Puberty causes all kinds of changes in your body. Your skin and
scalp may suddenly get oily very easily. Every day it seems you
have new hair growing in different places. At times, you seem to
sweat for no reason - and you may notice there are odors where you
never had them before. What should you do about it?
These bodily changes are a normal part of becoming an adult.
Still, some of them can be a real source of anxiety. Who wants to
worry about whether their underarms smell, anyway?
Read below for information on some hygiene basics - and learn
how to deal with greasy hair, perspiration, and body hair.
Oily Hair
The hormones that create acne are the same ones that can make
you feel like you're suddenly styling your hair with a comb
dipped in motor oil. Each strand of hair has its own sebaceous
(oil) gland, which keeps the hair shiny and waterproof. But during
puberty, when the sebaceous glands produce extra oil, it can make
your hair look too shiny, oily, and greasy.
Washing your hair every day or every other day can help control
oily hair. Dozens of shampoos are available in drugstores and
supermarkets for you to choose from - most brands are pretty
similar, although you might want to try one that is specially
formulated for oily hair. Use warm water and a small amount of
shampoo to work up a lather. Don't scrub or rub too hard - this
doesn't get rid of oil any better and can irritate your scalp
or damage your hair. After you've rinsed, you can follow up
with a conditioner if you like; again, one for oily hair might work
best.
When you're styling your hair, pay close attention to the
products you use. Some styling gels or lotions can add extra grease
to your hair, which defeats the purpose of washing it in the first
place! Look for formulas that say "greaseless" or
"oil free."
Sweat and Body Odor
Perspiration, or sweat, comes from sweat glands that you've
always had in your body. But thanks to puberty, these glands not
only become more active than before, they also begin to secrete
different chemicals into the sweat that has a stronger smelling
odor. You might notice this odor under your arms in your armpits.
Your feet and genitals might also have new smells.
The best way to keep clean is to bathe or shower every day using
a mild soap and warm water. This will help wash away any bacteria
that contribute to the smells. Wearing clean clothes, socks, and
underwear each day can also help you to feel clean. If you sweat a
lot, you might find that shirts, T-shirts, socks, and underwear
made from cotton or other natural materials will help absorb sweat
more effectively.
If you're concerned about the way your underarms smell, you
can try using a deodorant or deodorant with antiperspirant.
Deodorants get rid of the odor of sweat by covering it up, and
antiperspirants actually stop or dry up perspiration. They come in
sticks, roll-ons, gels, sprays, and creams and are available at any
drugstore or supermarket. All brands are similar (and ones that say
they're made for a man or for a woman are similar, too, except
for some perfumes that are added).
If you choose to use deodorant or antiperspirant, be sure to
read the directions. Some work better if you use them at night,
whereas others recommend that you put them on in the morning. But
keep in mind that some teens don't need deodorants or
antiperspirants. So why use them if you don't have to?
Deodorant and antiperspirant commercials may try to convince you
that you'll have no friends or dates if you don't use their
product, but if you don't think you smell and you take daily
baths or showers and wear clean clothes, you may be fine without
them.
Body Hair
Body hair in new places is something you can count on - again,
it's hormones in action. You may want to start shaving some
places where body hair grows, but whether you do is up to you. Some
guys who grow facial hair like to let it develop into a mustache
and beard. Some girls may decide to leave the hair on their legs
and under their arms as is. It's all up to you and what you
feel comfortable with.
If you do decide to shave, whether you're a guy or girl, you
have a few different choices. You can use a traditional razor with
a shaving cream or gel or you can use an electric razor. If you use
a regular razor, make sure the blade is new and sharp to prevent
cuts and nicks. Shaving cream and gel are often a better bet than
soap because they make it easier to pull the razor against your
skin. Some of the newer razors contain shaving gel right in the
blade area, making even beginners feel comfortable shaving.
Whether you're shaving your legs, armpits, or face, go
slowly. These are tricky areas of your body with lots of curves and
angles, and it's easy to cut yourself if you move too fast. An
adult or older sibling can be a big help when you're learning
to shave. Don't be afraid to ask for tips.
You might want to avoid shaving your pubic hair because when it
grows back in, the skin may be irritated and itchy. Also, guys may
think twice about shaving their chests, and girls should avoid
shaving their faces because the stubble that grows back will look
prickly and thicker, forcing you to shave over and over.
If you're a girl and you're worried about hairs on your
upper lip, step back from the mirror and you may see that the hair
everyone really sees is probably not as bad as you think.
If you do decide you want to get rid of unwanted facial hair,
research the options and ask an adult or older sibling for advice.
Many products are made for facial hair - everything from bleach
that lessens its appearance to hair removers that are specially
made for hair on the face. And some new oil-free facial
moisturizers on the market contain substances to make facial hair
softer and less visible. You may want to try one before you opt for
bleaching or hair removal.
In the rare case where a girl's facial hair growth is enough
to cause anxiety, a dermatologist or skin specialist can use
permanent removal techniques such as electrolysis. In some cases,
excess hair growth in girls can be a sign of a medical condition,
like
polycystic ovary syndrome
. If you're a girl who is worried about hair growth, talk to
your doctor.
Reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: January 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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