Vaginal ”Facials” Spark Debate Among experts – Are They Necessary or Potentially Harmful?
A growing trend of “vaginal facials” - procedures marketed to exfoliate, brighten, and generally rejuvenate the vulva – is drawing criticism from gynecologists and other medical professionals who warn of potential harm and question the necessity of such treatments.While proponents tout benefits like improved skin texture and reduced ingrown hairs, experts caution that the delicate vaginal ecosystem is self-cleaning and doesn’t require external “maintenance” of this kind, and that aggressive treatments can disrupt its natural balance.
The rise in popularity of these procedures, frequently enough involving steaming, exfoliation, and the application of various products, coincides with increased societal focus on intimate wellness and a booming market for related products.Though, medical professionals are raising concerns that the marketing around vaginal facials frequently enough relies on misleading claims and can contribute to unrealistic expectations about vaginal health. The vulva, unlike facial skin, doesn’t benefit from the same types of treatments and can be easily irritated or damaged.
The guardian reports that these treatments typically involve steaming, exfoliation, and product application. Experts emphasize the vagina is self-cleaning, maintaining a delicate pH balance crucial for preventing infections. Intervening with external treatments can disrupt this balance, potentially leading to bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.
“The vagina is a self-cleaning oven,” explains Dr. Jen Gunter, a gynecologist and author, in a statement to The Guardian. “It doesn’t need a facial. Actually, douching or using harsh products can actually cause infections.”
The article highlights that while some individuals may experience temporary improvements in skin texture, these are often short-lived and come with potential risks. The Guardian also notes that for true anonymity when discussing sensitive health concerns, resources like SecureDrop are available. The Guardian’s Ask Ugly column encourages detailed submissions of beauty questions, assuring users that responses are secure and data is used solely for the feature, with personal data deleted when no longer needed.
