Crimson tide. Visit from your aunt. Lunar pains. Lady Flo. The red wedding (Note: Game of Thrones reference, sad one!). Whatever you call it, we all get it (assuming you’re a lady reading this article). And we all know we can get *a little* cranky when that time of the month rolls around, so it really helps to be prepared. Here are 5 things you’ll want within easy reach during any menstruation week.

1) A really trusty sanitary product

The last thing you want to do is have the peace of mind you get from using a sanitary product literally shattered by a very unwelcomed bloody explosion. Worst still if it’s so impactful it announces its presence to the public! Nooooooooo! I’m sure all of us have had that kind of nightmare at one time or another. Don’t let it happen in real life!

It’s weird considering that tampons and pads basically have but one job, you’d think they’d all function up to par. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case, and swapping out one brand for another not only becomes tiresome but leaves us with a very uneasy, unreliable feeling. We all just want something we can trust.

For a range of pads, liners and tampons that are safely and sustainably sourced and 100% organic and toxic-free, RAEL was launched in 2017 by three women, for women everywhere. RAEL sanitary products are made from organic cotton, which means no insecticide, fungicides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers are used on the cotton plants. This means completely chemical-free cotton, and a preservation of the ecosystem which hosts them. Conversely, conventional cotton (non-organic) is chock full of chemicals which can be toxic to your body. Especially when we’re talking about something that comes into close contact with your most sensitive, intimate parts of your body, you want the peace of mind that what you’re using is safe and natural.

2) The right intimate wash

Just as we use facial products for our face and body products on our body, likewise, body products are simply not safe or good for use on your intimate areas. You need special intimate washes that are specifically formulated for that area. Vagisil’s range of intimate washes get the job done effectively but most importantly are not harsh on your vulvar.

If you’re prone to getting yeast infections, for example, opt for the Vagisil pH Plus Intimate Wash with LactoPrebiotic and cranberry to support a healthy pH where you need it most. If odour is a concern, Vagisil Fresh Plus Intimate Wash is created with a patented Odour Control Technology – it’s never about masking odours with harmful chemical fragrances, it’s about doing what’s needed to prevent any nasty odours in the first place. Ladies with sensitive skin don’t have a thing to worry with Vagisil Clean Scent Intimate Wash (Sensitive Skin), specially infused with chamomile, aloe and vitamin E for a soothing feeling. And women who experience dryness can turn to Vagisil ProHydrate Plus Intimate Wash, with a unique blend of moisturisers designed for our intimate area.

3) Convenient cleaning wipes

One of the ickiest things about having your periods is feeling icky about it all day long. Nobody wants that feeling and we all wish we could truly clean ourselves with something that actually, well, leaves us feeling clean. With hypo+fresh Feminine Wipes it is actually possible. They are perfectly pH balanced and enriched with soothing chamomile, aloe, vitamins A and E, and are hypoallergenic, alcohol free, paraben free and soap free. They even come individually wrapped and are completely flushable for true convenience. Imagine, no more opening a pack of wipes to use one only to have the rest of the pack dry out in your handbag!

4) Heat pad for aches

Instead of groaning about those nasty cramps, put on a feel-good movie (no crying, preferably!), grab your favourite comfort foods, and stuff a heat pad on your abdomen. Heat therapy works so well when we get our periods because it opens up our blood vessels and allows blood and oxygen to flow more readily to the painful areas to reduce spams and relax muscles. Sure, a bowl of hot popcorn could work too but not if you munch it all down quickly!

Heat pads come in different forms – you can get a hot water bottle, a quick microwaveable pack, an electric heating pad that you can plug into your socket, or even one-time heat pads you can stick directly to your abdomen and wear under your clothes. Did you know, you can even make your own heat pads at home! All you need is a long sock, fill it up with rice, tie up the end, and heat in the microwave on high for about 60 seconds. Preferably you’ll want a sock that doesn’t smell!

5) Some bonus beauty products

Yes, we hate to admit it, but our moods go up and down and all around when we get our periods. We don’t feel so good, so pretty, or so confident. But did you know that behind the scenes, our skin is also going through similar rollercoaster dips and dives during your menstruation cycle? Your body goes through periods of high and low estrogen levels, which affects your skin’s condition. Simply put, more estrogen = beautiful skin; less estrogen and more androgen (that male hormone) = oilier skin.

Period days say goodbye to estrogen, meaning hello oily skin that makes us more prone to acne. So even if you don’t normally have clogged pores or puffy skin, you might experience these during your menstruation. It doesn’t mean that you have to change up your entire skincare routine every time it’s that time of the month, but you may want to include some extra helpers, such as pore cleaners, exfoliators, facial masks and anti-inflammatory products. For example, the essano™ Clear Complexion range is perfect for when your skin is producing more sebum and oil because it features plant-based BioDTox^TM which will help control your sebum levels, clean out pores and wipe out the threat of period-time imperfections! The most important thing is to feel clean, beautiful and confident, on the inside and out!