LET’S TALK DIRTY
We live in a country where temperatures can sore as high as the 100’s and with that it can be said our bodies are affected. The effect can be the change in the color of our skin, getting darker the longer we’re in the sun. It can also be ‘ashyness’ due to dehydration, that’s when the body loses too much of the water it needs to function and takes on a dry wrinkled look. Another change could be odor. What causes the odor? Quick science lesson, the natural bacteria that we have on the skin gets mixed in with the water, salts and fats from our sweat thus producing an odor. In teens this significant change in odor usually happens around puberty where the sweat glands are altered, mainly around the private area and the arm pits.
Hygiene basically means the practice or methods used to maintain good health through cleanliness. When puberty hits and the BO starts smelling we then have to change our hygiene routines, as simply using powder and body spray will no longer be enough after showering. Sometimes A LOT more effort needs to be put in because the basics aren’t enough anymore. As a child your parents would give you a good scrub at the end of the day to wash away the dirt and grime after school and play, however now that you’re young adults, your hygiene is your responsibility!
Here are some tips and tricks to help you stay fresh and clean. Let’s wash our hands and get to it.
- Wash your bodies at least twice a day.
Washing of your body particularly after physical activity helps to reduce the build-up of bacteria that mixes with the sweat thus helping to avoid BAD BO. Remember we are in a hot country and sweat ALL the time, even when we sleep, so a shower in morning before starting the day and one at night before bed is a must. Always wash your body from top to bottom and never use the same washcloth to clean your private area as your body. Remember your feet!
- Change underwear and clothes frequently.
Underwear and clothes rub against our skins and when they do, they collect skin cells, sweat and body fluids, things that make bacteria happy and when bacteria are happy, they STINK!
- Use deodorant.
Now this one might be tricky as it might take a few tries to find the one that works for you. When you do find, it use it as often as needed. As young adults powder no longer works unless its medicated and/or prescribed. What powder does is collect dirt in areas that its applied and helps bacteria to grow and multiply.
- Wash your hair as often as you can.
We sweat in our heads some more than others and with the addition of longer thinker are around this area bacteria and dirt thrive. Getting a good hair routine that keeps your hair healthy and smelling great is an excellent practice. Not only will your scalp and hair be clean it also promotes length.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and don’t forget to clean the inside of your cheeks and tongue.
In the morning after you’ve woken up and before bed after a long day of talking and eating you should brush your teeth. There are bacteria in the mouth too, so having a good dental routine is a great idea to help eliminate some of the odor causing bacteria. Remember to floss because food gets stuck between the teeth and go to the dentist as often as you can. This way you can avoid gum problems and tooth decay which often lead to bad breath. It’s ideal to brush after every meal but there’s are not enough time in the day so just do your best.
There are many more tips and tricks to good hygiene, the above are just a few that could come in real handy for everyone, but people are different. We eat different, we use different products and we do different activities so your hygiene routines will not all be the same but if we follow the rules of thumb, we can all coexist without bad breath, bad skin and bad smells.
For more help with your hygiene visit the counselors’ office, they’re always ready for a good dirty talk.
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