Femtech Fes! Online Vol. 5: An Introduction to Delicate Zone Care
Many of us don't know much about the intimate zone and how to care for it. It's hard to ask others, and it's difficult to know what's right for you. At the 5th Femtech Fes! Online, we focused on "Introduction to Intimate Zone Care" and demystified intimate zone care, a topic that hasn't been discussed much despite being about our own bodies.
First, it's important to understand your body correctly.
We reviewed the eight parts that make up the intimate zone, and how pubic hair prevents friction and provides moisturizing and heat-retention functions. We also learned about a surprising research finding: "The risk of sexually transmitted infections increases by 80% if there is no pubic hair."
Normally protected by beneficial bacteria, the intimate zone is a complex area prone to bacterial infections and inflammation. Its skin is said to be thinner and more sensitive than an eyelid. Everyone touched their own eyelids to experience this for themselves.
Now that we understand the body's mechanisms, it's time to explain how to care for the intimate zone. We also shared our usual care methods and products. Members who use products specifically for the intimate zone* introduced YES foam-type soap and moisturizing gel. People who only use warm water for care said things like, "The natural state is best!"
The types of problems that tend to occur vary depending on individual body type and the presence or absence of pubic hair. For example, if you remove pubic hair, it's important to choose care that enhances the barrier function, or to make choices that suit your body based on your concerns and needs.
*Intimate zone specific products differ from regular body soaps and lotions in that their pH value is adjusted to match the mildly acidic intimate zone.
In the latter half of the event, fermata members with overseas experience shared insights into intimate zone care around the world. Their anecdotes included: "Girls helping each other with grooming," "In India, specialized soaps are placed by the cash registers at local supermarkets," "In dry Nordic climates, most people leave their pubic hair natural," and "Before Valentine's Day, they would get their pubic hair trimmed into heart or star shapes." The discussion was lively, covering intimate zone care and pubic hair customs that vary with culture and climate.
Compared to Western countries where intimate zone care is taught as part of sex education, there may still be fewer opportunities to discuss it with family and friends in Japan. However, why not consider intimate zone care with the same attitude as hair care or body care, "for your own health"?
If you haven't seen your own genitals yet, please check your shape and condition in a mirror!
Femtech Fes! Online will continue to be held in the future. We look forward to seeing you there!
YES intimate care products can be found here
The latest event information can be found here