Smelling down there is a part of natural and every woman has her own natural scent. Even knowing that, sometimes it can be a little concerning and embarrassing when we don't smell our best. As women, we can all relate! Thankfully there are ways to keep your lady parts feeling and smelling their freshest. These tips are pretty life changing if you've ever battled with feminine odor.
Read more ¿Qué más?: 10 AMAZING DIY cellulite treatments that really work
Image via Thinkstock
Use cotton underwear
Nylon, Lycra, satin and lace panties may look sexy, but they aren't made of breathable fabric and can cause an odor and funk down there. Instead, go for cotton underwear. The natural fabric absorbs moisture instead of trapping it, which lowers your chances of getting a yeast infection.
Use hypo-allergenic soap
Your lady parts are made up of sensitive skin. You want to avoid irritants like fragrance and dyes used to make the soap a different color. Stick to a natural hypo-allergenic or fragrance free option.
Use a wash cloth
A wash cloth is your best friend when it comes to washing yourself properly down there. You want to make sure to get in between the folds and scrub gently. Seriously, water and a wash cloth are your best friends.
Technique matters
Once you clean in between the folds, you also want to make sure to clean the bikini area and vulva with warm water. Also, don't forget the perineum! This is the area in between your lady parts and your rectum. You want to make sure you clean from front to back. Always leave the back for last to avoid infections!
Clean down there once a day
Skipping showers or using baby wipes instead won't really get the job done. You want to make sure you properly clean at least once a day to make sure your lady parts are their freshest.
Don't douche
Feminine washes promote maintaining your pH balance, but strip you from the good bacteria known as lactobacilli, which naturally regulates your ph balance. This part of the body actually does a great job at cleaning itself on its own. Don't mess with it by douching.
Don't sleep with underwear on
A gynecologist at NYU Langone Medical Center, Dr. Samantha Dunham, suggested in Everyday Health to sleep commando at night. This will help give your lady parts breathing room. Wear comfy pajamas that aren't tight or suffocating.
Make sure to shave and trim
Hair down there can cause you to sweat more, which will produce more odor. Make sure to shave and trim every two weeks or so. Waxing is also an option–if you're willing to endure the quick pain!
Change frequently during period
We all know it's tricky to stay clean down there during our period. Stay fresh by changing your pads and tampons every few hours. You want to make sure you avoid serious vaginal issues like TSS or Toxic Shock Syndrome.
Use a pantyliner
Using a pantyliner will help absorb natural moisture and natual discharge. Avoid ones that have fragrance to avoid irritation and make sure to change it every couple of hours.
