ABOUT THE VULVA
In everyday language "vagina" is used for the whole area. In fact the vulva is the external part — the labia, the clitoris, the outer opening — while the vagina is the internal canal leading to the uterus.
The vagina cleans itself. It maintains its health through beneficial bacteria that create a slightly acidic environment, which supports natural moisture and protection. The vulva, by contrast, needs care — like any other skin.
Appearance varies naturally from person to person: the size, shape and colour of the labia all differ. There is no "correct" look.
Everyone also has their own scent. An unusually strong or fishy odour can indicate an imbalance, though, and is worth a visit to a doctor.
Between the labia are folds where sweat, discharge, menstrual blood and skin cells accumulate. Without gentle cleansing, this buildup can cause odour or infections.
Soaps and foaming products do the opposite of what we assume: they disrupt the natural balance and the protective barrier, increasing the likelihood of dryness, irritation, bacterial imbalance and yeast infections.
A non-foaming oil or cream cleanses effectively without removing the lipids that protect the area.