First and foremost: your vagina does not need your help to stay clean!
I know, this opening statement may sound surprising, especially given the number of “feminine hygiene” products on the market, but the vagina is naturally self-cleaning. It maintains its own healthy balance of bacteria and acidity (pH) that protects against infection and irritation.
In fact, many products designed to make you feel “fresher” can actually disrupt this delicate balance. The key to good vaginal health is often keeping things simple and avoiding unnecessary products.
Here is a practical checklist to help keep your vagina and vulva healthy:
THINGS THAT CAN DISRUPT VAGINAL HEALTH
Certain everyday habits or products can irritate the vulval skin or interfere with the natural vaginal environment. Try to avoid the following:
1. Harsh products on the vulva
Avoid using soap, detergents, bubble baths, wet wipes, feminine sprays, talcum powder or antiseptic products on the vulva. Even products labelled natural or organic can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.
2. Douching
Douching means washing or flushing out the inside of the vagina with water or other fluids. It is a relatively common practice, but it is not necessary. Douching can damage the vaginal lining and disrupt the natural pH of the vagina, which can increase the risk of infections such as thrush or bacterial vaginosis.
3. Removing all pubic hair
Pubic hair acts as a natural protective barrier. If you prefer grooming, trimming rather than shaving may reduce irritation and ingrown hairs.
4. Tight clothing around the vulva
Very tight underwear, synthetic fabrics, and thongs can trap heat and moisture, creating an environment where irritation and infections are more likely.
5. Constant use of panty liners
Panty liners and sanitary pads can trap moisture against the skin. If you do need them, choose plain, unperfumed products, or consider cotton or reusable pads.
6. Washing your hair in the bath
Shampoo and conditioner can run down onto the vulval skin and cause irritation, especially if they contain fragrances or detergents.
SIMPLE HABITS THAT SUPPORT VAGINAL HEALTH
The good news is that keeping the vulva healthy usually involves very simple, gentle habits.
1. Choose breathable underwear
Loose cotton underwear is ideal because it allows airflow and reduces moisture. White or light colours may be preferable, as dyes in darker fabrics can sometimes cause skin irritation or allergy.
2. Be mindful when washing underwear
Wash underwear and reusable pads with unperfumed, non-biological washing powder, and avoid fabric softeners which may irritate sensitive skin.
3. Use gentle cleansing methods
The vulva does not need strong cleansers. A helpful approach is to use a plain, unscented emollient (a simple moisturiser) instead of soap. Apply the emollient to the vulval skin before showering, rinse gently with water, and pat dry with a soft towel. Emollients cleanse while protecting the skin, even though they do not lather.
Using your hands rather than a sponge or washcloth can also reduce irritation.
4. Be cautious with foaming products
Many washes contain ingredients such as parabens (preservatives) and sodium lauryl sulphate, which produces lather.
Lather does not mean clean!
Many products create foam because they contain detergents designed to produce lather. This can give the impression that the product is cleaning more effectively, but in reality, lather is not necessary for cleansing and may even irritate the delicate skin of the vulva.
Although research is still emerging, these ingredients may irritate sensitive vulval skin. It is important to remember that lather creates the impression of cleanliness — but it is not necessary for cleaning.
5. Protect against sexually transmitted infections
Using condoms helps protect against sexually transmitted infections. Unscented condoms are usually best, as flavoured or scented varieties may irritate the vaginal area.
6. Stay well hydrated
Drinking enough water supports overall health, including the health of the urinary and genital systems. This is particularly important if you exercise regularly.
The Takeaways
When it comes to vaginal health, less is often more.
The vagina has evolved to maintain its own balance, and the best way to support it is by avoiding unnecessary products, choosing gentle skincare habits, and wearing breathable fabrics.
Sometimes the most effective approach is also the simplest:
respect your body’s natural balance and let it do what it is designed to do.
Posted February 2026
