Why You Should Be Using A pH Balanced Cleanser

December 30, 2020

Keeping your nether regions healthy is an absolute must, and one of the best ways to do that is by using a pH balanced cleanser. You’ll see many different types of vaginal and vulva cleansers available on the market, but not all are created equal. So, we’re going to break down what pH balanced cleansers are, how to use them, and how to choose one that’s right for you.

Vaginal pH

But first, what constitutes a healthy vagina and what does pH have to do with it? The answer to this question is as follows: While there are several indicators of a healthy vagina, one such indicator is pH balance. That’s right, your vagina has a pH balance, and ideally you want that number to fall somewhere between 3.8 and 4.5. (As a reminder, anything less than 7 on the pH scale is considered acidic, and anything over 7 is considered basic. This makes your vagina acidic.) “Is an acidic vagina a good thing?” you may be wondering. The answer here is YES. The acidity actually serves as a barrier, preventing unwanted bacteria from multiplying too quickly and resulting in irritation or an infection. For example, if your vaginal pH balance is thrown out of whack, it can lead to trichomoniasis (trich), bacterial vaginosis, or every woman’s favourite, the yeast infection. So generally speaking, it’s good to do everything in your power to keep your vaginal pH healthy. That is where pH balanced cleansers come in.

Our #1 Tip for Keeping Your Vagina Healthy

Three words: pH balanced cleanser. That’s right, adding a pH balanced cleanser to your daily routine is our top tip for maintaining a healthy vagina. However, we’d first like to get one thing straight. The vagina is a self-cleaning goddess and does not require any assistance in that department, whether from a pH balanced cleanser or anything else (reminder: always say no to douching!). So in reality, the pH balanced cleanser is for the vulva. Unlike your vagina, your vulva should be washed regularly. You can do this with warm water, but a gentle cleanser will ensure best results. A wide variety of cleansing products are available, from cleansing cloths or wipes to bars of soap and liquid cleansers. But the problem is that many of the most popular cleansers out there contain elevated pH levels, which lead to dryness and aging - and no one wants that down south! Take most soaps and body washes for example, they contain a pH level of approximately 9, which is the total opposite of your vagina. That is why, when it comes to choosing a cleanser for your vulva, you want to look for one that is pH balanced, so that it doesn’t disrupt the natural pH balance of your vagina (as mentioned above, an out of whack pH balance is an express highway to infection). You’ll also want to find one that is as gentle and non-irritating as possible given that the skin of the vulva is especially thin and delicate. For example, if your skin is extremely sensitive, opt for a cleanser that is fragrance free. Further, read the ingredient labels on any product you’re considering and try to decipher how clean they are. Another tip? Avoid anything that claims to be exfoliating as exfoliation of the vulva is the absolute last thing you want on this ultra-sensitive part of your body. Whether you’re looking to outright clean, moisturize, or simply freshen up down south, a pH balanced cleanser like South’s pH Balanced Intimate Skin Cleanser is for you. Speaking of South’s pH Balanced Intimate Skin Cleanser…

Spotlight On: pH Balanced Intimate Skin Cleanser by South

If you aren’t sure where to start in the world of pH balanced cleansers, we recommend testing out South’s pH Balanced Intimate Skin Cleanser. This product was specially formulated to be both probiotic-enriched and pH balanced (the cleanser actually has a pH level of 3.9 to mimic that of your vagina). Key ingredients include aloe, which serves as both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, arnica, which has incredible healing and soothing powers, and probiotics, known for their strengthening and calming properties. Another major ingredient is rose water, which not only smells lovely but is anti-inflammatory, helps reduce redness and helps to naturally maintain a healthy pH level. All of these ingredients are extremely gentle and moisturizing, and best of all, they won’t disrupt the precious pH balance you’ve got going on down south. In fact, this pH Balanced Intimate Skin Cleanser is so gentle, it can also be used as a body wash or a bubble bath. While the signature scent is an enchanting blend of Amber + Rose Water, there is also a Fragrance Free option for those who are extremely sensitive. Although all of South’s products are formulated with clean ingredients and are free of SLS and parabens, with any new product, we recommend doing a patch test to ensure your body has no adverse reactions before continuing with regular use. Once you’re all set, simply dispense one pump of the cleanser into your hands, lather onto the intimate area, and rinse with warm water.

 

The most intimate part of your body deserves the best, and that is why we recommend adding a pH balanced cleanser to your daily routine ASAP. These cleansers will ensure your vulva stays fresh and hydrated without disrupting your vagina’s natural pH level. What’s not to love?