Panty liner: everything you need to know to use it properly!
Everyone knows about sanitary protection such as disposable pads and tampons. But what is the purpose of a panty liner? When and why use it? We explain in this article.
What is a panty liner?
A panty liner is a type of menstrual protection that is similar to a sanitary napkin but in a thinner version and therefore has a lighter absorption. They can be used in prevention of the beginning of the menstrual period, when one does not know when it will fall for example, or during spotting. Some women also use them as a complement to certain internal sanitary protections such as tampons for example. And on the same principle, panty liners can be used at the end of the period, when the discharge is less abundant. On the other hand, they are not made to be worn alone during your heavier periods.
Although not recommended, some women also wear them for daily use, i.e. for white discharge, sweating etc... or even in case of slight incontinence or lack of tone of the perineum during exercise (sport, laughing, sneezing...).
How to choose your panty liners correctly?
As with all intimate protection, it is important to choose protection that you feel comfortable in.
Adapt the panty liner to your menstrual flow
As with pads and tampons, there are several types of panty liners, more or less thick depending on your discharge. You can also find different sizes to fit all your types of lingerie: panties, but also thongs and g-strings.
Certified organic and without chemical agents
Unfortunately, as with many disposable sanitary products, panty liners contain chemicals that can disrupt the vaginal flora and pH. This can lead to itching, irritation, allergies and fungal infections.
When you choose one, pay attention to the composition and check that it does not contain perfume, plastic, traces of herbicides like glyphosate, or chemicals like endocrine disruptors.
To avoid these chemicals, choose protection that is certified organic, without chemical agents. This is very important for your vaginal flora, especially if you wear this type of protection on a daily basis. It is estimated that 10% of women wear a panty liner every day, and some women are bothered by heavy discharge, perspiration or bad odor. Some women are bothered by heavy discharge, perspiration or bad odor, but it is not recommended to wear a panty liner every day. Indeed, it prevents your intimate zone from breathing, and it is precisely there that the bad smells, the mycoses with repetition, the cystitis and irritations will occur. It is necessary to let this zone breathe as much as possible by limiting the use of synthetic and non-breathable panty liners. Especially if their composition is harmful! This will be even worse.
Of course you can use them during the beginning or the end of your period, in addition to an internal sanitary protection if you have your period, or occasionally during your cycle if you have heavier losses.
How do I use a panty liner?
Panty liners are very simple to use.
Putting on the liner
Just put the liner on the bottom of your underwear with the adhesive part on your panties, and the absorbent part against your vulva. It's the same as a disposable pad, except there are no wings on most.
Before and after putting on a panty liner, it is important to wash your hands.
Removing it after use
To remove it, again wash your hands. Then peel it off the bottom of your underwear, wrap it in its original packaging or in toilet paper (be careful not to flush it down the toilet but in a trash can). It is recommended that you do not keep any type of sanitary protection (napkin, tampon or panty liner) on for more than 4 hours at a time to avoid the development of bacteria.
What about washable and reusable panty liners?
With all the environmental awareness we've been witnessing for several years now, washable and reusable alternatives are flourishing. Washable pads, menstrual panties, cups, and among them: the washable panty liner. They are durable since they are reusable and washable.
They are often made of bamboo or eucalyptus fibers and organic cotton. Be careful to choose a composition that is as healthy as possible. You can keep them for years, which greatly contributes to reducing your waste.
How do I clean my reusable panty liner?
To clean your washable panty liner, nothing could be easier! Just pre-wash them or rinse them in cold water. Then you can machine wash them with your other underwear at 30 degrees and air dry. Don't forget to wash them once before using them: even for those with a healthy composition, this eliminates all risks for your intimate area.
What are the alternatives to panty liners?
There are of course alternatives. First of all, it is important to remember that it is not recommended to use panty liners daily. Your intimate area should be able to breathe, and putting on a panty liner every day prevents it from doing so. Often, we have a tendency to think wrongly that it will allow us to bring freshness to our intimate area, but (this is even more true with the classic disposable versions) the perfumes that they contain and the chemical substances will tend to deregulate the flora, thus causing more abundant losses, mycoses and other infections.
We therefore recommend that you choose organic cotton panties, which are better for your vulva, without using sanitary protection on a daily basis.
If you prefer to keep a daily protection, or to prevent the arrival or the end of your period, the best alternative is the menstrual panties in organic cotton. You can keep this protection without worrying up to 12 hours in a row. Several models are available at Elia to adapt to your flow and different needs. For the daily white discharge, the beginning or the end of your period we recommend our thongs and panties for light flow.
FAQ about panty liners
Why wear panty liners?
They can be used for different needs:
- when you have a more or less abundant white discharge
- at the beginning of your period when you are not sure when it will arrive
- at the end of your period when your flow is no longer abundant enough to wear tampons or pads
- in addition to internal protection such as tampons or a cup
- They work on the same principle as a sanitary napkin except they are thinner.
When to wear a panty liner?
You can wear a panty liner at any time during your cycle, at any age. But it is recommended to let your intimate area breathe.
Are panty liners dangerous?
Panty liners are not dangerous in themselves, you just need to regulate their use. In the same way, as for disposable sanitary protection such as pads and tampons, you must pay attention to the composition of the protection you choose. Choose organic cotton and pads that do not contain chemicals, endocrine disruptors, etc.
What is the difference between a panty liner and a sanitary napkin?
A panty liner is much thinner than a sanitary napkin. It will not be possible to use one on your heaviest period days, except at the beginning or end. Panty liners are for light to very light flow. A sanitary napkin, on the other hand, will be able to protect you even during your heaviest flows because its absorption capacity is higher.
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