As your kids hit puberty and begin their tween and teen years, personal hygiene requirements begin to change along with their growing bodies. When is deodorant needed? At what age should a child start shaving? You may have all of these questions and more. Read on for recommendations and guidelines for personal hygiene basics for teens.
Body Odor
An increase in body odor is a normal part of puberty and becoming a teenager. These changes can occur as early as age 8 or 9 for young girls and boys. Luckily, deodorants and antiperspirants can help control sweat production and mask body odor. When you begin to notice that distinctive odor, try to look for a product that is aluminum-free, and encourage your teen to add it to their daily routine.
Skin Care
Due to hormonal changes, teens are the most at risk of developing skin issues such as acne, cystic acne, and blackheads. Acne can be as painful as it is unsightly, so proper skincare is crucial. Teens should be taught a basic skincare routine, including facial washing with products formulated for oily or combination skin. Booking an appointment with a dermatologist can also help, as a prescription may be needed in severe cases.
Showering
Hormonal changes also tend to create issues with oil and odor on the scalp and in the hair. Showering daily is especially important for teenagers — even those who may have been able to get away with skipping a bath here and there as a child. Teens may need to be encouraged to shower and change into fresh clothes after daily activities such as sports and exercise. For some teens, washing their hair can be done every other day in order to avoid stripping the hair of too much oil.
Shaving
Teenage boys typically begin growing the first signs of facial hair around the age of 15, although it may take quite some time before a daily shaving habit becomes necessary.
Most girls will begin to show an interest in shaving their leg hair around the age of 13. In addition to their legs, teenage girls may begin experiencing peer pressure to groom other areas of body hair, such as their eyebrows, upper lip, underarms, and bikini area.
While trimming all new hair growth is not medically necessary, teens may feel more comfortable fitting in with their peers if they remove hair in unwanted places. All teens should be taught about safe razor use and the importance of never sharing razors with others. Shaving alternatives such as specia