Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Stay clean
• Method 2 of 4: Take good care of yourself
• Method 3 of 4: Dealing with your period
• Method 4 of 4: Maintain a hygienic beauty routine
• Tips
• Warnings

Good hygiene can help you feel better and look more beautiful. It's okay if you don't know where to start, or if you need help dealing with the changes your body is going through. Many young women experience this! Having good hygiene is as easy as staying clean, having good daily habits, and practicing a beauty routine.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Stay clean

1. Shower every day or every other day. Bacteria feed on the sweat and skin cells that build up on your body every day - this is what causes body odor. Shower or bathe every day and use a mild soap to wash off the day's grime. Especially thoroughly wash and dry your feet, face, hands, armpits, and buttocks.
   • Also, on top of your daily bath or shower, take a shower or bath after you exercise or sweat to keep your skin clean.
   • It doesn't really matter whether you shower in the morning or in the evening; this depends on personal preference.
   • Do not use soap to clean your genitals; this will upset the natural chemical balance down there. Clean around your inner thighs and vulva with mild soap, but wash the inner and outer parts of your vulva (the outside of your vagina) with warm water only. Your vagina can clean itself well with natural secretions (the transparent liquid that comes out of your vagina).
   • Deodorant and perfume are not a substitute for a daily shower or bath.
2. Shampoo and condition your hair. Shampoo your hair 2-3 times a week. If you wash your hair too often, the natural oils will be removed and your hair can become dry. Choose a shampoo and conditioner that is right for you - whether your hair is dry, oily, frizzy, straight, or curly, there are many products to try.
   • Wet your hair with warm water. Pour a small amount (a blob about the size of a $ 2 coin) of shampoo into your palm and massage it (not too hard) into your scalp and down to the ends of your hair. Wash out the shampoo and then apply conditioner; use more conditioner if you have dry hair and less if you have oily hair. Let it sit in your hair for a few minutes while you wash your body and then rinse thoroughly.
   • If your hair gets oily on your scalp after a few days, wash your hair with a mild shampoo every day or every other day. Use conditioner only on the ends of your hair, not on your scalp. Use "non-greasy" or "oil-free" styling products.
3. Wash your face twice a day. Use warm water and a mild, non-abrasive cleanser to wash your face in the morning and before going to bed. Only use your fingertips to massage the cleanser into your skin - it can be irritating to use a washcloth or sponge. Don't scrub your skin too hard. Rinse with warm water, and pat (don't rub) your skin dry with a clean towel.
   • Avoid products that exfoliate your skin or contain alcohol. Do not use normal soap. These products are too harsh on your face.
   • If your skin is flaky, itchy, or dry, apply a small amount of facial moisturizer. If your skin feels irritated or greasy quickly, use products for sensitive skin.
   • Also wash your face after exercising and / or sweating.
4. Wear clean clothes. You don't necessarily have to wash a garment every time you wear it, but always wear clothes that are free of stains, folds, and odors. If you get dirty or sweat in your clothes, wash them before wearing them again. Wear clean underwear and a clean bra every day. If necessary, change your socks for comfort and to avoid unpleasant smells. This can be more often than daily, or less often if you've only worn them at home without shoes for a few hours.
   • Change your bedding weekly, or more often if you sweat a lot at night. Change your pillowcases every 2-3 days if you have oily skin.
5. Wash your hands often. You should wash your hands regularly throughout the day, but especially after going to the bathroom, coughing or sneezing, before making or touching food, and after touching things that many other people have touched (for example, after putting money on - think about how many people are touching money!)
   • Wash your hands with warm water, and lather your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds - making sure to clean your wrists, between your fingers, and under your nails. Rinse and dry your hands well with a paper towel, then use the paper towel to turn off the faucet.
6. Carry small products with you. Make a mini hygiene kit to carry in your purse or backpack. Bring mints, gum, or a small bottle of mouthwash for after meals. Bring a small travel toy, hand gel, deodorant, a pack of handkerchiefs, and a small comb for everyday use.
7. Have good sickness hygiene. When you are sick, it is important to practice good hygiene to protect others. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. If you are vomiting or have a fever, stay at home and away from others.

