15 Feminine Care Tips To Ensure That Your Lady Bits Are Clean, Fresh, And Healthy 24/7
Okay, ladies, let’s talk about feminine hygiene. Yes, you read that right - this whole article is gonna be about our lady bits. Maintaining good vaginal care is something every female should know about, but growing up in conservative Singapore, many of us just never had the chance to learn about it from our mothers, nor during sex education in school.
Like your face, hair, and the rest of your body, your nether regions also need TLC. Here’s all you need to know to ensure that you’re clean, fresh, and healthy down under.
- Underwear-related matters -
#1: Don’t wear undies that are too tight
Photo from @cottononbody via Instagram
There was this meme going around that said, “Instagram has turned into a competition of who can pull their bathing suit up their ass the farthest”, and that couldn’t be more true.
Jokes aside, while super tight panties and thongs which ride all the way up your crack may look and feel sexy, this is a recipe for a yeast infection or urinary tract infection (UTI), no thanks to restricted blood circulation. Tighter panties = more sweat, and the dampness can also lead to bacterial infections.
On top of that, the constant rubbing of the material against your skin can cause irritation and ingrown hairs.
#2: Pick the right underwear material
Photo from @victoriassecretsg via Instagram
It’s not just about the fit of your undies - the material matters too. As far as possible, go for soft 100% cotton ones, as they’re the most gentle on the skin and naturally wick away moisture. Synthetic fabrics tend to trap odours and can make you itch.
One downside to cotton panties is that they tend to stain easily, so you might be hesitant about wearing them during your period. Try these easy-to-wash period-proof undies in Singapore that help prevent blood stains from getting on your clothes - cotton options available too!
#3: Always wash new panties before wearing them
Photo from @youngheartssingapore via Instagram
Hooray if you’ve heeded our advice and decided to ditch your tight spandex underwear for breathable cotton ones! But hold up - don’t be too eager to shimmy into them just yet. While it’s generally safe (albeit not advisable) to wear new dresses and jackets immediately after purchase, you’ll want to give your panties a good wash first.
After all, they’re coming in direct contact with your most intimate parts, and you don’t know what germs have landed on them prior. Some of them may also have been exposed to chemicals during the manufacturing process, and you don’t want any of that nasty stuff near your cooch.
#4: Sleep panty-free if you’re not on your period
Photo from Pinterest
We’ve heard of the “free the nipple” movement, but how about freeing your hoo-ha?
Most of us wouldn’t go panty-less when out in public - and risk pulling a Britney - but you can try letting your beaver breathe while you’re sleeping. Well, if you’re not on your period, of course. Don't wanna wake up in a blood bath the next morning.
#5: Don’t sit around in a damp bikini bottom for too long
Photo from @welovefunfit via Instagram
As much as it’s fun lounging around by the pool, doing so with a wet swimsuit for prolonged periods can lead to infection. You might think that the chlorine in the water can help kill germs, but moist, dark places are where bacteria and fungus thrive best.
- Healthy feminine hygiene habits to cultivate -
#6: Wipe in the correct direction after going to the loo
Photo from Mincio
The one golden rule when it comes to toilet matters: ALWAYS WIPE FRONT TO BACK. This should apply in every situation, whether you’re doing a number 1 or 2.
If you do it the other way round, faecal germs will get transferred to your urethra and possibly cause a UTI. Generally, just remember that any butt stuff should never touch your vagina.
#7: Change pads every few hours, even if not full, to prevent toxic shock
Photo from @lauriersg via Instagram
Pads are expensive, we know, so it kinda makes sense that we want to get our money’s worth by wearing each one for as long as we can before changing it.
But this isn’t worth the extra buck saved. Wearing the same pad or tampon for the entire day - even if it’s not full - isn’t healthy at all. Apart from a foul odour, it can cause rashes, infections, or worse - toxic shock syndrome which can lead to death.
For good hygiene, change your pad every 4 to 6 hours.
