Having a good hygiene routine can help prevent infections and boost your overall self-esteem. It’s especially important to practice good hygiene habits if you’re a teen or tween because your body is going through changes, which can cause you to sweat and smell more. In this article, we’re providing the best personal hygiene tips for girls, including skin, hair, body, feminine, and menstrual hygiene tips. We also spoke with a board-certified women’s health doctor, as well as some nail and hair specialists, for tips on how to look and feel your best.
Personal Hygiene Checklist for Girls
- Wash the outside of your vagina (vulva) with mild, unscented soap and water.
- Change your underwear daily and wear breathable clothing to prevent odor.
- Shower or bathe every day, paying extra attention to your armpits, feet, and groin.
- Cleanse your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser and follow up with moisturizer.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and exercise daily.
- If you’re on your period, change your pad or tampon every 4 to 8 hours.
- If you’re sexually active, always use protection and urinate after sex.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionI am 14 years old. Is it okay to use baby soap to wash my skin?Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.Many dermatologists actually recommend baby soap products to teens, adolescents, and adults! The soap is generally gentle and non-irritating to dry and sensitive skin. So whether you are 14 or 44, the baby soap is fine.
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QuestionHow often do I change the towels I dry myself with after a shower?Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.You can use bath towels that you are using once a day to dry off after a shower up to three times before they need to be washed.
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Reader Videos
Tips
- If you're not sure how to use a tampon, need help buying hygiene products, or have questions or concerns about your period, ask an older relative or your doctor for advice.Thanks
- 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.Thanks
- Make a mini-hygiene kit to keep in your purse or backpack. Bring a packet of breath mints, gum, or a small bottle of mouthwash for after meals. Pack a small travel mirror, hand sanitizer, deodorant, tissues, menstrual products, and a small comb for everyday use.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- Take care of your lips too. Put on a balm like Vaseline before bed and always exfoliate your lips with a toothbrush each day. Put on your lip balm that has coconut oil or beeswax to help keep your lips moisturized.
- Always keep lotion or perfume with you when you're at school or just out and about. If you start to sweat or are worried about bad smells, just apply a little bit more wherever you are.
- If you have piercings, make sure to take them out and clean them regularly.
Warnings
- Don't share personal items with other people to prevent disease and infections. This includes things like your toothbrush, hairbrush, washcloth, towel, razor, and cup. [48] X Research sourceThanks
- 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. [49] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to sourceThanks
- If you notice any strong or unpleasant odors from your vagina, or if you see signs of infection, such as itching, burning, pain, swelling, or unusual discharge, make an appointment with your doctor or a gynecologist. They can determine what’s causing your symptoms and treat it appropriately. [50] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceThanks
References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/vulva
- ↑ https://www.devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk/your-sexual-health/genital-hygiene-our-tips/
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/menstrual-hygiene.html
- ↑ https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/vulva-vagina/your-vulva-vagina/how-can-i-stay-healthy-down-there
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/you-dont-need-fancy-products-for-good-feminine-hygiene
- ↑ https://www.devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk/your-sexual-health/genital-hygiene-our-tips/
- ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/how-can-i-hygienically-wear-thong-and-wipe-my-bum
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17091423/
- ↑ https://childrenswi.org/-/media/chwlibrary/publication-media-library/2020/03/30/20/04/1136en.pdf
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/menstrual-hygiene.html
- ↑ https://www.jeffersonhealth.org/your-health/living-well/easy-ways-to-improve-vaginal-health
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/the-lowdown-on-vaginal-tlc
- ↑ https://www.healthforteens.co.uk/health/looking-after-your-body/personal-hygiene-checklist/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/9404-condoms
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/peeing-after-sex
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/your-changing-body-puberty-in-girls
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/menstrual-hygiene.html
- ↑ https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/vulva-vagina/your-vulva-vagina/how-can-i-stay-healthy-down-there
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/tampons-bathing.html
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/fertility-in-the-menstrual-cycle/
- ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/menstruation-and-menstrual-cycle
- ↑ https://health.unl.edu/you-asked-we-answered-showering-every-day-bad-you-and-other-hygiene-questions/
- ↑ http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/hygiene.html
- ↑ https://www.nva.org/what-is-vulvodynia/vulvar-anatomy/
- ↑ https://uihc.org/health-library/vulvar-skin-care-guidelines
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/healthier-looking-skin
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/winter-skin-survival-kit
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/dry-skin-self-care
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/treat
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/hair-care/tips-for-healthy-hair
- ↑ http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/hygiene-basics.html#
- ↑ https://childrenswi.org/-/media/chwlibrary/publication-media-library/2020/03/30/20/04/1136en.pdf
- ↑ http://www.pamf.org/teen/health/skin/pubichairremoval.html
- ↑ http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/hygiene.html
- ↑ http://www.stlouischildrens.org/articles/wellness/clean-and-nearly-teen-personal-hygiene
- ↑ http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/hygiene.html
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/athletes-foot/symptoms-causes/dxc-20235876
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17865-body-odor
- ↑ http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/hygiene.html
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/whats-that-smell-common-and-less-common-causes-of-body-odor
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/about/about-cleaning-disinfecting-and-storing-contact-lenses.html
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/index.html
- ↑ http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/hygiene.html
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16914-oral-hygiene
- ↑ https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/nail-hygiene.html
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/healthy-nail-tips
- ↑ http://www.stlouischildrens.org/articles/wellness/clean-and-nearly-teen-personal-hygiene
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/popping
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis#management-and-treatment
About This Article
To have good hygiene as a girl, brush your teeth and wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser and a non-abrasive acne product, if you need it. Bathe every day or two, using a shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. Wash your pubic area with warm water and no soap, and shave carefully, if you want to, in the direction of hair growth. When you're on your period, you can maintain good hygiene by changing your pad or tampon every 4-8 hours and showering like usual in warm water. For more tips from our Medical reviewer, including applying makeup and smelling good with perfume and deodorant, read on!
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