In a world where women’s bodies and sexual health are written off as taboo, VMagic aims to open the door for a much larger conversation about empowerment.
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One in four women, regardless of age, have experienced skin discomfort and irritation in their vulvar area at some point in their life. This topic of conversation is typically considered taboo amongst general society, however, there’s a growing movement occurring in which women are being motivated to talk about their bodies and whatever ailments they may be experiencing, regardless of how embarrassing or unimportant they may think it is.
In general, the discomfort and irritation that women might experience throughout their lives is often overlooked and underestimated by medical professionals. Most women experience some level of recurring, and sometimes chronic, discomfort that they just view as normal, or a part of their bodies natural function. According to a study published by the Journal of Law, Medicine, and Ethics, women’s health expenses are typically 80% higher than men, despite the fact that women are often treated just as quickly as men, are more likely to be waiting for long periods of time in an emergency room, and are more likely to be told that their pain/discomfort is a result of emotional stress.
The study also cited that “women get prescribed less pain medication than men after identical procedures, are less likely to be admitted to hospitals and receive stress tests when they complain of chest pain, and are significantly more likely than men to be ‘under-treated’ for pain by doctors. And there’s a multi-million dollar industry of questionable alternative health remedies that was arguably built at least in part on a history of doctors being dismissive toward women’s bodily health.”
It’s for these reasons and more that Dr. Clare Bertucio wanted to put female empowerment at the base of the brand that she leads, Medicine Mama’s Apothecary; “a company offering wholly natural and organic skincare and personal care products.” More specifically, the Apothecary carries a line of products under the brand VMagic, which is meant to help replenish moisture, balance pH, and rejuvenate intimate skin. Beyond helping women find a solution to a problem they’ve likely been suffering with for a while, Dr. Bertucio really wanted to create a safe space for all women to talk about their health issues and most intimate concerns and symptoms freely and without judgement.
“Besides the fact that VMagic is organic and responsibly sourced, the ethos of our company gives women permission to treat themselves, take care of themselves, and most importantly love themselves through the use of our products.”
VMagic is a specialized line of all-natural and organic feminine skincare products free of all dyes, fragrances, soy, hormones, steroids, synthetic preservatives, petroleum, and parabens, according to the website. The line offers a multitude of natural products including vulvar wash and balms to help soothe any present irritation or dryness, as well as preserve moisture and maintain a proper pH. Before she was the CEO of Medicine Mama’s Apothecary, Dr. Bertucio worked as a radiation oncologist for over 20 years. This experience helped her immensely when she took on the role of CEO because she had firsthand knowledge of the type of irritation and problems women experience in their vulvar region that they’ve felt too ashamed to actually discuss, even with their physicians.
“I’m very familiar with full body skin needs since I worked in medicine and radiation for 30 years. With radiation in particular, I have a vast knowledge on skin reactions, because when you get any radiation treatment it’s very common to have some sort of uncomfortable skin reaction, so I began using the products from Medicine Mama’s Apothecary on my patients around 10 years ago when I first became acquainted with the company as an investor. Initially I was just using the products on myself but then I thought ‘wow this is all natural and organic, I wonder how my patients would react?’ Once I became more heavily involved in the company I got to see first hand that we had a multitude of testimonials from other physicians and healthcare professionals throughout the nation who were also finding success and relief in our products with their patients,” Dr. Bertucio explained.
She went on to explain how the company has an amazing line for feminine hygiene products but they also offer a variety of body and face products that anyone can use. Dr. Bertucio thinks this diversity in product is important because it gives customers a ton of more ways to incorporate natural and safe ingredients into their everyday self-care routines. VMagic’s line of vulvar products is unique to the market because of their all natural and organic approach to women’s skin care.
“Our main goal with VMagic is to create a space where women can talk about their intimate areas, and their concerns, openly and freely and realize that they can get back to a normal level of physical comfort and sexual freedom with our natural products.”
VMagic products are all clinically-tested for safety and gynecologist-recommended as well to help keep vulvar skin balanced and moisturized. The products mainly assist with improving vulvar dryness, itchiness, irritation, and thinning. These symptoms are extremely common among women due to hormonal changes and other environmental factors. The most common causes of vulvar dryness and irritation, according to Dr. Bertucio, include menopause/hormone changes, certain soaps, waxing, shaving, steroid creams, spending long periods of time in chlorinated pools, wearing workout gear, long hours of sitting, and vigorous intimate activity. So it’s safe to say that more times than not, these sort of irritations happen naturally during a woman’s day-to-day life.
This is one of the biggest points that Bertucio wanted to drive home with customers when they purchase any VMagic products. These problems that arise for women are so common but still so under-discussed that she hopes her brand can act as a catalyst for change and communication among all women and healthcare providers.
“One thing I’ve found as a healthcare provider is that many women suffer in silence, and they disregard their pain or ailments as normal, or something that’s so taboo they don’t even want to talk about it with their physician, which is just so surprising! When I started to see that more and more first hand I was astounded by it, so I want to help women understand that when it comes to things like vulvar dryness and irritation, which can lead to so many other difficulties in life, there are beneficial steps you can take. I always tell my customers you’re not alone, and you’re allowed to talk about it with the same level of normalcy as talking about a headache. Most importantly, women should have the ability to do this in a space with others who can relate and support each other.”
“I always tell my customers you’re not alone, and you’re allowed to talk about it with the same level of normalcy as talking about a headache. Most importantly, women should have the ability to do this in a space with others who can relate and support each other.”
Bertucio claimed that VMagic is currently working on multiple blogs and other social media programs to help create these safe spaces for women looking for answers; she’s already hosted a few Instagram Live sessions with other healthcare and beauty professionals to further break down these issues.
One of the other amazing benefits to VMagic, that has also helped women improve their intimate lives, is the fact that it has helped many women find comfort and joy in their sexual lives again. It’s important to note that all VMagic products are not intended for intravaginal use, are not lubricants, and are not compatible with latex products like condoms, however, their ability to approve on vulvar dryness and irritation has given women the opportunity to enjoy sex at a much more normal level than what they may be used too.
“We don’t appreciate how important the intimate part of a relationship is until it may not be there. When you can’t be intimate with someone you love, it can erode the connection, relationship, and your own self confidence. Once our customers have been able to re-engage with the physical part of their relationship after using these products, they realize how important the physical aspect of the relationship actually is. It brings us back to this sense of confidence and feeling whole, which is so important, so educating women about this particular issue, especially older women who may think that it’s normal and they aren’t meant to be intimate anymore, is such a crucial part of our brand.”
Being sexual is also a major part of health and wellness for human beings. So when women are able to take back control of their bodies, they find a greater sense of power and control. That’s what the VMagic brand aims to do every time a customer hits “purchase” on one of their products, provide a sense of physical relief, and emotional support.
To check out the VMagic line of products, as well as the other amazing organic face and body products Medicine Mama’s Apothecary has to offer, click here!
Eric Mastrota is a Contributing Editor at The National Digest based in New York. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz, he reports on world news, culture, and lifestyle. You can reach him at eric.mastrota@thenationaldigest.com.
