Your Period, Your Comfort: Top Questions About Feminine Pads

Reviewed by a Dermatologist at the Skin Health Alliance

Feeling comfortable and confident during your period is important, and for many women, that comfort starts with choosing the right feminine pads. We know you have questions about how pads interact with your skin, so we reviewed your top concerns with a dermatologist s at the Skin Health Alliance to address.

First, a quick introduction to the Skin Health Alliance. They are an independent organization that works with made up of dermatologists and skin scientists who review products to ensure they are safe for your skin. When you see their accreditation, it means a product has been scientifically tested and approved by skin health experts. We’re proud to share that Always pads are accredited and dermatologist approved by the Skin Health Alliance, so you can feel confident in their gentle care for your skin.

Let's dive into your questions!

"Pad rash" can be a condition called contact dermatitis which is a common issue on all skin. Contact dermatitis on vulvar skin can make your period feel even more uncomfortable. It usually happens for two main reasons:

• Trapped Moisture and Chafing: When moisture gets trapped against your skin for too long, it can lead to irritation, redness, and a feeling of chafing.
• Allergic Reactions: Sometimes, your skin might react to certain ingredients. This is called allergic contact dermatitis.

What it looks like: You might notice itching, redness, or small bumps that follow the exact shape of your pad.

Dermatologist Advice:

To help prevent and treat pad rash:

• Change your pad regularly: Aim to change the pad whenever you start to feel it full, wet or uncomfortable! Changing gives you a fresh pad feeling which keeps the area dry and reduces moisture buildup.
• Wear breathable underwear: Opt for loose-fitting cotton underwear. It allows air to circulate, keeping your skin drier.
• For mild chafing: A thin layer of a zinc-oxide-based cream (like diaper rash ointment) can help create a protective barrier.

It can be tricky to tell the difference between a pad rash and a vaginal infection, as both can cause itching and discomfort. However, there are some key differences:

• Pad Dermatitis (Rash): The symptoms, like redness and itching, usually appear exactly where the pad touches your skin. Importantly, these symptoms tend to go away completely between your menstrual cycles.
• Yeast Infection: This is often characterized by a thick, white discharge (like cottage cheese), intense itching deep inside, and the discomfort isn't specifically tied to where your pad sits.
• When to see a doctor: If your symptoms don't clear up between periods, or if you suspect a yeast infection, it's always best to talk to your doctor or gynecologist. They can properly diagnose the issue and recommend the right treatment.

Many women are curious about the materials used in pads and whether they might contain any unwanted substances, harmful ingredients, or other trace contaminants that could irritate skin or be harmful to health. It’s natural to want to know what touches your most sensitive skin.

Dermatologist Advice: To help reduce potential exposure, dermatologists recommend looking for pads that are:

• Made without Elemental Chlorine: This means they haven't been bleached with elemental chlorine.
• Fragrance-free options: As we'll discuss next, fragrances can be a common irritant. Always provides both fragranced and un-fragranced products to help you make the best choice for your body.
• Made with trusted materials: Choosing pads from reputable brands that prioritize ingredient safety can offer peace of mind.

At Always, safety is a top priority. In addition to getting the Skin Health Alliance accreditation, Always pads are also independently tested by GALAB Laboratories [RZ1] to ensure they are safe from harmful ingredients, even at trace levels. This rigorous testing is voluntary and helps confirm Always pads meet high safety standards.

To learn more about Always commitment to safety testing, please visit Always Safety Process Page.

Scented pads are safe for sensitive skin! Scented pads, like all other pads, go through rigorous testing for skin safety and follow intense regulatory requirements.

What to Know About Scented Pads

• Benefit: Scented pads help hide period odor to give you confidence while on your period!
• Safety: In the Always scented products, all fragrance sub-ingredients are listed for full ingredient transparency as you choose what’s best for your body.

At the end of the day, it is your choice which pad you choose! If you feel scented pads aren’t for you, you have tons of other options! Just know that they are all safe and made just for you!

If you find that conventional pads irritate your skin, trying alternatives to find what’s right for you can make a big difference.

What to look for:

• SHA Accreditation: Look for pads that have the SHA logo and review ingredients so they can help you find the right product.
• Right Absorbency: Choosing the wrong absorbency level for a menstrual pad can cause excessive wetness against the vulva, leading directly to skin irritation or contact dermatitis.

Always pads are designed with your comfort in mind, offering materials, wide range of absorbency levels, and designs that are gentle on sensitive skin and reviewed by dermatologists.

We hope these answers help you feel more informed and confident about choosing the right feminine pads for your comfort and skin health. Remember, your body is unique, and listening to its signals is key. If you have persistent skin issues or concerns, speak with your doctor or a dermatologist.

Always: Dermatologist Approved by the Skin Health Alliance for your comfort and peace of mind.