It’s that word that no teenager likes to mention—puberty. Changing figures, new smells and different hygiene routines are part of the norm, but can be uncomfortable and awkward. Here are some tips to help you avoid embarrassing moments.
1. Keep it Fresh
What’s the smell? It just might be the scent of puberty. While it’s something that all teens go through, developing body odor can make you feel unpleasant. To help reduce it, take a shower every day and keep a stick of deodorant in your backpack or purse. If you’re in a pinch, cologne and perfume can help—but don’t overdo it, as those can have their own unpleasant smells too.
2. Understand Acne
As a teen, it’s normal to care about what you look like and sometimes, acne can really cramp your style. Unfortunately, for many teens, acne is pretty much unavoidable. There are some ways that you can help to reduce those red spots though. Once again, showering every day helps to reduce oils on your skin, which reduces acne. Over-the-counter face washes can help a great deal too—just be sure to find one that works well with your skin. If those solutions aren’t helping reduce your acne, speak to a doctor. He or she might be able to prescribe a stronger face wash or face cream.
3. Hair, Hair Everywhere!
The growth of new body hair is another typical part of puberty for both men and women. Guys, you might be waiting for the day when you can grow a full, luscious beard, but in the meantime, a few wisps on your chin are starting to show up. Ladies, you might be mortified to see new hair on your legs or under your arms. Don’t worry! If you have hair growing somewhere that you don’t want it, you can carefully shave it off or speak to a professional about waxing options. It’s a good idea to talk to your parents so they can show you the ropes. Cutting yourself with a razor blade can be just as embarrassing as unwanted hair.
4. This One’s For the Ladies
For ladies, part of going through puberty is getting your period for the first time and learning how to handle it monthly. There’s no doubt about it—this can be an uncomfortable thing to figure out. Carrying an extra pair of underwear with you can help in case of accidents, and wearing dark underwear means you won’t have to worry about pesky marks or stains. Keep some extra panty liners, tampons or pads in your purse in case of an emergency. You can even get a cute makeup bag to keep them in so that nobody notices they are there. If you’re ever stuck at school, your school’s nurse will have some supplies on hand on for you to use.
Going through puberty can be stressful, but it’s totally normal. All your friends and classmates are dealing with the same issues, so don’t worry!
Feature Image: kaboompics
