We love self-care, body care, and feminine care here on this blog!

Once upon a time, feminine hygiene Youtube videos were quite the rage, with content creators cranking out tons of videos in an effort to take some of the stigma away from feminine body care, and teach others whom may have never been taught these things. I watched a few of these feminine hygiene videos on Youtube (because you’re never too old to learn something new!) and I noticed that there were a few things that I always keep in my shower that weren’t mentioned (consistently, anyway). This is what made me think:

“Do other ladies not keep these items on the ready for each shower?”

Maybe not… Nevertheless, I figure I would share the items that I added to my shower (routine) that took my feminine body care up a notch! Soap and a wash cloth are the basics and a great foundation because afterall, we’re just trying to get clean! But, I found that when I added these feminine body care items to my shower, it allowed me to effortlessly up my feminine hygiene game, and stay soft, fresh, and confident.

Without further ado:

6 Feminine Hygiene Items to Level Up Your Hygiene Routine!

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Body Oil

Keeping body oil in your shower is a major key to staying moisturized, and having soft, glowing skin. I’ve written before about how I like to use the L.O.C method for more than just my hair, and this is where the body oil comes into play. The key is to put the oil on your body while it is still damp and lock in the goodness. Sometimes, we wait until our skin has completely dried before we try to apply a moisturizer. I’ve found that applying a body oil fresh out the shower (maybe after a quick pat dry, but nothing more) has made my skin soft, supple, and less prone to dryness. I like to apply my own body oil recipe that I make with carrier and essential oils to my entire body (yoni included, but be careful with this. I trust my personal recipe), and I’ve found that the scent is long lasting and becomes stronger as my body temperature increases.

Exfoliating Cloth

Similar to how we exfoliate the skin on our face to remove dead skin cells, increase absorption of our products, and reveal a healthy glow, we should also be exfoliating the skin on our bodies for the same results. When we get in the shower, we are focused on getting our bodies clean. That’s fair… but if you want to really step up your feminine hygiene routine, you will want to incorporate an exfoliating cloth to get rid of any dead skin as well. This is a big part of having of having smooth, soft skin. An exfoliating wash cloth is a long, wide cloth (often about 1 foot wide and 3 feet long), making it perfect for being able to clean your back really well and stave off back-ne. Exfoliating cloths are often made of a material rougher than terry cloth, but still gentle enough for daily use. My favorite is exfoliating cloth is made by Earth Therapeutics. It’s great quality and doesn’t rip (which can often happen with exfoliating cloths and loofahs). I’ve sometimes heard of this type of cloth being referred to as an “African wash cloth”, but whatever you choose to call it, just know that you need one!.

Rasp Foot File

When we go to get a pedicure, the technician often whips out an apparatus that looks more like they’re about to go at a block of cheese rather than our feet. As off putting as it can sometimes be, you will more than likely leave with the smoothest feet you’ve had in a while. The beauty of this tool is that you can bring the nail spa home with you (kind of) with this foot file. It is paramount to maintaining your pedicure, and only takes an extra 30-60 seconds. I like to make it one of the last things that I do for my shower/bath routine (to allow the skin to soften). Before getting out, I give each foot about 15-30 seconds of filing, focusing on the heels, and then I rinse. I’ve already written about the importance of this tool before, and I will continue to shout it from the rooftops! Get a foot file, and thank me later.

ACV Squirt Bottle

This is an ol’ skool feminine hygiene trick (and one you should consult your Gynecologist about before incorporating) but it is one that I use faithfully and has been well received. I like to keep a squirt bottle that I use for a yoni rinse dilution of 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar (ACV) to 1 cup of water in my shower. After washing my body and yoni (I like to use a pH balanced feminine wash like The Honey Pot) I then will use the ACV dilution mixture on my underarms and nether-region. I find that this ACV mixture helps to balance the pH of the skin and eliminate any odor causing bacteria. Please note, I only use it on the outside of my yoni, NEVER the inside. The vagina is said to have a pH of around 4.5 so using an ACV dilution can help to rebalance the pH of the labia and vulva. It’s important to only use this on the exterior portion of the vaginal, never inside (I had to say it again). It is also crucial to generously dilute the ACV because, if the solution is too concentrated, it can causing serious discomfort and/or burning sensation.

Face Mask

If you know me, then you know to call me a face mask enthusiast is an understatement. One thing that has helped me to ensure that I don’t slip on my mask game is to keep one in the shower! I can then wash my face and apply a mask while I shower and rinse it off after I’ve completed the rest of my other body care routine. I’ve found that applying a mask while in the shower allows the steam to help increase the masks absorbency and not feel like I have something else to do when I get out. I like to use a mask that is either in single use packets, or in a squeeze bottle. This ensures that I don’t introduce any water into the mask which would then be a breeding ground for bacteria. By always have a mask in the shower, no matter how tired I am I never have to skip mask day.

Mirror with Suction Cups

Having a mirror in the shower is a must! Whether you are someone who like to wash/detangle/style your hair in the shower, or if you shave often you need a mirror. Nothing is more frustrating than getting out of the shower after washing your hair and realizing that there are still a ton of suds trying to take up residency, or that you still have buildup on your scalp. Similarly you may be someone who shaves only to get out of the shower and realize that you’ve missed a spot. A shower mirror allows you to check and make sure that everything is to your liking. The suction cups not only allows you to be hands-free, but also to move the mirror and not have to commit to a location (maybe you want to move it down depending on what you’re shaving). I’ve had a mirror in my shower since I went natural, and it has not let me down.

Conclusion

Feminine hygiene is very important for us ladies, which is what makes it so funny that discussing it has such stigma. How could something so important to who we are as young girls and women be so “nasty” or taboo to discuss? How will other ladies learn? Let’s take away that stigma and share:

What are some of your favorite feminine hygiene/body care items?