Walk down any pharmacy aisle and you will find shelves of intimate washes, wipes and sprays promising freshness. It is easy to assume you need them. In truth, the vulva is rather good at looking after itself, and a gentler approach is often the kinder one. Here is a calm, myth-busting look at what actually helps.
This sits within our pelvic and intimate wellness guides. If the words vulva and vagina trip you up, our plain-English piece on vulva vs vagina is a useful starting point, because the care is different for each.
Myth: you need to wash inside
The vagina is self-cleaning. It maintains its own balance of healthy bacteria and a naturally slightly acidic environment. Washing inside, or douching, can disturb that balance and tends to cause more bother than it solves. The vulva, the external skin, is the only part that needs washing, and it needs very little.
What a simple routine looks like
- Wash the external vulva once a day with warm water, or warm water and a plain, unperfumed cleanser if you prefer.
- Use your hand rather than a flannel or sponge, which can be too rough.
- Pat dry gently rather than rubbing.
- Skip the inside entirely; let the vagina do its own housekeeping.
- Wear breathable cotton underwear and change out of damp gym kit or swimwear when you can.
Myth: fragrance equals clean
A scented wash smells pleasant, but perfume is one of the more common triggers for itching and irritation in this sensitive area. "Clean" is not a smell. If you notice tingling, redness or dryness after a particular product, that is your skin asking you to simplify. Plainer is usually better.
When skin needs a little extra
Sometimes the external skin feels dry, tight or tender, especially around menopause, after swimming, or with friction from clothing. This is where a soothing balm earns its place. Our Vulva & Body Balm is made for the external skin of the vulva and surrounding area, to support everyday comfort after washing. It is not a wash and not something to use internally. For the wider picture on dryness, see our guide to vaginal dryness in menopause, and explore the sexual wellness range for other gentle options.
Myth: more washing means fewer infections
It is a natural assumption, but the opposite can be true. Scrubbing, douching and strongly fragranced products can strip away the friendly bacteria and disturb the natural acidity that help keep things balanced. That can leave the area more prone to irritation and upset, not less. Gentle and minimal really is the goal, even on days when you feel less than fresh.
What about during your period?
The same rules apply when you are menstruating: external warm water, changed protection regularly, and no internal cleaning. You may simply want to wash a little more often, which is fine as long as you keep it gentle and avoid harsh products on already sensitive skin.
Signs worth a closer look
Good hygiene will not fix everything, and it should not have to. An unusual discharge, a strong or fishy odour, itching that lingers, or soreness that does not settle are all worth a word with a pharmacist or GP rather than more washing. Over-washing can sometimes make these very symptoms worse.
Common questions
Do I need a special "intimate" wash at all?
For most people, no. Warm water, or a plain unperfumed cleanser on the external skin, does the job. Specialist washes are optional rather than essential.
Are wipes a good idea for freshening up?
Occasional use is fine, but daily fragranced wipes can dry and irritate delicate skin. Water and a gentle pat dry are kinder for regular use.
Is it normal to have a natural scent?
Yes. A mild, personal scent is completely normal and healthy. A sudden, strong or unpleasant change is the kind of thing to check with a professional.