Personal Hygiene in Teenagers
As an older child becomes a teen, several changes happen within the human body. Sweat glands in the armpits and genitals begin to secrete an unpleasant odor as hormone levels begin to fluctuate. Teenagers must begin to wear deodorant and shower daily to combat odor and be presentable to others. Parents can help teens take the right steps when it comes to proper personal hygiene.
Start Young
One of the best ways to get your teen to develop good personal hygiene habits is to start teaching them responsible body care at an early age. Some kids don’t like to shower or bathe daily because they are too busy playing or spending time with friends. Supply nice-smelling soaps, body washes and shampoos to encourage cleanliness and make bath time something to look forward to. A special washcloth or shower brush can also prompt kids to get cleaned up and establish an everyday routine. Making these tasks routine early on will carry into the teen years and adulthood.
- One of the best ways to get your teen to develop good personal hygiene habits is to start teaching them responsible body care at an early age.
- A special washcloth or shower brush can also prompt kids to get cleaned up and establish an everyday routine.
Do as I Do
A Hygiene Checklist for Children
Learn More
Kids and teens learn from observation. This means that parents should also engage in regular, consistent personal hygiene practices. For girls, washing, brushing and styling hair is important for moms to do in front of their children. Take the time to take care of yourself and your children will notice 1. How to trim nails, apply body lotion and brush teeth are all learned behaviors that many girls and teens observe from their mother or older sisters. For boys, shaving and trimming side burns can be observed from male figures in the family.
- Kids and teens learn from observation.
- How to trim nails, apply body lotion and brush teeth are all learned behaviors that many girls and teens observe from their mother or older sisters.
The Right Tools
One of the most important things a parent or caregiver can do for a teen is to provide them with the right tools for hygiene. This means buying teenagers their own hygiene products. Keep razors, shaving cream, deodorant, shampoos, perfumes, nail trimmers, scissors, skin care lotion and toothbrushes in a convenient location for teenagers to use on a daily basis.
Routine Maintenance
How to Care for Children's Skin
Learn More
For teenagers, establishing a hygiene routine is important. This means showering at the same time each day. Some teenagers may also want to take a small bag with them so they can brush their teeth after every meal or sugary meals, or apply deodorant as needed. Going to bed around the same time each night will help keep hormone levels regulated, reducing the risk of excessive sweating and perspiration odor.
- For teenagers, establishing a hygiene routine is important.
- Some teenagers may also want to take a small bag with them so they can brush their teeth after every meal or sugary meals, or apply deodorant as needed.
Athlete-Specific Tips
Many teens are physically active. This means that they may have to shower more than once a day. After sports or excessive physical activity, teens who keep the body dry, fresh and clean will look and feel better. Make sure that girls who have started their menstrual cycles have a consistent supply of feminine hygiene products, such as tampons, panty liners and maxi pads, to promote cleanliness and confidence.
- Many teens are physically active.
- This means that they may have to shower more than once a day.
Related Articles
References
- Women and Children's Health Network: Taking Care of Your Body
- Kids Health: Hygiene Basics
- Troccaz M, Gaïa N, Beccucci S, et al. Mapping axillary microbiota responsible for body odours using a culture-independent approach. Microbiome. 2015;3(1):3. doi:10.1186/s40168-014-0064-3
- Ranasinghe S, Ramesh S, Jacobsen KH. Hygiene and mental health among middle school students in India and 11 other countries. J Infect Public Health. 2016;9(4):429-35. doi:10.1016/j.jiph.2015.11.007
- Child Welfare Information Gateway. Parenting a child or youth who has been sexually abused: a guide for foster and adoptive parents. Washington, DC: U.S.Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau; December 2018.
- Regan T. Hygiene in adolescents with ASD (Autism at-a-Glance Brief). Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, CSESA Development Team; 2015:1-4.
Writer Bio
Julie Boehlke is a seasoned copywriter and content creator based in the Great Lakes state. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. Boehlke has more than 10 years of professional writing experience on topics such as health and wellness, green living, gardening, genealogy, finances, relationships, world travel, golf, outdoors and interior decorating. She has also worked in geriatrics and hospice care.