Okay, let’s be honest: we’ve all read the advice about patch testing a new product, but most of us don’t bother. Right?
That’s usually okay for things like moisturizer or shampoo, especially if you don’t usually react to topical products.
But no matter how bulletproof you might be, your intimate areas bits are a whole different story!
With a mission to #LoveYourLadyBits we advocate patch testing down there as the way to go.
For a start, the vulva and vagina are two areas that are commonly more sensitive than other parts of your body.
Just to be explicit of what’s what and where anatomically speaking, the “vulva”, is the correct catch-all term for all of the external organs found on or around your pubic bone, including the mons pubis (or pubic mound), labia majora, and minora. These make up almost everything we call inner flesh down there; the all-important clitoris, the external openings of the urethra (a.k.a, pee hole), and does also encompass the vaginal opening.
The vagina refers to the muscular canal that connects the uterus to your vulva and also houses menstrual blood flow (and baby passageways). The vaginal canal (from the vaginal opening to the cervix) is wondrously smart and conveniently self-cleaning so it is recommended that no products go up the canal, including our products. This also means that any products you put near your vagina should be extremely gentle.
It’s an area that can be even more sensitive if you’ve been experiencing other vaginal health problems, which is something to keep in mind when using intimate care products. After all, you never really know how your body is going to respond to something new. And your lady bits are the LAST place you want to be having a reaction!
Our Kolorex products are of course designed to be ultra-sensitive, but even so, some people can react to tea tree oil.
A patch test will give you the peace of mind that all should be well. We recommend the 48-hour patch test, which is enough to determine whether the product will cause irritation.
It’s also super easy.
So, how do you DO a patch test?
- First, choose a small, inconspicuous patch of skin where the product won’t be washed or rubbed off easily. We recommend your inner arm or inner thigh.
- Clean the area in the shower with our normal cleanser so you can be sure that the patch test area is not affected by any other substance.
- Apply a small amount of your Kolorex product to this patch of skin, jus a dab or two is fine and rub in. Leave it for 48 hours. This is usually the time it takes for your immune system to respond (if it’s going to). Try not to wash the area or let it get in contact with other substances.
- Over the next 48 hours, look out for signs of irritation: redness, itching, swelling, dryness, burning, or any other kind of reaction. An immediate reaction could be what’s called ‘contact irritant dermatitis’ – basically itchy or irritated, so wash the product off immediately. A reaction that occurs after 48 hours could indeed mean allergic contact dermatitis. In either case, this isn’t the product for you (and you’ll be glad you tested!).When it comes to caring for your vagina, this quick and easy patch test method will give you the assurance you need.No reaction? Everything looks good? Sweet! Go ahead and enjoy your new Kolorex product.
Giving your intimate areas equal attention
is our mission at Kolorex. So patch test down there too.
Join our conversation about demystifying women’s health and wellness to empower women in prioritizing their vaginal health.
#loveyourladybits