Method 2 of 4: Take good care of yourself

1. Use deodorant daily. It's normal to have body odor, especially under your arms. Your underarms naturally sweat more once you start going through puberty, and underarm hair can trap sweat and bacteria. Wear deodorant every day to feel and smell fresh. There are many different types of deodorants - roll, spray, stick deodorant, and deodorant with and without antiperspirant (which reduces sweating on top of covering up odors). Some deodorants are scented and others are not. It is up to you which one you choose.
   • Different deodorants are advertised to women and men, but the only real difference between these products is their fragrance.
2. Shave if you want. Whether or not you want to shave your legs, your armpits, and your pubic hair is completely up to you. Long hair near your armpits and pubic area can trap odor and moisture, but showering regularly and keeping the area clean shouldn't be a problem. If you do shave, do it safely and hygienically:
   • Use clean, new, sharp razors and plenty of shaving gel (not regular soap). Never shave dry!
   • Take your time and go slow. Ask your mother, aunt, or older sister for help or advice.
   • Don't shave your face. Pick hairs with tweezers or try a bleach, cream, or resin made for facial hair. If you have a lot of facial hair, see your doctor and ask for electrolysis or laser hair removal to get rid of your facial hair for good.
   • Use a non-greasy moisturizer after shaving to keep your skin from getting dry. Never use aftershave for men - it stings!
3. Deal with your pubic hair. Shaving your pubic area can make your skin itchy, irritated, or prone to ingrown hair and folliculitis (infection of the hair follicles). Remember, it's only up to you how you want to take care of yourself down there. You can shave your "bikini area" by your inner thighs and keep your pubic hair natural, keep your pubic hair cut (gently with scissors), or stay natural. Just make sure you wash well in the shower. If you do decide to shave, follow these guidelines:
   • Use clean scissors to cut long hair shorter first to make shaving easier (run this over the toilet so you don't make a mess). Make sure only you use those scissors!
   • Soak in a hot bath or shower for a few minutes to soften your hair and skin.
   • Use a safety razor (not an open or disposable razor), preferably with moisture strips.
   • Stretch and smooth the skin and shave in the direction of hair growth - be careful, don't press too hard.
   • Rinse with warm water, pat the area dry, and use baby oil, aloe vera, or a non-scented moisturizer on your skin.
   • Read the articles Trimming Your Pubic Area, Shaving Your Pubic Hair, Grooming Your Pubic Hair, and Grooming Your Pubic Hair Properly for specific instructions.
4. Have good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash, all at least twice a day - after breakfast and before going to bed. This reduces tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Try using toothpaste or mouthwash with fluoride. If you have braces or wires, you may want to brush your teeth after every meal.
   • Also use your toothbrush to gently clean your tongue.
   • Get a new toothbrush every 3 months or after you get sick with something contagious such as strep throat.
   • Go to the dentist about twice a year for checkups and cleaning.
5. Clean your bracket or retainer well. Yeast and bacteria can live on your retainer or retainer cover if you don't clean it properly. Brush your braces or retainer every time you brush your teeth, and disinfect your retainer once a week.
   • For retainers, put some denture cleaner in a cup of warm water and soak your retainer in it. Rinse it well before using it again.
6. Keep your contact lenses clean. If you wear contact lenses, it is important to keep them as clean as you can to prevent eye infections. Don't just rinse them with water and use them again, or use the same lens solution every day - that's how you open yourself up to getting bacteria into your eyes! Rinse your contact lenses thoroughly every time you take them out, clean your contact lens case thoroughly, and use new lens solution every time. Make sure to change your box regularly, about every 3 months.
7. Maintain healthy feet. It is normal for feet and shoes to start to smell, but you should try to control this. Make sure your feet are dry before putting on socks and shoes. Change the shoes you wear, and let your shoes dry out at night somewhere with good ventilation (not at the bottom of your wardrobe). Wear socks with closed-toed shoes, and opt for cotton socks instead of socks made from synthetic fabrics.
   • If you have red, itchy, or scaly patches between your toes or on your feet, you may have athlete's foot.Avoid this by wearing flip flops to your school and gym showers instead of going barefoot. If necessary, you can use a foot powder that you can buy at the drugstore or pharmacy, or you can visit your doctor for help.
8. Do not share personal items. It's okay to share, but not when it comes to things like your toothbrush, razor, or hairbrush. Keep your personal hygiene items to yourself and do not use the personal items of others. Also keep your own personal towels and washcloths.

