With adolescence comes various changes to the body, both physical, mental and emotional. Personal hygiene becomes very important for every teen to master. Adolescence is the time to build on the basics of personal hygiene taught as a child like hand washing, having regular showers, flossing and cleaning teeth and covering your mouth when you cough. The parents may have needed to assist you with some of these tasks. Now as a teen, you have to take up that responsibility.
Keeping clean is an important part of staying healthy. Washing hands after using the toilet fights off germs and avoids illnesses. When you are clean it also boosts your confidence because you are comfortable around people.
Parents need open, honest communication with your teens which makes it easier to talk about personal hygiene issues. This hopefully should have been established in their childhood. Parents can also be role models by demonstrating proper hygiene habits.
Sweat glands in the armpits and genital area develop during puberty. Bacteria feed on the sweat which leads to body odour. Changing underwear and clothes regularly with body washing prevents bad smells. An antiperspirant deodorant of your liking can help control how much you sweat.
Emphasize that they need to wash the “T” zone. There are certain parts of the face that tend to get oily, the forehead, nose and chin. Using face soaps that are non-comedogenic or facial products that are mild cleansers can help keep skin clear. Remember to wash your hands before touching your face to prevent the spreading of germs and bacteria.
For smelly feet and shoes, pay extra attention to the feet while bathing and dry them well before putting on the shoes. Alternate the shoes and wear cotton socks that help better absorb the sweat.
For fingernail and toenail care, Ingrown nails can be painful and frustrating. Be sure to trim nails using a clean nail clipper and using the straight across technique. Prevent spreading bacteria and germs by not biting your nails.
Good dental and mouth hygiene is as important now as it was when your child was little, and you’ll need to keep making regular dental appointments for your child. Brushing teeth twice a day, flossing and going to the dentist regularly are vital if your child wants to avoid bad breath, gum problems and tooth decay.
Teen girls will need help to manage their periods at first. For example, you might need to talk with your teen about how often to change their pad, tampon or period-proof underwear, and how to dispose of or clean it hygienically.
When a teen starts to develop facial hair, you might need to give them some advice about when to start shaving and how to do it. Let them choose a razor and a mild shaving cream. The shaver should never be shared and never shave dry.
Teenagers do need extra time in the bathroom! While they’re learning to shave or to handle their periods, these hygiene activities might take a bit longer. You can help by being patient and giving your child a bit more privacy.