Good personal hygiene can help you feel more beautiful and fit. But don't worry if you don't know where to start or if you need a hand to deal with body changes: it happens to many young women! To take care of yourself, just wash, acquire good daily hygiene habits and targeted beauty rituals.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Cleaning
Step 1. Take a shower or bath every day
Bacteria feed on sweat and the cells that accumulate on the skin during the day: this is the cause of bad odors. Shower or bathe every day and use a mild cleanser to remove the day's dirt. In particular, try to wash and dry your feet, face, hands, armpits and private parts carefully.
- Also, to keep your skin clean, shower or bathe immediately after exercising or sweating.
- In general, it doesn't matter if you wash in the morning or in the evening, this is a personal preference.
- Do not use a normal soap for the private parts: it would be harmful to the chemical balance of the area. Wash the inner thigh and the area around the vulva with a mild soap, while washing the inner and outer part of the vulva with warm water. The vagina is perfectly capable of cleansing itself by means of natural secretions (secretes a transparent liquid).
- Deodorants and perfumes could never replace actual washing.
Step 2. Shampoo 2-3 times a week and apply conditioner
Too frequent washing drains the sebum and can dry out the hair. Choose products that suit you: whether you have dry, oily, frizzy, straight or curly hair, you can try different ones.
- Wet your hair with warm water. Pour a dab of shampoo into your palm and gently massage it from the scalp to the tips. Rinse and apply conditioner: if you have dry hair, use more, vice versa if it's greasy. Let it sit for a few minutes (in the meantime wash the rest of your body) and rinse it well.
- If your hair becomes oily near the scalp after 1-2 days, wash it daily or every other day with a mild shampoo. Apply the conditioner only on the tips, avoid the scalp. Use non-oily styling products.
Step 3. Wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed
Use warm water and a mild cleanser. Massage it into your skin with your fingers - sponges can irritate it. Don't rub. Rinse with warm water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
- Avoid exfoliating or alcohol-containing products. Do not use the classic soap: it would be too aggressive for the face.
- If your skin is cracked, itchy, or dry, apply a moisturizer. If she is particularly irritated or gets fat easily, use products for sensitive skin.
- Also wash your face after exercising or sweating.
Step 4. Use clean clothes
It is not necessary to wash them immediately after wearing them, but always wear clothes without stains, wrinkles or bad smells. If you get dirty or sweat, you should definitely wash them before using them again. Change your underwear (panties and bra) every day.
Change your sheets and pillow cases once a week, more often if you sweat a lot during the night. The pillowcases should be changed every 2-3 days in case of oily skin
Step 5. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day, particularly after going to the bathroom, after sneezing or coughing, before preparing or touching food, and after touching public surfaces (such as buses and money:
think about how many people have touched them before you!).
Wet your hands with warm water, then soap them for at least 20 seconds. Remember to wash your wrists, the areas between your fingers and under your nails. Rinse them well and dry them with a paper towel (also use it to turn off the tap)
Step 6. Always carry small products
Prepare a mini kit to keep in your bag or backpack: breath mints, chewing gum, and a bottle of mouthwash (to use after meals). Add a hand mirror, hand sanitizer, deodorant, tissue box, and comb.
Step 7. Take care of your personal hygiene when you get sick
If you have health problems, it is important to prevent contagion. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often, especially after a cough or sneeze. If you throw up or have a fever, stay home and stay away from others.
Part 2 of 4: Beauty Rituals
Step 1. Use the deodorant every day
It is normal to give off bad smells, especially in the armpit area. As puberty begins, you tend to sweat more, and sweat and bacteria can lurk in your hair. Wear deodorant every day to feel fresh and smell good. There are different types: roll-on, spray, stick, with or without antiperspirants (in addition to hiding bad smells, they fight sweating). Some are scented, others neutral - the choice is up to you.
