What is it and what is its purpose?

Throughout time, people have felt the need to maintain a clean and healthy body. It was then that the word "hygiene" emerged, used to define rules, techniques, as well as products that help individuals keep their bodies clean and healthy.

What are the most commonly used ingredients and their functions?

In intimate hygiene, gentle, delicate, and natural ingredients are typically used to avoid altering the skin's pH significantly. In oral hygiene, the most commonly used ingredients are water and fluoride, which provide significant help in combating oral issues such as cavities, tartar, or hypersensitivity. Finally, in first aid products, water and alcohol are the most commonly used ingredients, aiding in wound disinfection.

What different types exist and what are their differences?

Within the realm of personal hygiene, various types can be identified. Speaking solely about personal hygiene, three types can be considered: intimate hygiene, oral hygiene, and first aid hygiene. To start, intimate hygiene products are usually in the form of creams and gels, aimed at caring for the intimate areas of the body. Oral hygiene products are used for oral care, protection, and cleaning, such as toothpaste (used for tooth cleaning), dental cream (used to soothe gums), and mouthwash (used to maintain healthy gums). Finally, there are first aid hygiene products, usually in the form of sprays or gels, used to disinfect/calm minor wounds, cuts, and scratches.

What is the most common packaging format and the most frequent sizes?

Generally, creams, sprays, and gels for intimate and first aid hygiene usually come in tubes and bottles, ranging from 50ml to 120ml. Oral hygiene products usually come in tubes or plastic containers and can vary in weight depending on whether it's mouthwash or toothpaste. Toothpaste typically comes in 75ml tubes, and mouthwash bottles can vary from 200ml to 500ml.

What should be considered when choosing hygiene products?

When selecting a hygiene product, it's important to always consider which part of the body it will be used on and its intended function. If you're considering purchasing an intimate hygiene product, take into account the type of skin you have and the kind of treatment you desire. Thus, choose a product suitable for your skin type and its respective pH. If it's an oral hygiene product, determine which oral issue you want to address, as there are specific toothpaste and mouthwash options for different problems, like tartar, gingivitis, among others. First aid products are always useful to have at home; however, if they're for a specific skin type or treatment, it's advisable to read the product's instructions or consult a healthcare professional.

What are the usage recommendations and tips?

Intimate hygiene products are usually applied directly to the area being treated. Depending on the treatment type, these products can be used daily or for a specific period of time. For oral hygiene products in the form of paste, they are applied to toothbrushes, while liquids are measured in a cup/lid up to a certain dosage (ml). These products are usually for daily use. Finally, first aid hygiene products in the form of spray and cream are applied directly to the area being treated. Normally, in this case, the products are used until the wound has healed. Before starting any type of treatment, it's recommended to consult a healthcare professional to receive advice on the best treatment for your issue.

What are the pros and cons of using hygiene products?

Generally, there are no disadvantages to using hygiene products; however, it's important to always read the informational leaflet and choose the correct products for the problem you want to address. In the case of intimate hygiene, most treatment products should not be used for an extended period to avoid altering the skin's pH. In terms of oral hygiene, it's recommended to brush your teeth three times a day. Some studies suggest that brushing your teeth excessively can damage enamel and compromise gum health. First aid products should only be used when necessary, as excessive use can cause discomfort to the skin.