Turn Hygiene into Education — Not Embarrassment
Puberty can bring increased sweating, body odour, oilier skin, vaginal discharge and menstruation.
A young person may not automatically know how to adjust her personal-care routine.
Teach her without shaming her.
Instead of:
“You smell.”
Try:
“As we grow, our bodies can sweat more. Let’s talk about a routine that helps you stay clean and comfortable.”
Build a Simple Routine
Teach appropriate habits around:
Bathing
Regular bathing helps remove sweat and maintain general cleanliness.
Underwear
Encourage clean underwear daily and whenever a change is needed.
Menstrual Hygiene
Teach her to:
- Wash her hands before and after changing a sanitary pad.
- Change pads regularly according to her flow and product instructions.
- Wrap used pads securely.
- Place used pads in an appropriate waste bin.
- Never flush sanitary pads down the toilet.
Genital Hygiene
Explain the difference between the vulva, the external genital area, and the vagina, the internal canal.
The vagina is self-cleaning. Douching or inserting products for routine cleaning is unnecessary and may disturb its natural environment.
Gentle care of the external genital area is generally sufficient.
Oral and Skin Care
Puberty is also a good time to reinforce regular dental care and simple, gentle skincare habits.
Yazz® Parent Tip
Good hygiene shouldn’t be taught through embarrassment.
Teach the habit. Explain why it matters. Give her the tools to manage it herself.