Method 3 of 4: Dealing with your period

1. Exchange your feminine hygiene products regularly. On average, you will probably need to use three to six sanitary towels or tampons per day. For heavier periods (the first few days of your period) and at night, use longer, heavier sanitary napkins with wings (side protectors) to prevent leakage. Change your sanitary napkin or tampon every four to eight hours, depending on how heavy your period is. To avoid toxic shock syndrome (TSS), never wear through a tampon for more than eight hours at a time.
   • Don't feel embarrassed if you accidentally bleed in your underwear or on your bedding. At some point, this happens to every woman. Rinse the fabric with cold water and put it in the wash immediately.
   • Wear dark underwear and dark clothes during your period. For example, it will be less noticeable if you accidentally bleed. If this happens at school or in public, tie a sweater around your waist to cover up until you get home.
   • Getting used to tampons can help if you enjoy swimming, exercising, or being active. Tampons with applicators are easier to use than tampons without applicators. If it is still uncomfortable to use a tampon, try applying a little vaginal lubricant to the tip before inserting the tampon. However, do not use petroleum jelly as it carries a risk of infection.
   • You can also use alternative products during your period, such as menstrual cups or menstrual underwear.
2. Shower regularly. Not only is it okay to shower during your period, it is even important to do so. Showering helps you feel clean, and the warm water can reduce menstrual cramps. Shower as usual and wash your vagina with warm water. When you're done, pat yourself dry with a dark-colored cloth to avoid staining light cloths, or dry your vagina with paper towels first. Then use a fresh sanitary napkin, tampon, or cup before you get dressed.
   • You can remove tampons and cups before you shower, but you don't have to. Of course, take off your underwear and throw away your sanitary pads before you shower.
   • If you are bleeding heavily, it is best to avoid taking a bath. The running water in the shower will wash away blood better than the standing water in the bath.
   • Rinse away blood residue in the shower when you're done - don't leave it for the next.
3. Keep track of your periods. The best way to avoid accidentally bleeding through your underwear or not having tampons with you when you need them is to know approximately when you can expect your period. There are many websites and apps for this, such as WebMD's Ovulation Calculator. You can also use a diary or menstrual calendar. Write down the first day of your period and keep it for several months.
   • The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but this can vary a lot. Count from the first day of your period to the first day of your period the following month. If you take an average over three months, you will probably have a good idea of ​​the length of your cycle. For example, if one month is 29 days, 30 days is the next month, and the third month is 28 days, then you can add these numbers and divide them by three months - your average cycle will be 29 days. However, keep in mind that your periods can vary a lot while you are a teenager and your cycle can last anywhere from 21 to 45 days.
   • If you have an irregular cycle, speak to your parent (s) or a doctor for advice and possible treatment.
4. Ask for help. If you are unsure of how to use a tampon, need help purchasing hygiene products, or have questions or concerns about your period, ask an elderly relative for advice. Remember that your mom, aunt, and older sister have all been through this too! You can also talk to your doctor if it makes you feel more comfortable.

Method 4 of 4: Maintain a hygienic beauty routine

1. Treat your acne. If you get blemishes, use a mild, non-abrasive, alcohol-free acne treatment. Do not roughly scrub your skin when you wash your face, as this will strip away the natural oils in your skin and can make your skin dry and flaky, causing even more acne. Try to treat your acne naturally, or talk to your doctor about products you can use.
   • Ask your doctor for a referral to a dermatologist if you have acne that does not go away within four to eight weeks of using an acne treatment, or if your acne is painful. There are medications you can use, but some, such as Accutane, have many side effects.
   • Never use your nails to scrape your skin or pick acne crusts. Squeezing or picking pimples can cause infections and scarring.
2. Don't go too far with your makeup. If you feel insecure about your skin, you may tend to wear a lot of makeup. However, wearing too much makeup can make your skin dry or greasy and can cause many more breakouts. Apply only light layers of foundation, and use minimal amounts of makeup for a natural, healthy look.
   • There are techniques you can use to cover up acne with makeup.
3. Take care of your nails. Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed and free from sharp edges. Clean under your nails when you wash your hands (and feet), and use an under nail scraper to get dirt out of your nails if you have to. Use sharp nail clippers or small nail scissors to cut right along your nail, then use a nail file to round the edges. Use hand lotion on your nails and nail edges.
   • Do not bite your nails or pull hangnails from your fingers. This can cause infections and look untidy. Instead, use clean nail clippers.
   • Paint your nails if you wish! Or just apply a protective layer of nail hardener or topcoat for some shine. Only use acetone-free nail polish remover.
4. Wear some nice-smelling perfume, but not too much. If you want to wear perfume or body spray, go for it! Just avoid wearing too much. This can be overwhelming and unpleasant to smell for some people. Spray your perfume two or three in front of you and then walk through it - this will give you a nice scent without being too intense.
   • Do not submerge your hairbrush in perfume or spray your perfume directly on your hair. This can dry out your hair.
   • Remember; wearing perfume is not a substitute for a daily shower or bath.

Tips

• Everyone is different, and the steps listed here may not work for you as a specific individual. Find a hygiene routine that works for you and makes you feel good about yourself!
• Stay healthy and fit to feel good and to look good. Eat healthy, drink enough water, and exercise regularly.
• Do not wash with soap on your genitals. Do not use soap with perfume to clean your genitals. Do not spray perfume on your underwear. This can be very damaging!
• Change your bedding often as they can build up bacteria that can cause unpleasant odors.
• It may be better to shower in the morning instead of in the evening because your body sweats at night.

Warnings

• As you get older and get closer to puberty, you will notice possible light layers of transparent or white discharge in your underwear. This is normal and nothing to worry about! However, see a doctor if the discharge is green in color, smells like fish, or resembles hut cheese.