Hygiene and Health Tips for Puberty Dealing With It Hygiene and Health Tips for Puberty

Hair The change: Oily! Hormones tell sebaceous glands to produce more oil, making your hair and skin oily. Dealing with it: Keep your hair clean by washing it regularly with a gentle shampoo that’s right for your hair type. Some hair types will need to be washed several times a week to stay clean, others can go a little longer. If you are very active or have oily hair wash it more often. If you have dryer hair use a moisturizing conditioner. Different hair types require different maintenance.

Skin The change: Pimples. Pimples can form when a hair follicle in the skin is clogged with dirt or too much oil. Dealing with it: Take a shower nearly every day. Wash your face with gentle face soap in the morning and at night. DON’T POP PIMPLES! This spreads bacteria and can cause scarring.

Body Odor The change: Stronger-smelling body odor. Sweat glands become more active during puberty. Sweat and bacteria on the skin mix and create smells! Dealing with it: Bathe or shower almost every day, and always after exercising. Use deodorant under your arms.

Teeth and Mouth The change: Bad breath! Braces are also more common among young people. Dealing with it: Brush your teeth twice a day – in the morning and before bed – and floss at least once a day. This is even more important if you have braces because food can get stuck in them.

Body Hair The change: Hair grows on the face, legs, pubic area, and under the arms. Dealing with it: Even though there is no medical reason to shave body hair, many people do it. If you decide to shave your face, arm pits, or legs, ask an adult to show you how. Use a razor and soap or shaving cream.

Genitals The change: New odors. Boys penis and scrotum will become larger. Girls will begin menstruation (having a period). Dealing with it: Genitals should be washed every day with soap and water. Girls should use pads or tampons when they are menstruating. Uncircumcised boys should make sure to clean underneath the foreskin. Both boys and girls should watch for itching or swelling that could mean they have an infection. See a doctor if you think you have an infection.

Changing Moods The Change: Hormones in the bloodstream can make both boys and girls happy one minute and ready to scream or cry the next minute. Dealing with it: If you feel mad or upset take three slow, deep breaths, or count to 10. Find a quiet place to go when you feel upset. Get lots of exercise! Practice it: Ask students to close their eyes and picture a place that makes them feel relaxed, safe, and happy. With their eyes closed take a deep breath in through their nose and release it out through their mouth. Repeat 10 times. Breathes should be slow and even. Explain: Using this technique when you are upset can help calm your mind and let you think about a situation.

Healthy Bodies Eat a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Sleep at least 8 hours each night to stay sharp and alert during the day. Exercise at least 30 minutes every day to tone muscles and keep bones strong.