Intimate Hygiene: Should You Opt for a Dermatological Soap Bar?

Intimate hygiene routines may differ based on various factors such as cultural distinctions, religious convictions, personal habits, and preferences. In terms of professional advice, one thing is clear - insufficient routines can result in potential infections and complications, whilst regular application of appropriate hygiene practices can enhance overall health and boost self-assurance.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are prevalent conditions impacting up to 60% of women of reproductive age. BV, the primary cause of vaginal discharge and disagreeable odour, and VVC, a commonly encountered fungal infection, significantly affect a woman's overall health and reproductive success. Genital hygiene behaviours, such as the utilisation of feminine hygiene products and receptive oral sex practices, can disrupt the vaginal flora and cause pH elevations, both of which carry a risk of developing these conditions.

Proper cleansing methods are crucial for maintaining the health and cleanliness of this area - it is advised that cleansing should be carried out once or twice daily. Ideally, intimate areas should be cleansed with pure water and specific formulas that sustain optimised pH levels. It is strongly advised to steer clear of harsh products, shower gels, soaps, bath bombs, and scrubs, as they can lead to localised 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 in line with the natural pH value of this area, fluctuating between 3.8 and 5.

Dermatological bars specifically crafted for the hygiene of the human genital area can offer numerous advantages over standard soaps. The merits of these bars are rooted in their scientific formulations. Unlike traditional soaps, these dermatological bars do not contain alkaline ingredients and harsh surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate. Alkaline ingredients elevate the pH of the genital area, rendering it less resistant to infections and irritations. However, dermatological bar products are composed of gentle surfactants, emollients, and humectants like glycerin or plant oils, enabling them to cleanse effectively without disrupting the skin's natural properties and moisture - they maintain a physiological pH value.

In addition to these advantages, some dermatological bars may also contain antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory additives such as tea tree oil, chamomile extract, or allantoin, which can bolster skin health by lessening the likelihood of infection. Certain formulations incorporate prebiotic or probiotic agents that assist in maintaining a balanced skin microbiome for an enhanced protective mechanism.

Whilst dermatological bars offer numerous advantages, there remain several factors to consider when selecting the appropriate product. For instance, it's important to bear in mind that pH levels for these products can still fluctuate depending on the manufacturer, and it's advisable to choose those with a lower pH value - this will reduce the likelihood of irritation.

In conclusion, one should judiciously determine which cleansing formula to utilise for this area, contingent upon personal requirements, frequency of cleansing, and the individual chemical properties and constituents of the selected product.