Are good hygiene habits part of your teen’s back-to-school routine? Check out these easy reminders to help keep your teen happy and healthy, and continue these habits into adulthood.
Understanding the body
If you’re talking about good teen hygiene, that also means talking about puberty. Have a casual and open conversation with your teen about the topic. Refer your teen to a good book or a reputable health website on the subject, which may help with the conversation. If you’re having trouble talking about a particular issue, discuss it with your pediatrician who may have input on how to address the topic.
Showering
Once puberty hits, daily showering becomes essential, especially after playing sports or sweating a lot. Recommend that your teen use a mild soap and concentrate on the face, feet, underarms, groin, bottom, hands, and fingernails. Also, discuss the pros and cons of daily hair washing. Some teens may want to wash their hair daily, especially if they have oily hair.
Using deodorant
When puberty hits, your teen’s sweat glands become more active, and the chemical composition of the sweat changes, causing it to smell stronger. When you or your teen begin to notice it, using deodorant or antiperspirant should become part of her daily routine.
Maintaining good oral health
Teens can get pretty lax about their teeth care. Be a good role model and show them the importance of brushing and flossing. Encourage your teen to brush all of her teeth thoroughly – not just the front ones! Ask your dentist if an antibacterial mouth rinse is right for her.
Preventing acne
To help prevent the oil buildup that can lead to acne, encourage your teen to wash her face gently twice a day with warm water and a mild soap or cleanser. Encourage your teen to keep her hair away from her face and to wash it regularly to reduce oil. If your teen has acne, she may want to try a lotion or cream from the drugstore to help clear it up. Remind her not to pick, squeeze, or pop pimples.
Sharing makeup
Talk to your teen about the serious problems that can come from sharing makeup, as well as brushes or other hair accessories. Cosmetic brushes and sponges, for instance, pick up bacteria from the skin that can then be passed on. Remind your teen to wash her hands before and after applying makeup.
