let's talk ph
Your vagina is kind of like a rainforest; it’s prone to constant humidity or dampness. An essential part of having a well-functioning ecosystem (aka healthy vagina) means keeping your vulva and vaginal pH balance in check. The vulva (genitalia on the outside) and vagina (canal on the inside) work together. The vulva’s main job is to protect the vagina from infection. Most of the time our vulvovaginal pH keeps itself in check but pH levels can change for a number of internal and external factors.
Internal factors affecting pH include sweat, vaginal discharge, period blood, urine/fecal contamination, genetic, lifestage/age.
External factors affecting pH include soap/detergent, sex, tight clothes, cosmetic products, lubricants or spermicides, douching, sanitary pads and grooming.
but what is ph?
pH stands for potential hydrogen with the “p” meaning potentialand the “H” standing for hydrogen. pH measures how acidic or alkaline different things are and include everything from your skin to water-based beauty products.
Our skin has a protective layer on its surface called the acid mantle, which is made up of sebum (free fatty acids) from the skin’s sebaceous or oil glands. When these free fatty acids mix with lactic acid from good bacteria and amino acids from sweat, they create your skin’s pH. pH is measured on a scale ranging from 1 to 14, 1 being strongly acidic, 14 being strongly alkaline, and 7 being neutral.
A “normal” vulva pH level is between 3.8 and 4.5, but can vary depending on your stage of womanhood. For instance, pH balance in the female body aged 18-49 should have a vaginal pH balance of less than 4.5, but a healthy vaginal pH right before menstruation and after menopause tends to be higher than that.
how can you keep your ph in check?
use ph friendly products
Since different parts of the body have different pH levels, your face and body products have a higher pH not ideal for the vulva. A higher pH throws off vulva balance and can cause dryness, itchiness, or increase the growth of bad bacteria. Instead, opt in for a vulva-friendly probiotic wash free from irritating ingredients.
Lady Suite's Probiotic Refreshing Cleanser specially formulated to cleanse and condition your delicate vulva area and combat unwanted odor, itch, and general discomfort without compromising your unique vulva or vaginal pH balance. BUT REMEMBER, no cleanser should be used inside the vagina. She’s already self-cleaning and needs no help!
stay away from toxic feminine care
While some Gynos advocate for femcare, many don’t. That’s probably because older, conventional drugstore products are made with synthetic fragrances, dyes, parabens, and other hormone disruptors that harm our skin, bodies, and otherwise healthy vaginas.
Lady Suite formulas are dermatologist-approved and are currently sold at OBGYN offices. Intimate skin dryness, razor burn, and ingrown hairs can be effectively and safely treated with our 3-Step intimate care routine that soothes skin without disturbing your pH balance.
get some air
It’s ok to wear lacy lingerie on romantic occasions, but ditch daily use of underwear that’s not made of cotton. Fabrics like lace, lycra, silk, satin are not breathable materials, and no one wants to feel “swampy” down there. Plus, bacteria thrives in moist environments. Instead, opt in for some vulva-approved undies that let your lady parts breathe. Speaking of swampy, it’s good to sleep without any underwear at night. We sweat a lot at night, and our vaginas need to get some air to help maintain a healthy pH. Plus, sleeping sans underwear is quite liberating!
Have an intimate skin struggle?
Our team is ready to help. Feel free to email us at help@ladysuite.com or shoot us a message via our live support chat feature!
