Many of us have created daily skin care or hair care routines, but tend to overlook creating feminine hygiene and intimate care routines.

Intimate care extends beyond just having sex and includes all of the things you do to better connect with yourself and others. Fundamental to an intimate care routine is building a collection of “clean” products that support intimate health without causing harm to intimate areas.

Think of your feminine hygiene routine as an opportunity to build more pleasure into your life and take control of your sexual health. Ahead, we’ve broken down a step-by-step intimate care routine with products that are safe, enjoyable, and all available at Bloomi.

Note that we use the term “feminine” to specify anatomy, not gender.

An ultimate step-by-step hygiene guide for people with vulvas

What is feminine hygiene?

Feminine hygiene or intimate care are terms used to describe caring for the health of your vulva and vagina. There is still a lot of stigma surrounding the health of the vagina and vulva, and many people misunderstand what vaginal or vulvar health even entails.

First of all, we have to address the fact that your vagina and vulva are healthy no matter the size, shape, or smell. Just because it has a scent (that's unique to you!) and doesn't smell of roses and honey, it doesn't mean it's dirty or that something is wrong. 

What vulvar health or feminine hygiene involves is caring for the intimate skin around the genitals, ensuring good nutrition and hydration (yes, it makes a difference!), and practicing safe sex practices to ensure good sexual health. 

Why do you need to create a routine?

Having a feminine hygiene routine is essential to help maintain vulvar and vaginal health. When you neglect an area of your body and don't pay enough attention to it, it can be hard to notice any changes. 

And your intimate areas are just as important as your facial skin and teeth. So, just as you put time and care into those routines and ensure your skin and teeth are healthy and taken care of, you should also extend the same courtesy to your intimate areas.

Things to know about feminine hygiene and health

Ingredients 

Did you know that there is still no official clean standard for ingredients that are used in intimate care products? We at Bloomi have taken matters into our own hands and are pioneering clean intimate wellness. Based on academic research and input from top sexual wellness experts, we developed the only Clean Standard in the industry to ensure toxic ingredients don’t touch your intimate areas. 

Skin

The skin on the vulva and vagina is extremely permeable because the cells in these areas are more loosely arranged to allow substances to penetrate the skin. Thus, any ingredients in products used in this sensitive area can enter the bloodstream in a matter of seconds.

We care about what you put on and in your body, which is why our new essentials line is created with plant-based formulas that are free of intimate skin allergens, such as glycerin, gluten, phthalates, sulfates, parabens, alcohol, artificial dyes, and fragrances.

Discharge 

Because vaginas are self-cleaning, it's normal to have discharge. Discharge keeps the vagina lubricated and protects it from irritation. Some might experience larger amounts, while others barely get any visible discharge throughout the day. 

The white or clear discharge that has a faint scent or no scent at all is usually normal, and you should only be concerned and go see your OB-GYN if you notice a drastic change in the color or smell. 

STIs

Your feminine hygiene routine should definitely include regular STI tests if you're sexually active. Even if you choose to use external protection like condoms for intercourse, there is still a risk of STIs. So, make sure you get tested after every new sexual partner. 

Also, keep in mind that not all STIs have visible symptoms. Even if you are feeling fine and don't have any visible vulvar changes, you should still get tested by the doctor to make sure you're not risking the long-term effects of untreated STIs. 

Grooming: should you do it? 

Purpose of pubic hair 

Whether you prefer the bold look or the "full bush", pubic hair has more to it than pure aesthetics. Because the skin in the intimate areas is so sensitive, pubic hair serves as a protection against irritation and bacteria. That being said, pubic hair doesn't protect from STIs and other things, so you should always wear protection to prevent that. 

Benefits of grooming 

There are a few benefits to choosing to remove pubic hair. For one, removing pubic hair completely might increase sensitivity. With the friction gone, you might experience heightened sensations during sex and even outside of it as the underwear rubs against your exposed intimate areas.

Another reason to remove pubic hair is for self-expression. Many people with vulvas enjoy experimenting with styling their pubic hair, which can be a fun way to express your naughty side. 

Also, there is the benefit of engaging in more oral sex. A study published in 2016 found that men are motivated to groom their pubic hair for sex and oral sex in particular. 

While your pubic hair should never be a reason not to engage in sexual activities you want, styling it to fit your partner's preferences is quite common. As long as you and your partner(s) are in agreement and you feel comfortable, then there is no harm in removing pubic hair. 

