In addition to your daily bath or shower, take one after you exercise or get sweaty to keep skin clean. [3] X Research source It doesn’t really matter if you shower at night or in the morning; this is personal preference. Don’t use soap to clean your private parts; this will disturb your natural chemical balance down there. Clean around your inner thighs and around your vulva with mild soap, but just wash the outer and inner parts of your vulva (the exterior part of your vagina) with warm water. [4] X Research source Your vagina is good at cleaning itself with natural discharge (the clear fluid that comes from your vagina). [5] X Research source Deodorant and perfume do not replace daily bathing or showering. [6] X Research source
Wet your hair with warm water. Pour a quarter-size amount of shampoo into your palm and massage it (not too hard) into your scalp and down to the tips of your hair. Wash the shampoo out then apply conditioner, using more for dry hair and less for oily hair. Let it sit in your hair for a few minutes while you clean your body, then rinse it out well. If your hair gets oily near your scalp after a day or two, wash your hair daily or every other day using a mild shampoo. Use conditioner only on the tips of your hair, not on your scalp. Use “non-greasy” or “oil-free” styling products. [9] X Research source
Avoid products that exfoliate your skin or contain alcohol. Don’t use regular soap. These products are too harsh for your face. If your skin is flaky, itchy, or dry, apply a dime-size amount of face moisturizer. If your skin feels irritated a lot or gets oily easily, use products for sensitive skin. Also, wash your face after working out or sweating.
Change your bed sheets every week, or more often if you sweat a lot during the night. Change your pillowcases weekly or every 2-3 days if you have oily skin.
Wet your hands with warm water, then lather soap in your hands for at least 20 seconds – be sure to wash your wrists, in between your fingers, and under your nails. Rinse your hands well then dry them with a paper towel, and turn off the water with the paper towel. [12] X Research source
Different deodorants are marketed towards men and women, but really the only thing that’s different is how they smell.
Use clean, new, sharp razor blades and plenty of shaving cream or gel (not just regular soap). Never dry shave! Take your time and go slowly. Ask your mom, aunt, or older sister for help or advice. Do not shave your face. Pluck stray hairs or tweezers or try a bleach, cream, or wax that is formulated for facial hair. If you have lots of facial hair, see your doctor and ask about electrolysis or laser hair removal to get rid of it for good. [17] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source [18] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Use a non-greasy moisturizing lotion after you shave to keep your skin from drying out. Never use men’s aftershave – it stings!
Use clean scissors to trim long hair first to make shaving easier (do this over the toilet so you don’t make a mess). Make sure no one else uses those scissors! Soak in a hot bath or shower for a few minutes to soften the hair and skin. Use a safety-razor (no straight blades or disposables), preferably with moisture strips. Pull the skin tight and smooth, and shave in the direction of hair growth – be gentle, don’t apply much pressure. Rinse off with warm water, pat the area dry, and use baby oil, aloe, or a non-perfumed moisturizer on your skin. See the articles Trim Your Pubic Hair, Shave Your Pubic Hair, Deal With Pubic Hair, or Look After Your Pubic Hair for specific instructions.
Gently use your toothbrush to brush your tongue, too. Get a new toothbrush every 3 months, or after you’re sick with something contagious like strep throat. [22] X Research source See your dentist about twice a year for checkups and cleanings.
For retainers, put some denture cleaner like Efferdent or Polident in a cup of warm water, and let your retainer soak. Rinse it well before using it again. [24] X Research source
If you have red, itchy, or scaly patches between your toes or on your feet, you might have Athlete’s foot. Avoid this by wearing flip-flops in school and locker room showers instead of going barefoot. If you need to, use an over-the-counter foot powder, or see your doctor for help. [29] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If you have red, itchy, or scaly patches between your toes or on your feet, you might have Athlete’s foot. Avoid this by wearing flip-flops in school and locker room showers instead of going barefoot. If you need to, use an over-the-counter foot powder, or see your doctor for help. [29] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Don’t be embarrassed if you accidentally bleed into your underwear or on your sheets. This happens to most women at some point. Rinse the linen with cold water and immediately put it in the wash. During your period, wear dark underwear and clothes. That way accidental spotting will be less noticeable. If this happens at school or in public, tie a sweatshirt around your waist to cover up until you get home. [34] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Getting comfortable with tampons can help if you like to swim, play sports, or be active. Tampons with applicators are easier to use than those without. If using a tampon is still uncomfortable, try a bit of vaginal lubricant on the end before inserting it. However, do not use petroleum jelly due to the risk of infection. [35] X Research source [36] X Research source You can also try alternate products during your period, like cups or THINX period undies.
You can remove tampons and cups before showering, but you don’t have to. Of course, take off your underwear and dispose of your pad first. If you’re bleeding heavily, you should probably avoid taking a bath. The running water in a shower will wash blood away better than still bath water. Rinse any residue out of the shower when you’re done – don’t leave it for the next person.
The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long, but this can vary a lot. Count from the first day of your period one month to the first day of your period the next month. If you take an average over three months, you’ll probably have a good idea how long your cycle is. For example, if it’s 29 days one month, 30 days the next month, and 28 days the third month, add all these together and divide by 3 months – your average cycle is 29 days long. However, keep in mind that your period can vary a lot while you are a teen and it may range from 21 to 45 days. [38] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women’s Health U. S. government agency providing resources for women’s health Go to source If you have an irregular cycle, talk to your parent or a doctor for advice and possible treatment.
Ask your doctor for a referral to a dermatologist if you have acne that won’t go away within four to eight weeks of using an over-the-counter treatment or if your acne is painful. [40] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source There are medications you can take, but some of them, like Accutane, have lots of side effects. [41] X Research source Never use your fingernails to scrape your skin or pick at acne scabs. Squeezing, popping, or picking at pimples can cause infections and leave scarring. [42] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
There are techniques you can use to hide acne with makeup.
Don’t bite your nails or pull off hangnails. This can cause an infection and look messy. Use clean nail clippers, instead. [45] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Paint your nails if you want to! Or just apply a protective layer of nail hardener or top-coat for some shine. [46] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Only use acetone-free nail polish remover. [47] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Do not dunk your hairbrush in perfume or spray perfume directly onto your hair. This can dry your hair out. Remember, wearing perfume does not take the place of taking a bath or shower every day.
