Intimate hygiene care in summer: what you need to know

On hot days our body — including the intimate area — sweats more, so it's important to give extra attention to cleanliness, comfort and prevention in summer. Here are the key recommendations to help you avoid discomfort and unpleasant situations.

🌊 1. Time in the water — only with careful aftercare. Although swimming is refreshing in summer, natural bodies of water are full of bacteria. Spending a long time in the water can trigger urinary tract or vaginal infections. After every swim, it's best to rinse off straight away and change into dry underwear and clothes.

🩲 2. A dry swimsuit is a must. Don't leave a wet swimsuit on your body for long. Moisture and heat create perfect conditions for fungi and bacteria to multiply. Always keep spare underwear after swimming and change.

🧻 3. The right intimate hygiene products — no compromises. In summer it's especially important to choose gentle, natural products designed specifically for the intimate area. Avoid products with fragrances or harsh ingredients — they can irritate the mucous membrane and disrupt the pH balance. Ideally, the formula contains lactic acid, prebiotics or probiotics.

🩱 4. Tampons after swimming. If you use tampons while swimming, change them immediately after getting out of the water. Wet tampons are the most direct route to infection. An alternative is a menstrual cup, which maintains hygiene for longer.

🪒 5. Shaving mistakes — common but easily avoided. Shave the bikini area only on clean, damp skin, using a gentle foam. Avoid dry shaving or using old razors — this irritates the skin and can cause rashes.

🧴 6. No ordinary soap for the intimate area. The skin of the intimate area is very sensitive. Avoid soaps or shower gels that aren't designed for this area. Special, dermatologically tested intimate washes with a balanced pH are best.

👖 7. Let your skin breathe. Tight jeans or synthetic clothing in the hot season aren't the best choice. They stop the skin from breathing, cause friction and lead to sweating, which encourages irritation or inflammation. Choose light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics (linen, cotton).

💦 8. Wash and dry — gently. In summer it's important to rinse the intimate area at least twice a day — with warm water or a gentle wash. After washing, dry thoroughly but gently — no rubbing! Patting with a towel helps avoid micro-tears and irritation.

🚨 9. Don't ignore the signals. Itching, burning, changed discharge or discomfort are clear signs that your body is sending a signal. Don't delay — consult a doctor, especially if symptoms recur.

🚫 10. Forget synthetic underwear. Summer is the time for natural cotton. Synthetic underwear absorbs sweat and discharge poorly, so the skin overheats, gets irritated and creates an environment for infection. Cotton underwear lets the skin breathe and keeps it dry.