There are specific deodorants for men and women, but the only difference is simply in the fragrance
Step 2. If you want, shave
The choice of depilating legs, armpits and intimate areas is entirely up to you. If long, hair in the armpits and groin can trap sweat and bad odors. However, showering regularly and keeping the area dry and clean should avoid this problem. If you shave, do it safely and hygienically:
- Use a new, clean, sharp razor blade. Don't forget that you need a good dose of depilatory cream or gel (not regular soap). Never shave dry!
- Take your time and take your time. Ask your mother or sister for help or advice.
- Don't shave your face. Remove unwanted hair with tweezers, or use a bleaching cream, depilatory cream or wax. If you have a lot of them, consult an expert to learn more about electrolysis, a way to get rid of them permanently.
- After hair removal, apply a light moisturizer to prevent the skin from drying out. Never use aftershave: it burns!
Step 3. Get your pubic hair under control
Shaving can cause itching, irritation, or a predisposition to suffering from ingrown hair and folliculitis (infection of the hair follicles). Only you can decide how to take care of this area. You can shave the inner thigh and leave the pubic hair natural, trim it with scissors (with care) or stay completely natural. Just make sure you wash yourself well. If you decide to shave, observe the following guidelines:
- To make it easier to shave, first cut off long hair with a clean pair of scissors (drop them back into the toilet so you don't dirty the floor).
- Take a hot bath or shower for a few minutes to soften the hair and skin.
- Use a safety razor (not an actual blade), preferably with moisturizing strips.
- Stretch the skin and shave it following the direction of hair growth: proceed gently, do not apply too much pressure.
- Rinse with warm water, pat the area, and apply baby oil, aloe vera gel, or an unscented moisturizer.
Step 4. Try to have good dental hygiene
Brush your teeth, floss, and mouthwash at least twice a day: before breakfast and before bed. This will help you fight tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. You may want to use fluoride-containing toothpastes or mouthwashes. If you have braces, brush your teeth after each meal.
- Also use your toothbrush to gently clean your tongue;
- Change your toothbrush every three months or after suffering from contagious diseases such as pharyngitis.
- Go to the dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.
Step 5. Wash the retainer well
If you do not sanitize the retainer or case, fungi and bacteria can remain inside. Brush the retainer every time you brush your teeth and disinfect it once a week.
Pour a denture cleaner such as Efferdent or Polident into a glass of warm water and let the retainer soak. Rinse it well before using it again
Step 6. If you wear contact lenses, keep them clean to prevent infections
Do not wash them with tap water and reuse them, and do not use the same solution more than once, otherwise you risk causing bacterial growth. Wash your lenses well every time you take them off; moreover, it carefully sanitizes the box and always changes the solution. Replace the case regularly, at least every 3 months.
Step 7. Take care of your feet
It is normal for feet and shoes to smell bad, but you should try to get the problem under control. Make sure your feet are dry before putting on your socks and shoes. Alternate the shoes you are wearing and let them air overnight in a well-ventilated place (not in the shoe cabinet). If you use closed shoes, wear socks, preferring cotton ones to synthetic ones.
If you notice red patches, scales or an itchy sensation between your toes or on your feet, you may be suffering from athlete's foot. Avoid this by putting on flip-flops when you shower in the locker room, don't go barefoot. If needed, use over-the-counter foot powder or ask your doctor for advice
Step 8. Don't share personal articles
It's nice to share something, but not when it comes to toothbrushes, razors, and brushes. Keep personal hygiene items to yourself and don't use other people's items. The same goes for towels.
Part 3 of 4: Coping With Your Period
Step 1. Change feminine hygiene products regularly
On average, 3-6 sanitary pads are needed per day. For heavy flows (the first days of your period) and at night, use longer, heavier pads with wings (side protectors) to avoid leaking. Change the tampon every 4-8 hours, depending on the flow.
- Don't feel embarrassed if you stain your underwear or sheets - it happens to everyone sooner or later. Rinse them with cold water and put them to wash immediately.
