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Is perfume an irritant?

You've been at work all day. You have a hot date. Maybe it's that time of the month. You have cramps and it feels like the tap turned on and can't turn off. You went to yoga and want to meet the girls immediately for a coffee. Where is that virtual shower? There's no woman who hasn't had a moment like this. And SweetSpotLabs surveys tell us that the #1 concern of women is odor. Lunch break deodorant reapplications, sweet smelling lotions slathered across exposed skin, perfume spritzed on the wrists in between meetings, a toothbrush in your bottom drawer for apres-lunch, dental floss in your handbag...but what about down there? First, women need to feel comfortable that they are not alone. Absent of a medical issue, most odors are common occurrences and should not be viewed as shameful. Wanting to feel clean and refreshed is, however, understandable. How women tackle the odors that are a natural part of a woman's intimate chemistry is the question. Is it safe to spray perfume down there? The answer seems to be a resounding "NO!" when the experts are presented with the question. Jennifer Berman M.D., Urologist and Dr. of Female Sexual Medicine, is quick to respond: "Women should not be embarrassed about their natural odor, however, be careful using perfume 'down there'. No alcohol based products! And watch the pH of the product in question to avoid drying and potential irritation... Natural based products, such as SweetSpot Labs®, offer a great alternative that complement a woman's chemistry without the use of alcohol."

So why NOT perfume?

Perfumes are composed of various combinations of mostly synthetic fragrances, which carry the scent, and diluting solvents to ensure that the concentration of fragrance is not irritating to the skin. The most common diluting solvent is ethanol, a type of alcohol, or ethanol and water. Herein lays the culprit... ALCOHOL! Alcohol is a known irritant, but doesn't generally affect the skin on the rest of our body because this skin is less sensitive to changes in pH and other environmental irritants. The anatomy of the vulva is quite different. It is an eco-system unto itself, is moist, has different membrane structures and has an ideal pH range that must be maintained. Therefore, the skin is much more sensitive. Aside from the obvious risk of burning sensations, the potential result of an irritant like alcohol coming in contact with the vulva is vulvitis, a condition that mimics the symptoms of vaginitis: irregular discharge, itching, irritation, and vaginal odor - the exact motivation for trying perfume in the first place. In addition, an imbalance in pH, or unwanted bacterial growth can result in inflammation of the external vaginal area. Known irritants such as soaps, perfumed toilet paper, fabric softeners, even some feminine hygiene sprays, and alcohol can actually worsen vaginal odor and discomfort by disrupting the chemistry of the area and causing inflammation. Furthermore, if there is any prior skin condition such as open sores or chafing, the alcohol can actually penetrate the epidermal layer and cause an allergic reaction which is potentially much more serious than irritation.

And that's why we're here. First to tell you, don't be embarrassed. Celebrate your womanhood. And know we're here with an applicable and healthful, lightly scented solution in SweetSpotLabs® Balancing Mist. All day freshness, hydration and essential oils can all be found in this harmonious blend of natural-based ingredients formulated using baking soda for that oh-so-fresh feeling. This unique mist delivers fragrance without the potentially irritating qualities of perfume, and can be considered a solution to the cause of unpleasant odors associated with an irritated vaginal area or women suffering from vaginitis or vulvitis. Remember, Dr Jennifer Berman adds to her 'No perfume' admonition, "Natural based products such as SweetSpotLabs® offer a great alternative that complement a woman's chemistry without the use of alcohol." So, Spot Right!