Intimate soap: to use or not to use? gynecologist clarifies

When a woman goes to the pharmacy, she usually finds a wide variety of intimate soaps available. With the most varied names, they promise basically the same thing: “take care of feminine intimate hygiene, providing a feeling of freshness and comfort”.

And it is in this context that the question often arises: do women really need a special soap for their intimate hygiene? As much as this type of product is nothing new on the market, this is still a topic surrounded by doubts.

Marair Sartori, gynecologist and obstetrician at São Luiz Itaim Hospital and Maternity, explains that intimate soaps are soaps that have a more acidic pH, ranging from 4.5 to 5.5. “So closer to the pH of the vulvar skin. And they are hypoallergenic (products with low potential to cause allergy). They are made up of lactic acid, glycerin, fatty acids and pH controllers,” she says.

Yes, intimate soap is expendable in everyday life. In other words: it is not an “obligation” for the woman to use it. But for women who like different types of soaps, find the smell and feel pleasant, great, this type of product can be a good option. As long as, of course, it is used correctly.

Advantages versus risks of using intimate soap

According to Marair, the advantages of intimate soap are: maintaining the skin’s pH and hydration. “Because they are mild detergents, they prevent excessive removal of fat from the skin, which is protective, and prevent dehydration,” he says.

That is, this type of soap is known to help keep the vagina region healthy, preventing infections, in addition to providing a greater sense of well-being.

“Women who are very concerned about vaginal odors or secretions are candidates to use intimate soap”, adds the gynecologist.

Those with “healthy vulvar skin, without a history of allergies or hypersensitivity, sometimes do not feel the need to use specific products”, says Marair. “But they should avoid very alkaline soaps, which impair function and dehydrate the skin”, he adds.

Regarding the risks of using intimate soap, Marair highlights that the problem only occurs when there is excessive use, more than three times a day. “Or when there is exaggerated friction (rubbing over a part of the body), as the removal of the lipid layer of the skin can cause dehydration and loss of skin protection. The time used in sanitizing should not exceed three minutes at most,” she says.

How to use intimate soap

Intimate soap can be used daily, but it requires some care:

• It should not be used on the internal genitals (because the chance of allergic reactions is very high);
• It should not be used more than three times a day (the ideal is to use it only once a day);
• Cleaning with this type of soap should not take more than three minutes;
• Do not rub the area too much.

The recommendation is that hygiene be done only with the fingers (in addition to water and intimate soap, in this case), as sponges, cotton swabs can scrape the vulva and cause injuries.

Cleaning should focus on the vulva (outer part), and movements should be light. The vagina (inner part), compared to the labia minora and majora, has less fat accumulation. That way, there is no need for more intensive cleaning. In addition, the region has a less acidic pH (and the more acidic, the greater the control of bacteria and fungi) and this acidity level can be compromised by soaps and/or water jets, eliminating natural protection and facilitating the proliferation of microbes. -harmful organisms.

Main questions about women’s intimate hygiene

Below, the gynecologist clarifies the main doubts about intimate soap and women’s intimate hygiene in general.

Is it necessary to wash the vagina after peeing? And after sex?

Marair explains that it is not necessary to wash after urinating. “After sexual activity, you can wash with water and intimate soap, but without vaginal douches. It is also recommended to always urinate after sexual intercourse, to decrease the risk of cystitis,” he says.

What other type of soap is safe for washing the outside of the vagina?

“Those with a more acidic pH, without exaggerated perfume, without excessive detergent activity. Glycerin soaps, for example”, guides Marair.

Is it recommended to use tissues for intimate hygiene and intimate deodorants?

According to Marair, baby wipes are useful for hygiene when you’re out and about. “One must be careful not to rub too much, so as not to remove the protective layer of the skin. And some women may have an allergic reaction to its components”, he warns.

The gynecologist does not recommend, however, the use of intimate deodorant. “These products should be avoided due to the possibility of local irritation. The same goes for toilet paper and scented pads,” she explains.

Can a woman use intimate soap during her period?

“Yes, the use is the same in any period of the cycle”, highlights Marair.

Can prolonged use of intimate soap cause any problems?

No, according to Marair. “Only daily overuse or friction can cause problems,” she says.

10 intimate soap brands to try

In the gallery below you can see some options for intimate soaps:

Simple and effective intimate hygiene tips

Marair cites a few simple tips to help ensure feminine intimate hygiene:

• It is preferable to wear cotton underwear, which allows perspiration. “The tissue in contact with the perineum and vulva should allow perspiration and avoid irritation. And cotton fabrics fit that description well,” adds the gynecologist.
• It is not necessary to sleep without panties, but you should avoid clothes that are too tight for this.
• During the menstrual period, the woman should not stay with the same tampon for a long time, depending on the amount of flow.
• Outside the menstrual period, pads should be changed every 4 hours. Absorbents for daily use (outside of the menstrual period) should be those without a plastic protector, to allow perspiration of the skin.
• You should avoid washing your underwear in the shower and letting it dry in the bathroom.
• Panties should be washed and rinsed very well, in addition to being left to dry in an open, ventilated and, if possible, sunny environment. “This eliminates chemical residues from the substances used in washing, prevents moisture and the proliferation of fungi and bacteria in the fabric”, highlights Marair.
• Do not exaggerate in intimate hygiene: do not use loofahs, cloths or towels, do not rub the liquid soap too much. “Use water to remove residue and mild detergent soap (which makes little foam) to remove excess fat and other residues”, says the gynecologist.
• Do not do vaginal douches or sitz baths.
• Do not use perfumes, ointments, deodorants or moisturizers on the vulva without guidance.

Another important guideline is to always clean with toilet paper from front to back, in order to avoid any vaginal contamination.

So now you know: as much as some people say otherwise, intimate soap is not an essential product in your routine. But, yes, it can be useful; It’s more a matter of opinion, preference. And in case of doubt, of course, be sure to talk to your gynecologist.