- When you are menstruating, wear a pair of dark panties or clothes; in this way any losses will be less noticeable. If this happens to you at school or in public, tie a sweatshirt around your waist to cover yourself all the way home.
- If you enjoy swimming, playing sports or having an active life, it may be helpful to get used to using tampons. Those with an applicator are more practical. If you still find them uncomfortable when using them, try applying petroleum jelly to the end before putting it on.
- You can also try alternating between different products when you are menstruating, such as cups or panties designed for your period.
Step 2. Shower regularly
Not only is it possible to do this, it is also important. Showering makes you feel clean and hot water can fight cramps. Proceed as usual, washing your vagina with warm water. Once finished, pat dry with a dark towel to avoid stains, or dry with toilet paper first. Before getting dressed, put on a clean pad or cup.
- You can remove the tampon or cup before showering, but it is not necessary. If you are using a sanitary napkin, throw it away after taking off your underwear.
- If the flow is heavy, avoid bathing. Running water while you shower lets your blood flow more effectively than in the bath.
- Once you're done, rinse all the residue out of the shower - think about who will wash after you.
Step 3. Keep your period under control
The best way to avoid accidentally staining your panties or finding yourself without sanitary pads when you need them is to know when you are on your period. In this regard, there are many websites and applications, such as. You can also use a dedicated diary or calendar. Mark the first day of your period and keep track of it from month to month.
- On average, the menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but it is quite variable. Counts from the first day of the current cycle to the first cycle day of the following month. If you calculate an average after 3 months, you can get an accurate idea of its duration. For example, if one month lasts 29 days, the next 30 days, and the next 28, add and divide by 3: the average will be 29 days.
- If you have an irregular period, ask your mother or a gynecologist for help to advise you and start a possible treatment.
Step 4. Get help
If you don't know how to use tampons, need help buying personal care products, or have questions and concerns about your period, ask your mother, sister or aunt for advice. Remember that at some point they too faced this situation! If it seems preferable to you, you can talk to your gynecologist.
Part 4 of 4: Beauty Rituals
Step 1. Treat acne
If you have pimples, do a gentle, alcohol-free treatment. Do not rub your face when you wash it, otherwise you will remove the natural sebum, risking the skin to dry, crack and become even more irritated. Try treating it naturally or ask a doctor for advice.
- If you have persistent acne, see a dermatologist. Medicines can be taken, but some, such as isotretinoin, have many side effects.
- Never scratch the skin or tease acne scars with your fingernails. Squeezing pimples can cause infections and scarring.
Step 2. Don't overdo the makeup
If the condition of your skin makes you uncomfortable, you may be tempted to weigh down your makeup. However, excesses can dry out or grease the skin and cause blemishes to appear. Apply only a thin layer of foundation and apply makeup in a simple way for a natural effect and a healthy complexion.
You can try different makeup techniques to hide imperfections
Step 3. Take care of your fingernails and toenails
Cut and file the uneven parts. Clean underneath when washing your hands (and feet). If necessary, remove the dirt with a file. Use a nail clipper or sharp manicure scissors to cut the nail horizontally, then round the corners with a file creating a small curve. Apply hand cream to your nails and cuticles.
- Don't bite your nails or tear your cuticles. This can cause infections and an unsightly result. Use the nail clipper instead.
- If you want, apply nail polish, but you can also use nail hardener or top coat to polish them. Use acetone-free nail polish remover.
Step 4. Use a nice perfume or scented water, but don't overdo it, otherwise it will be heavy and unpleasant for some
Spray it in front of you 2 or 3 times, then immerse yourself in the cloud of perfume that has created: you will have a pleasant smell, but it will not be too intense.
- Do not soak the bristles of the brush with perfume or spray it directly on the hair, otherwise you risk drying it out.
- Even if you wear perfume, you need to shower or bathe every day.
Advice
- We are all different and the steps described in this article may not be effective for you. Develop rituals that are suitable for you and that make you feel good about yourself!
- Take care of your health and keep fit to look your best and feel good. Eat right and exercise regularly.
