps soothe the mucous membranes and prevent irritation, while respecting the natural balance of the vaginal pH.

Conclusion

The IntyEssentials & BVA survey sheds light on intimate hygiene and care practices among women and people with vulvas in France, revealing habits that can sometimes be harmful to vaginal health, especially when it comes to using products that are not suitable for sensitive mucous membranes. It is imperative to promote better education in intimate care, encouraging the use of natural, gentle products that are specially designed to respect the delicate balance of the intimate area. Products like those from IntyEssentials, formulated with natural surfactants and aloe vera, are essential for those looking for effective care without compromising their comfort. Health professionals play a key role in this education, providing reliable information and guiding people towards safer and healthier choices.

FAQ

What natural products are recommended for sensitive mucous membranes?

Natural products recommended for sensitive mucous membranes are those that contain gentle ingredients such as aloe, chamomile, or sweet almond oil. They should be fragrance-free, dye-free, and formulated specifically for intimate care. A gentle intimate wash gel is an excellent example of a suitable product.

Why is it not recommended to wash the inside of the vagina with products?

The vagina is self-cleaning and has a natural pH balance. Washing the inside of the vagina with products can disrupt this balance, promote infections, and cause irritation. If you feel the need to clean, simply use plain water.

Are conventional douche products safe for intimate hygiene?

Conventional douche products are generally not recommended for intimate hygiene because they may contain ingredients that are too aggressive for sensitive mucous membranes. It is better to use cleansers typically formulated for this area, such as an intimate cleanser for sensitive skin .

What role does pH play in choosing intimate hygiene products?

The pH of the intimate area is slightly acidic, which helps prevent infections. Using products that respect this pH is crucial to maintain a good balance and avoid irritation. IntyEssentials products are formulated to respect this natural pH.

How do you know if a product is safe for sensitive mucous membranes?

Check product labels for natural ingredients, absence of fragrance, and a mention of respect for natural pH. An intimate gel with aloe vera is specially designed for sensitive skin and mucous membranes.

Is it possible to use essential oils for intimate hygiene?

Essential oils, even natural ones, can be too concentrated and irritating to sensitive mucous membranes. If you want to use oils, make sure they are well diluted and designed for intimate use.