Feminine Hygiene Tips You Need to Know

Intimate hygiene is more than just taking regular showers (of course it's a must!).

Try these feminine hygiene tips for a fresh, clean and (most importantly) healthy vagina.

Wash your vagina every day

Keeping yourself clean is probably one of the most important feminine hygiene tips. Especially as you hit puberty, changes in your body make good personal hygiene even more important. Factors such as menstrual cramps, increased daily vaginal discharge, and increased sweating from the sweat glands make it increasingly important for teenage girls to stay clean. Daily washing of your intimate area is only the first step.

Only washes the outside of the vagina

The inside of the vagina has its own self-cleaning mechanism. It requires no washing, scrubbing, or cleaning—which means no rinsing, either. Insist on washing only the outside of the vagina, which is the vulva. The vulva includes the inner and outer lips of the vagina and the clitoris.

Try pH-balanced feminine lotion

Ordinary soaps and body washes are not suitable for your vaginal area because their pH is designed for the surface of your skin. Your skin has a pH of 5.5, while a healthy vagina has a pH range of 3.8 to 4.5. Using regular soaps can change the pH of your vagina and disrupt its delicate bacterial balance, which is what keeps your vagina healthy and free from infection. Instead, try using a special detergent made just for your intimate area. You can find a pH-balanced feminine hygiene wash for your vagina in the feminine care section of your supermarket or pharmacy. If in doubt, don't be afraid to ask your GP or gynecologist for advice.

Avoid using gloves or sponges to wash your intimate area

Feminine hygiene doesn't require any special equipment -- just some feminine lotion and water. The skin in your intimate area is very sensitive and can be irritated by abrasive materials like gloves, sponges, and loofahs. Plus, bacteria tend to accumulate and grow on items like sponges and gloves, and you don't want to introduce them into your vagina. Your hands are sufficient for good personal hygiene.

Dry the area with a soft towel

To dry off after showering or bathing, use a soft, completely dry towel. A big hygiene tip for girls is to change towels every two to three days -- and don't share towels with other people.

Don't point water directly at the vagina

This feminine care tip keeps outside bacteria from entering your vagina. When washing private parts, do not point the water stream directly at the vagina. Instead, let the water run down the top of the pussy above the vagina.

Wipe from front to back

You've probably heard this personal hygiene tip before, but it's worth a reminder. When you go to the toilet, always wipe from front to back - never back to front! This ensures that harmful bacteria from the anus do not enter the vagina. If they do, those bacteria can create an uncomfortable (and smelly!) infection -- like a UTI -- that requires antibiotics to clear.

Wear cotton underwear

Wearing cotton underwear is important for good personal hygiene. Cotton is a very breathable fabric, so it allows excess moisture from sweat or waste to evaporate instead of being a breeding ground for bacteria (and bad smells!). That doesn't mean the shorts have to be made entirely of cotton, just the crotch insert.

Wear panty liners

Wear pads daily to help absorb vaginal discharge. Discharge is healthy - it's your body's way of clearing your vagina of toxins and keeping it clean and moisturized. But that doesn't mean you have to be uncomfortable in wet panties. Wearing panty liners every day is a great feminine hygiene tip. Pads work like pads, but they are thinner and can be used every day to absorb secretions and keep you feeling clean and dry. ALWAYS Dailies are ultra-thin and flexible for an almost non-existent feel, keeping you feeling fresh all day long - like you just put on a new pair of panties.

Drink up

We've all heard the phrase "you are what you eat." Well, "you are what you drink" as far as your vagina is concerned. Sugary drinks can affect the balance of bacteria in the vagina, leading to dehydration. When it comes to flushing out toxins and keeping your vagina clean and healthy, be sure to drink plenty of water to energize your body.

Incorporate these intimate hygiene tips into your life to keep your vagina clean and healthy, keeping you smiling and confident.