It is rarely talked about, yet knowing how pH works is essential to better understand our intimate area. And also to choose the right products at every stage of life.
How do you choose an intimate cleanser?
Fragrance, texture, active ingredients are essential to identify the product that is right for us, but they are not enough. There is another aspect to keep under control, especially in relation to the moment of life we are facing, and that is the pH. Only two letters, but such an important meaning: by definition, pH is the chemical notation used to indicate the quantity that measures the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution. In general, you need to know that the general pH scale goes from 0 to 14, moving respectively from acid, neutral and alkaline. The pH is neutral when it stands at the value 7, while in acidic solutions it is less than 7 and in basic ones it is greater than 7. But what does pH have to do with vulva care? We will explain it to you right away.
The pH actually also has to do with the whole body, and directly influences some of its fundamental activities (such as breathing, kidney activity, etc.). But when it comes to the health of the vulva and vagina, it has a really important role: maintaining a physiological vaginal pH prevents bacteria from taking over and helps prevent internal infections. For this reason, we must always keep the pH of our intimate area under control, but above all that of the cosmetic products that come into contact with it. How?
First of all, by observing the stage of life we are in. In fact, in the vagina the pH varies over the years: during childhood it is rather neutral (pH 6-7), then it becomes acidic (pH 3.8 – 4.5) in fertile age so as to lower the risk of infections, and then finally returns to neutral after menopause. Maintaining an acidic pH in fertile age lowers the risk of infections but also of discomforts such as itching, burning or dryness.
So, how do you choose the right intimate cleanser at the right time? Preferring an acidic pH during childbearing age, and a neutral pH before development and after menopause, preferring specific, delicate and soothing formulas. Be careful not to overdo it with washing: once a day is enough, taking care to wash only the external part of the vulva, without entering the vaginal canal which is self-cleaning, and perfect as it is.
