What is physiological (intimate) pH?

Good daily hygiene is important to prevent the appearance of burning, itching, irritation, redness and burning sensation in the intimate area.

However, it is important to choose the right intimate hygiene product(s), to maintain and strengthen the physiological defense system of the female body. The main defense mechanism of this zone is the pH and the saprophytic flora.

What is pH?

The pH (potential of hydrogen) is a unit of measurement that determines whether a medium (or a solution) is rather acidic or alkaline.

The pH scale ranges from 1 to 14.

When the pH is 7, the medium is neutral.
If the pH is below 7, this solution is acidic, and if it is above 7, it is considered basic or alkaline.

All parts of the body have their own physiological pH: for example, the pH of the skin is around 5.5 (slightly acidic) and the pH of the vagina is around 4.5.

What role does pH play?

At puberty, the production of estrogen hormones begins. This production of estrogen will lead to the release of lactic acid, responsible for the stability of the vaginal pH, around 4.5. This pH of 4.5 promotes the development of good bacteria, fungi and other micro-organisms ("saprophyte flora"), responsible for protecting our privacy against bacteria and diseases.

How does the vaginal pH evolve during a woman's life?

The physiological vaginal pH varies throughout a woman's life:

• In newborns, the pH of the intimate area is acidic (4-5) due to the effect of maternal estrogens, inherited from the mother.
• During childhood, the skin around the area is very thin and unprotected. There is no estrogen production yet, so the pH in this area is still alkaline (above 7).
• From puberty to menopause, with the onset of estrogen production, the pH of the surrounding area becomes acidic (4.5). The presence of beneficial microorganisms (created saprophytic flora) produces lactic acid and protects this area from external contamination and disease.
• During pregnancy, due to increased estrogen, there is hyperacidity in the immediate area (pH can drop to 3.5), which can cause burning and itching symptoms;
• At menopause, due to the cessation of estrogen production, the pH increases and can become alkaline. How to restore the pH of the intimate area when it changes?

The pH of the intimate area can also change due to:

• Cleanliness and inappropriate products that modify the vaginal physiological balance, aggressive chemical products or pH different from the pH of the intimate area (pH 4.5);
• Long-term antibiotics or weakened immune system;
• Take oral contraceptives;
• The use of sanitary napkins or tampons has negative effects on synthetic underwear;

A change in pH can cause the development of harmful micro-organisms, which cause itching, redness and burning, mycosis, dryness;

To restore the pH and reduce these symptoms, it is important to use hygiene and intimate care products dedicated to these concerns, such as Peach Me ;
Indeed, the products used during these symptoms of irritation, itching and intimate redness must have a slightly alkaline pH, to reduce the hyperacidity characteristic of this type of infection and restore the physiological pH.

Which pH should you choose for your cleaning solution?

You should choose your intimate hygiene products according to the stage of life in which you find yourself:

• For children, it is necessary to choose a product that respects and restores the physiological balance of the area, slightly alkaline or basic - higher than 7. It will help the vulva to strengthen the intimate natural protection and at the same time act as an anti-stress agent and anti-inflammatory, thus reducing certain potential symptoms such as burning and itching.
• For women, look for products that respect the physiological balance around 4.5 (acid).

To help all vulvas, you can, after showering, apply our Peach Me intimate balm , at physiological pH. It has been designed to soothe, moisturize and protect the vulva from irritation, dryness and intimate discomfort.