Benefits of "au naturel" look

However, there are also benefits to letting your pubic hair grow wild. In fact, there are many people who find the natural look very arousing. There are also the pheromones that our bodies naturally have, and pubic hair tends to carry the scent better, which in turn can turn your partner(s) on more. 

Also, if you struggle with in-grown hair and can't stand regular shaving or other treatments, then letting the hair grow naturally is a great way to minimize the discomfort of dealing with pain and razor bumps. 

Best grooming techniques

If you choose to remove pubic hair, you'll want to find a method that works best for you. Everyone will have different preferences for hair removal methods and there are many to choose from:

• Laser hair removal

• Shaving

• Trimming

• Sugar wax

• Regular wax

• Hair removal creams

• Epilators

To avoid ingrown hairs, Dr. Simi Adedeji recommends either choosing laser hair removal or hair removal creams. Hair removal creams weaken the hairs, so when they grow back, they're less likely to grow into your skin. And laser hair removal completely eliminates the hair follicles, preventing them from growing back.

Feminine hygiene intimate care routine: a step-by-step guide

Cleanse

Incorporating a wash into your daily shower routine is a great way to target residue from daily activities (e.g. sweat, period, sex, etc.) and prevent unwanted bacterial infections. 

While the inside of the vagina is self-cleaning, the non-self-cleaning areas, such as the skin surrounding the vaginal opening or the foreskin of a penis, should be rinsed with a pH-balanced (5.0-5.5) wash and water. 

Apply two to four pumps of Cleanse Intimate Skin Foaming Wash to palms, massage on external intimate skin like the outer labia, inner thighs, penis, or anus, and then rinse.

Nourish

Similar to the skin on our face and body, our intimate skin experiences dryness and irritation from tight clothing, cold weather, or even friction from toilet paper. If you have sensitive skin or remove pubic hair on a regular basis, an intimate skin moisturizer will be a perfect addition to your daily intimate care routine. 

Melt a dime-size of Nourish Intimate Skin Moisturizer between your fingertips until it’s smooth; then apply the formula to external intimate skin, like the outer labia, penis, testicles, or anus.

Explore 

This step is optional but highly encouraged! There is no shame in wanting to find products that will make your intimate moments more enjoyable. Whether that’s a vibrator or a libido-boosting supplement, we all deserve to explore intimate care products that are high-quality and affordably priced. Here are some options worth exploring.

Personal Lubricants

Personal lubricants can help take the pressure off the body as they are intended to enhance the ease and comfort of intimate activity and supplement the body's natural lubrication. 

Smooth is a water-based lubricant compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms as well as silicone toys. For those who prefer an oil-based lubricant, there’s Delight; just remember that oil-based lubes are not compatible with silicone toys or latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condoms. 

Arousal Oils

Arousal oils help stimulate arousal when applied topically to the intimate skin. Desire Sensual Pleasure Oil is packed with botanical aphrodisiacs like pumpkin oil, evening primrose oil, passionflower seed oil, damiana, cinnamon, and nutmeg. 

It is best used when two-to-four pumps are applied externally to intimate skin, such as the vulva, clitoris, penis, or pelvic region, about 10 to 15 minutes before intimate moments. Within that time, this light blend of aphrodisiacs can increase natural lubrication, enhance blood circulation and make sex feel really good. 

Body & Massage Oils

Massage oils can take your massage experiences to a whole new level. Relax Body and Massage Oil is made with a luxurious blend of oils and lavender aromatherapy to help soothe and arouse the body. You can use it as an everyday body oil or during partnered massages. Simply apply five-to-10 pumps of Relax externally in desired areas.

Sex Toys 

It is very common to feel intimidated or overwhelmed when introducing a sex toy to your intimate moments. However, sex toys can be a fun opportunity to enhance intimacy and learn what your body finds pleasurable. If you’re still learning about what your body enjoys, it might be worth investing in a vibrator with different features like Indulge.

With one vibrating and non-vibrating side, Indulge is great for both vaginal and anal use, including G-spot and P-spot pleasure. Similar to Indulge, our clitoral and body vibrator, Massage, has a small ergonomic design that is ideal for body massages and clitoral or targeted stimulation. Both are made with medical-grade silicone and compatible with water-based lubricants.