#8: Try not to shave or epilate too often
Photo from @braunbeautyus via Instagram
Whether you choose to leave it au naturel or go bald, you do you - there’s no one right look for your muff. But try not to shave, pluck, or epilate too often, as the delicate skin down there can get easily aggravated. If possible, simply trim using scissors.
Can’t stand the regrowth? Try permanent non-invasive hair removal methods such as IPL or laser to rid yourself of your bush once and for all.
#9: Be mindful of cleanliness when using public toilets
Photo from @the_ultimate_toilet_rater via Instagram
You can’t catch AIDS from a toilet bowl, but you can get an infection if any germs get transferred to your urethral tract. The chances of this happening are quite slim, but still, it pays to be careful.
Some public toilets in Singapore have toilet bowl sanitisers in each cubicle, though this is rather rare. If you want to err on the safe side, line the toilet seat with toilet paper before sitting down.
Better yet? Don’t sit at all if you’re only having a quick pee. We’re not talking about squatting on the seat, ‘cause that would be inconsiderate, but rather, hovering over it in a sort of “half squat”. This way, you’ll maintain good aim without touching the toilet seat - which has already touched hundreds of other butts in the same day.
#10: Visit the doctor immediately if there’s itching or abnormal discharge
Photo from Pinterest
If there’s something out of the ordinary regarding your privates - such as sudden itching, abnormal discharge, pimples/warts, or a strange odour - then your best bet is to visit a clinic. These symptoms might be a result of a more serious underlying problem and you shouldn’t dilly dally in getting them sorted out.
There’s no need to feel ashamed, as doctors are trained professionals and there’s nothing they haven’t seen. If it makes you more comfortable, look for a clinic with a lady doctor.
- Using the right intimate care products -
#11: Wear a pantyliner to stay fresh during long hours out
Photo from SOFY
Fact is, we’re only human, and we all emit funky odours from certain nooks of our bodies after a full day at work. To stay fresh, wear a thin pantyliner to absorb sweat and discharge during long hours out. After it gets soiled, peel it off and tada - you’ll have clean panties to go about the rest of your day with.
For added protection, you can even try double-layered pantyliners such as SOFY’s Pure Style Double Fresh (Unscented), which costs just $2.32 for a pack of 52 on their official Shopee store. This will come in especially handy during long-haul flights.
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#12: Use a pH balancing intimate wash
Photo from @vagisilsg via Instagram
While it’s important to wash yourself well down there, an overuse of regular soap can disrupt the natural pH balance of your vagina. Use a gentle intimate cleansing wash to restore and maintain a healthy acidity level.
We recommend Vagisil’s gynecologist-tested pH Balance Daily Feminine Wash ($12.72), which you can purchase online via their official Shopee store. They also have a Sensitive Intimate Wash at the same price.
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#13: Pamper your “lips” with a soothing mask
Photo from TWO LIPS
With the humid weather, hair removal treatments, and rigorous activities like sports, it’s sometimes inevitable that we get itchy and irritated down under no matter how careful we are. Resist the urge to scratch, and instead pamper your second pair of “lips” with a soothing mask.
Photo from TWO LIPS
Created specially for the delicate area, the Blackout Activated Charcoal Vulva Mask ($21) from TWO LIPS is packed with natural ingredients like elderberry, chamomile, and aloe vera for hydration. On top of that, the infrared activated charcoal helps facilitate lymphatic drainage for a good detox.
#14: Avoid scented feminine care products to prevent irritation
Not all intimate care products are created equal. It’s best to go for unscented sanitary pads and washing solutions to prevent any irritation caused by chemicals in artificial fragrances. This is especially important to adhere to if you have sensitive skin.
#15: Do not spray deodorant or perfume down there
Photo from @daywithshea via Instagram
Practising proper feminine hygiene using the points we’ve shared above should already take care of any smells, so there’s really no need to use deodorant or perfume - which will only do more harm than good by irritating your vaginal lining. In fact, having a bit of odour down south is perfectly normal, so embrace it!
If your privates start emitting an overly foul smell, please see a doctor as that’s probably a sign of infection.
Read our other articles on health and wellness:
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Text by GirlStyle SG
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