Ever felt like the pad that works perfectly fine for your friends just doesn’t sit right with you? Your skin starts to itch or feel irritated way too easily and you’re constantly shifting in your chair, trying to feel a bit more comfortable. If that sounds familiar, you might just be someone with sensitive skin. Don’t worry, that’s completely normal. It simply means your skin needs a little extra care. And finding the best sanitary pad for sensitive skin can make all the difference!
In fact, there are pads out there made especially for sensitive skin. This Menstrual Hygiene Day, we’re happy to help you understand what to look for, what to avoid, and how to finally make your periods a lot more comfortable..
First, why do you need sanitary pads for sensitive skin?
The skin around your vaginal area is already super delicate, and if you have sensitive skin, it can be even more fragile. When you wear a pad (which stays on for hours), the area is constantly dealing with friction, moisture, heat, and pressure. And since sensitive skin reacts faster and more strongly to these things, you might start noticing rashes or irritation.
Add in synthetic materials or chemicals, and it’s no surprise your skin sometimes fights back. That’s why you might notice redness, swelling, or even small bumps during your period. Research shows that some people also get allergic reactions from what their pad is made of.
This makes it super important that you use rash-free and skin-friendly period products.
Here’s how to look for the best sanitary pad for sensitive skin
According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, 45.4% of women aren’t aware of what materials are used in their sanitary products. But if you have sensitive skin, it is important to pay attention to what your pad is made of. So, let’s talk about what to look for in pads for women with sensitive skin:
Skin-friendly, breathable materials
As per research, a lot of regular pads out there use plastic (polyethylene/ polypropylene) in their layers. And while that might help with leak-proofing, it also traps heat and moisture. Imagine wearing that for hours in a warm, sensitive and humid area like your groin. That’s a rash waiting to happen.
Go for pads that use gentle fabrics like organic cotton. These help absorb both blood and sweat while keeping the area dry and cool. Nua’s Complete Comfort Sanitary Pads have a super-soft top layer that’s gentle even on reactive skin. Plus, their breathable design keeps you feeling fresh with a zero irritation promise.
Hypoallergenic and dermatologically-tested
When your skin is sensitive, it can react to the tiniest thing, even stuff that’s invisible to the eye, like certain chemicals or glues. That’s why pads labelled hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested are your besties. They’re free from known skin irritants and are a safe, kind option for your sensitive skin.
Free from fragrances and additives
Fragrance might sound nice, but your skin? It’s not a fan. Scented pads often have added chemicals to mask odours, and these can lead to irritation, allergies, or even changes in your menstrual cycle (yep, some users have even reported that!). In fact, studies show that chemicals like MDBGN in pad adhesives have been linked to contact dermatitis in some people.
That’s why Nua pads are a better choice. They are not just fragrance-free but 100% chemical-free. They don’t try to cover things up (literally). They just let your body do its thing, comfortably and naturally.
Super soft top-sheet
Pads with a rough or plasticky surface? They’re a no-go. The top sheet (a.k.a. the part that touches your skin directly) should feel cottony-soft. Not scratchy, sticky, or weirdly stiff. A smooth surface means less friction, which means fewer chances of chafing or irritation. Nua pads are known for their cloud-soft top layer. It’s like your skin’s favourite PJs, but in pad form.
Absorbent but not bulky
You might think thicker means better, but too much bulk can actually cause more rubbing and discomfort. Choose a pad that absorbs well without turning into a diaper. Thin, flexible pads are much kinder on sensitive skin. Nua pads have a special 3-layer design that locks in flow without ballooning up.
You can check out our piece here to learn more about safe sanitary pads.
Lastly, know your flow
Knowing your flow really helps you figure out what kind of pad your body needs, not just in general, but on each day of your cycle. Some days it’s a heavy flow, some days it’s barely there. And it can keep changing throughout the period. So it makes sense to stock up on different sizes of pads. Maybe a longer one on Day 2, a regular one on Day 4, or even a panty liner towards the end.
That’s why Nua lets you customize your own monthly box. You can mix and match Nua’s sensitive skin-friendly pads for heavy, medium, or light flow, depending on what your period usually looks like. This way, your skin gets exactly what it needs. Our motto for this Menstrual Hygiene Day is no guesswork, no irritation, just comfort – with a sanitary pad for sensitive skin.
Remember, it’s okay to be sensitive
Having sensitive skin doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you. It just means your body has different needs. And that’s completely okay.
This Menstrual Hygiene Day, let’s take an oath to not settle for what everyone else is using. Listen to your body, choose what feels good on your skin, and take the time to find what works for you because your period products should feel soft and safe on your sensitive skin.
