So, you cleanse your face and the rig but what about your beloved honeypot? Often neglected when chasing waterfalls, as rumour has it we shouldn’t be washing downstairs with bubbles and soaps?
You are so spot-on on the money; it hurts. You know what else hurts: thrush, UTIs, and an all-around uncomfortable v-jay, which you can bet your bottom dollar strikes when your vulva goes near a product that is peppered with parabens and fragrances. Ouch is an understatement, and truth be told, we need it primed and ready at all times because we never know when she will be out and about.
Let me talk nerdy to you…
The vaginal microbiome is pretty precious and you would know this if you are a vagina owner but my god she packs a punch. Any bacteria inhabiting the vagina are thought to be the first line of defence against vaginal infection, as a result of both the competitive exclusion and direct killing of other pathogenic microbes. Disruptions of normal vaginal flora have long been linked to pelvic inflammatory disease, miscarriages and prematurity. Who the hell knew?
Lactobacillus is the MVP of bacteria within the vaginal microbiome, this enables an acidic environment that protects women against sexually transmitted pathogens and opportunistic infections such as, candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and aerobic vaginitis (AV).
Commercial product use can alter vaginal flora and pH levels. A normal vaginal pH level is 4.5, this will also vary with age, as we mature so does our vaginal microbiome - so much to look forward to. Both bacterial and fungal overgrowths are due in part to a lack of Lactobacilli and a vaginal pH imbalance. If you do notice a distinctive odour that is not your usual scent, then this may be caused by a yeast infection or BV.
What depicts a healthy, juicy, and fragrant v-jay?
If you are going to cleanse your lady bits, then it needs to be the right kind of ingredients, as some products talk a pretty good game and lure you in under false pretences, and no, I am not talking about fuckboy. The aim of the game - less is more. You want to be able to turn that bottle over and see very few ingredients. As mentioned previously, the majority of femme cleanses and scrubs that are currently on the market saturate you in parabens, sulfates, silicones, and fragrances which are the main trigger for disrupting your vaginal flora and pH levels. Quick gossip about parabens and sulfates for those that are not in the know about these two bitches – parabens disrupt your hormones by mimicking oestrogen, and sulfates are chemicals that are used as cleaning agents but more often than not, are found in shampoos and body cleansers. I know, Ludacris. It must also be mentioned, when cleansing the honeypot, it is a strict outdoor policy only. If you venture indoors, all hell breaks loose and that fishy odour that I was discussing earlier can rear its ugly head.
What sort of ingredients should I be soaking myself in, then?
Thank you for asking. First and foremost, unscented is great, such as our O.G All-Over Daily Cleanser which is key to a dazzling puss (or try our new Daily Cleanser with its allergen-free scent that smells bonkers). Next point: nature is best. Many ladies and gentlemen are on the el’natural lubricant bandwagon, using oils such as coconut and jojoba, a welcome alternative in the boudoir. So why not transport these natural alluring oils to a shower near you?
Jojoba is a fave and well-known for its soothing, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. We want ingredients to enhance our wallflower, not to repel. Introducing colloidal silver, for those of you that are yet to meet this fine ingredient, it is known for its strong antimicrobial properties and apparently now welcomed down south, thanks to Scarlet All-Over Daily Cleanser. The silver particles that are dispersed in this elixir are naked to the eye but have the ability to fight off potential infection such as, candida, whilst also keeping the vagina’s dignity intact.
Whilst we are speaking in private, it must be said that our vagina armor needs to be changed regularly to avoid infection cue Period Cups, padding and Period Underwear.
Georgia Forsyth is a nutritionist and the founder of Cohere Studio - a Health and Nutrition Consultancy providing real and quantified advice for real people - without judgement.
