Teenage Girl Personal Hygiene Tips

Girls in their teens may notice that they must pay more attention to personal hygiene because their bodies are going through a transition. Sweat glands that once lay dormant may become active, leading to body odor, and hormone levels change, causing hair to grow in places it never grew before. The practice of good hygiene can make the changes a teenage girl goes through easier to deal with.

Shower Daily

Shower daily to remove the offensive odor that develops when bacteria caused from sweating is left on the skin to grow. The odor from these bacteria has a strong smell to it, especially in the area of the armpits and the feet. The groin area may develop an unpleasant odor. Cleanse your body with warm water and a gentle soap.

Brush Your Teeth After Meals

Do not let halitosis, bad breath, become a problem. Brush your teeth after eating, especially after eating foods that contribute to bad breath. Clean your teeth for two minutes minimum, and replace your toothbrush after three months. Brush your tongue as well as the top of your mouth, using a light touch. Use floss to remove plaque and pieces of food from between your teeth. Schedule an appointment to have your teeth cleaned by a dentist twice a year.

Keep Facial Skin Clean

Wash your face twice a day to prevent the formation of blackheads and pimples that can lead to acne. Thoroughly wet your face with warm water, and then apply a gentle cleanser. It is a good idea to wipe your face clean with a mild toner after your face dries, using a moist cotton pad.

Antiperspirant and Deodorant Pros and Cons

Use an antiperspirant or a deodorant under your arms if you feel you need to control the smell caused by bacteria. An antiperspirant works to stop sweating, and it may help sweat dry up. Deodorant is designed to mask the unpleasant odor that comes from bacteria growth associated with sweating. Antiperspirants and deodorants may be irritating to sensitive skin.

Change Your Clothes Every Day

Put on clean clothes every day to prevent smelling bad, as fabrics have a tendency to absorb odors. Make sure your socks and undergarments are freshly laundered. Wear shirts and socks made of cotton, as this fabric and other natural fabrics are good at blotting up perspiration.

Keep Hair Clean

Wash your hair on a daily basis and use oil-free hairstyling products. The sebaceous glands make more than enough oil in the teen years, so do not add to it with greasy products.

Hair Removal

Shave your underarms and legs if you desire, but do so with care. Use a new blade if you are going to shave with a manual razor to lessen your risk of cutting yourself. Also use shaving cream, or a shaving gel. Take your time when shaving to avoid nicks and cuts. Pubic hair does not have to be shaved. If it is shaved, it may grow inward, and the skin in this area of the body may be sensitive after shaving. Try using a moisturizer that contains no oil if you want to make facial hair less noticeable, or use a bleaching product. Talk to your parents about removing facial hair permanently, if you are thinking about it.