Key Points
- The way you wipe and the toilet paper you use can have a major impact on the health of sensitive skin in the perineal area.
- Rough, thin, or chemically processed toilet paper increases friction and the risk of irritation.
- Many traditional toilet papers contain additives like bleaches, fragrances, and PFAS, which may elevate the risk of skin irritation, especially for sensitive individuals.
- Bamboo-based toilet paper is a hypoallergenic, soft, PFAS-free, and eco-friendly alternative suitable for sensitive skin.
Are you experiencing irritation, soreness, or discomfort after using the bathroom? Would you like to avoid those troublesome situations? The key could be your TP.
Many people don’t realize that wiping habits and the type of toilet paper you use can make a difference in your skin’s health. Our intimate areas are especially delicate, and harsh wiping or rough toilet paper can easily lead to skin issues.
Whether you’re struggling with irritation or just want to upgrade your bathroom routine, consider how your wiping habits and toilet paper choice affect your skin health.
Why Does Wiping Technique Matter for Skin Health?
How you wipe directly affects the delicate skin around sensitive areas of your body; wiping too hard can cause irritation, microtears, and long-term sensitivity.
The perineal area is especially sensitive because the skin here is thinner and contains a high concentration of nerve endings, making it more prone to irritation and discomfort from friction or pressure. (1)
Pressure, friction, and the type of toilet paper used all directly affect skin comfort and can contribute to irritation or damage if not considered.
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Our mission is to save one billion trees by making the switch to ecoHiny.
What Happens When You Wipe Too Hard?
Wiping too hard can have several unpleasant consequences. You might not give much thought to the daily habit, but beware of how you wipe, or you may notice some troublesome side effects.
Wiping too hard can bring about:
- Micro-abrasions
- Irritation
- Inflammation
- Worsened fissures or hemorrhoids
- Discomfort after bowel movements
Harsh or low-quality toilet paper increases friction against the skin, which can worsen irritation, especially if you are wiping too hard.
The Cleveland Clinic suggests rough toilet paper or aggressive wiping can cause certain perineal skin conditions. (2)
The National Library of Medicine also suggests that chronic vulvar irritation could be linked to toilet paper. (3)
If you notice stinging, recurrent discomfort, or visible irritation after wiping, consider switching to a softer, higher-quality toilet paper and being more gentle with your technique.
Is Your Toilet Paper Making Things Worse?
Rough, thin, or highly processed toilet paper creates more friction, making irritation from wiping much more likely.
The number of plies, or layers, affects softness and cushioning. 3-ply options are generally much gentler than single-ply varieties.
The materials and fibers used in toilet paper also play a crucial role. Products made from harsh wood pulp or with short, recycled fibers may feel rougher and less comfortable.
Many traditional toilet papers are manufactured with toxic chemicals and additives, such as bleaches, fragrances, and PFAS, as well as fibers from hardwood tree pulp.
Bleaches are used to whiten the paper, fragrances are added for scent, and PFAS are sometimes used in the conversion of wood into pulp, a process used in traditional hardwood toilet paper. (4) These substances, along with rough texture, can all increase the risk of irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin.
Don’t worry. At ecoHiny, we offer a better way to wipe!
ecoHiny bamboo toilet paper offers a gentle, skin-friendly alternative. Made from 100% bamboo, it is soft, 3-ply, PFAS-free, and of course, completely tree-free! Naturally smooth bamboo fibers provide a plush, hypoallergenic experience, making ecoHiny especially suitable for sensitive skin and daily use.
ecoHiny is also a sustainable toilet paper brand dedicated to providing comfort and care for both people and the planet. Our mission is to deliver high-quality, gentle, eco-friendly bamboo toilet paper that is soft on your skin and kind to the environment.
3-ply 250 Sheetsand 2x absorption
What’s the Healthiest Way to Wipe?
The healthiest wiping technique is gentle, front-to-back, and uses soft, high-quality toilet paper with minimal friction. For more specifics, consider this checklist.
A “How to wipe gently” checklist:
- Use a light touch. Gentle pressure helps avoid friction and microtears.
- Fold, don’t bunch, the toilet paper. Folding creates a smooth, even surface and better coverage.
- Pat or dab, rather than rub, when irritated. When skin is sensitive, patting or dabbing reduces further irritation.
- Always wipe front to back. This prevents bacteria from spreading and protects sensitive areas from infection.
- Use enough toilet paper, but not too much. Sufficient layers cushion the skin, but too much paper can be wasteful and hard to flush.
- Never reuse the same section. Always use a clean portion to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria.
Following these gentle wiping steps can help you prevent irritation and keep your skin healthy. Consistently using the right technique and high-quality toilet paper makes a noticeable difference in your daily comfort. (5)
Should You Switch to Softer Toilet Paper?
Choosing a softer, high-quality toilet paper significantly reduces friction and skin irritation.
Dermatologists often suggest choosing the softest toilet paper available to minimize friction and irritation, particularly for those with sensitive skin or existing irritation (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).
Toilet paper quality varies based on ply, material softness, and fiber type. Ply refers to the number of layers. 3-ply toilet paper is typically softer and more cushioned than 1- or 2-ply toilet paper, providing a gentler experience for sensitive skin.
Material softness depends on the source of the fibers. Traditional toilet paper is typically made from virgin wood pulp, which can sometimes feel rough and may contain chemical additives.
Recycled toilet paper is more eco-friendly but can be less soft due to shorter fibers and the presence of recycled materials.
Bamboo toilet paper, like ecoHiny, uses naturally smooth, strong fibers that create a soft, durable, and hypoallergenic product.
ecoHiny bamboo toilet paper stands out as a gentle choice for all skin types. It is soft, 3-ply, naturally hypoallergenic, and PFAS-free, making it both safe and comfortable for daily use.
ecoHiny is also free of:
- Toxic chemicals
- Fragrances
- Inks or dyes
- Plastic wrappers or packaging
- Trees!
ecoHiny is a sustainable toilet paper brand offering 100% bamboo rolls designed to be soft on skin and kind to the environment! By choosing ecoHiny, you support a product that is gentle for your body and better for the planet.
Make ecoHiny Your Skin-Friendly Choice
Caring for your skin doesn’t stop at your face or hands; it includes the delicate areas affected by your daily bathroom routine. Harsh wiping habits and low-quality toilet paper are common culprits behind irritation and long-term discomfort.
By being mindful of your technique and choosing the right products, you can protect your skin.
Switching to a gentle, high-quality toilet paper like ecoHiny bamboo toilet paper can make a difference. ecoHiny is made with your comfort in mind. 3-ply construction, hypoallergenic bamboo, and toxic chemical-free make ecoHiny the perfect choice for promoting healthy skin.
Purchase a hygiene product that aligns with your values and your skin's needs by choosing ecoHiny.
Source:
- “Perineum.” Cleveland Clinic, 22 Sept. 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24381-perineum.
- “Anal Itching (Pruritus Ani).” Cleveland Clinic, 12 Oct. 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15574-anal-itching-pruritus-ani.
- Hanauer, Stephen B. “Inflammatory bowel disease: epidemiology, pathogenesis, and therapeutic opportunities.” Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, vol. 12, no. suppl_1, 2006, pp. S3–S9. PMC, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2860827/.
- “Toilet Paper Is an Unexpected Source of PFAS in Wastewater.” American Chemical Society, 1 Mar. 2023, https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2023/march/toilet-paper-is-an-unexpected-source-of-pfas-in-wastewater.html.
- Holland, Kimberly. “Why You Should Wipe Front to Back.” Healthline, 28 Sept. 2018, https://www.healthline.com/health/wipe-fro
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