Ladies, let’s talk about our V-zone!
According to an Instagram story poll conducted by Libresse® with an average of 700 respondents, over 70% are aware that the vulva is one of the most delicate parts of the body. You know what that means – we have to take good care of it.
In the same poll, over 90% of respondents agree that the vulva requires proper care. However, before we get into the details, we need to clear up a few things.
First things first… did you know that your vulva and vagina are two completely different things?
A common misconception is that the vagina refers to a woman’s entire genital region. In reality, the vagina itself is the tube connecting the uterus to the vulva, while the vulva consists of the outer part of the female genitalia, which includes the labia, clitoris, and the external opening of both the urethra and the vagina.
The good news is, your vagina self-cleans itself with vaginal discharge, yay! What does require cleaning and attentive care is – you guessed it – your vulva.
So, let’s talk about what it takes to properly care for your vulva:
1. Cleanse your intimate area thoroughly with water
Once you step into the shower, avoid reaching for the soap you usually use to clean your body! Chances are, these soaps have a high PH level and will not be gentle to your vulva skin. Warm water is enough to clean your vulva.
If you want to use an intimate wash, be sure to select one with balanced PH levels between 3.5 to 4.5, created specifically for the V-zone. You can easily check for these requirements by reading the intimate wash’s label before purchasing them. And remember, no scrubbing!
2. When possible, wear 100% cotton underwear
What you wanna do is wear undergarments made out of fabric that will allow your V-zone to breathe. Not only is cotton breathable, it can also help keep your vulva area dry, as moisture would promote the growth of bacteria.
When it comes to absorbing moisture, cotton is the best choice, compared to synthetic fabric. If you’re not a fan of wearing underwear that’s completely made of cotton, you can always opt for ones that only use cotton at the crotch area. Keep a look out for em’ next time you go shopping 😉
3. Avoid using feminine care products claiming to “improve” vaginal odor
Here’s the thing – there isn’t a specific smell a vagina is supposed to have, since every woman has a different scent, Although, words such as “musky, slightly sour” are used to describe how a vagina should smell, it’s perfectly normal. It’s NOT supposed to smell like fresh flowers, y’all.
Using products designed to change the smell of your vagina might cause irritation to your vulva, or worse – infections that WILL cause unpleasant odours!
4. Opt for loose-fitting clothes, especially when you’re at home
There’s no problem with wearing tight-fitting clothes, but try to balance it out with more loose cuts once in a while. The real issue here is that tight clothing can put pressure on your vulva, and if the material is too thick, it can trap heat and moisture, which may lead to yeast infections.
Allow your vulva to breathe with proper ventilation every once in a while. By alternating between tight and loose-fitting clothing, you’ll be reducing the risk of irritation around your V-zone. Go ahead, dress up in comfy pyjamas while you chill at home 😉
5. Schedule annual checkups with your gynaecologist
As much as we care for our vulvas, it is recommended to visit your gynae at least once a year (just like how we have annual health screenings) to ensure all is well. Whether it’s about non-stop itching, irritation, burning, or any form of discomfort, you can ask your gynae during your checkup whether it requires medical attention.
Plus, you can take this opportunity to ask your gynaecologist about any vulva-health related queries. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
6. Wear pads that are hypoallergenic
A hypoallergenic sanitary pad is manufactured to reduce or minimise allergic reactions when used. This means it’s suitable for everyone, including those who have a sensitive V-zone, to wear during their period.
Additionally, since your vulva will be in direct contact with sanitary pads during menstruation, it’s important for you to change your pad regularly. Changing your pads about 3-4 hours a day is a good practice, depending on how heavy your flow is.
Sooo, how did you score on your vulva health care? We hope you learned something new about your V-zone!
If you aren’t practising these habits yet, don’t worry! We’re all learning more about the inner workings of our bodies every day, so we can be better equipped to handle any issues in the future.
Luckily for you, Libresse has just what you need, as they have introduced the first-ever range of hypoallergenic feminine care products such as pads, liners, wash, and wipes!
One of the ways you can ensure your vulva skin would not be irritated is to use feminine care products that do not use harsh materials, and are gentle on your skin. Thanks to Libresse® SensitiV™, you can say goodbye to all those annoying rashes and chafing, as their range of items are hypoallergenic and made without any allergens, dyes, or fragrances.
You can get a free trial pack of Libresse SensitiV here! Go ahead and try it out, your vulva will thank you for it 😉
With a minimum purchase of RM20 of Libresse products including one Libresse SensitiV item, you can redeem a Libresse SensitiV Daily Intimate Care Gift Box worth RM25!*
Here’s how to redeem the gift box:
1. Spend RM20 and above in ONE (1) single receipt on any Libresse products which includes ONE (1) pack of Libresse SensitiV product at any participating retail outlets from now till 31 May 2021
2. WhatsApp your proof of purchase with your name (as stated in NRIC), contact number, email, and home address to 017-257 8683
3. Eligible participants will be contacted via WhatsApp and may redeem their gift box via courier service
*Terms and conditions apply, while stocks last.