Are Vajacials Actually Safe?

The vagina -– mystical and misunderstood — has long been a subject discussed with hushed tones, strange monikers, and a whole lot of confusion. From a young age, it's instilled in those with one that their nether regions aren't something worthy of true understanding, as evidenced by the education system's general disregard for properly teaching about female anatomy, creating even more confusion.

Although society has been working to right the wrong, the results can often be mixed. From heated debates about whether you have to wash your vulva with soap (it's not necessary) to the realization that feminine wipes might be doing you more than good, coming to terms with the fact that not every product advertised for vaginas is safe can be a scary thing. Whether it's pads and tampons to even certain types of underwear, you may start to take a second look at the things that you introduce into your vagina's atmosphere.

That brings us to vajacials, which are specialized facials for your vagina. Are they actually safe?

Since the vagina is an internal organ, the facial is really performed on the vulva, bikini line, and pubic area. Based on whatever issue the vajacialist is targeting –- ingrown hairs, hyperpigmentation, etc. –- you'll go through cleansing, steaming, exfoliating, extraction, toning, a mask, and then you'll finish it off with moisturizer. The goal of a vajacial is to give you smooth, even skin in the vaginal vicinity. While not necessary, it's something you can definitely get with swimsuit season approaching. If you're going for a vajacial, shave or wax at most seven days before going.

The skin on the vulva is quite sensitive, so the products used during the vajacial were created with that in mind. You can come away with more even-toned and textured skin free of ingrown hairs after, but not every part of it has an effect, or is even safe. Vaginal steaming, for example, doesn't have any scientific benefits. Additionally, the essential oils used during steaming can lead to irritation, bacterial vaginosis, and even burns on the vulva.

While the heat generated from the steam is certainly the most dangerous aspect, it doesn't negate the risk of the others. If you have particularly sensitive skin in the region, products used for exfoliating and lightening hyperpigmentation can also result in irritation. 

Every salon and regional area is different when it comes to the cost of experiencing a vajacial. However, somewhere in the neighborhood of $100 seems to be the standard. If that strikes you as a bit steep, you can perform your own at home. 

To get started, wash beforehand — using whatever is best for you and your vulva. Created for sensitive skin, the Honey Pot Sensitive Feminine Wash is a pH-balanced foaming wash that uses apple cider vinegar and lavender to soothe the vulva and maintain its acidity. Before grooming, you can exfoliate the bikini and pubic area carefully, using the Venus for Pubic Hair & Skin Exfoliant Scrub. Gynecologist-tested and pH-balanced, this scrub smooths out the skin by removing old skin cells and sebum. For ingrown hairs, use the Topicals Anti Ingrown Hair Serum.

Afterward, you can groom your pubic hair however you please. We like the Billie Razor Kit. Once done, lock in hydration with a light oil or moisturizer. The Fur Oil softens pubic hair and the surrounding oil, giving you smooth skin and a silky bush.