Appearance and Hygiene

Appearance is always a big issue for kids your age. Your body is changing, so things seem out of sorts at times and you feel less attractive. 

Also, during this time, you may begin to wear glasses or braces – which can make you feel “different” from the rest of your friends. Then, of course, there are television and magazine versions of “perfect people” that cloud how we think of ourselves.

Just remember, however, there is no one “perfect person model” because we are all different, and that difference makes us special. It can be hard to keep that in mind since so many people try to tell us what is attractive, but it’s true.

One way to feel better about yourself at those times is through good grooming and hygiene skills. The word “hygiene” comes from the Greek, meaning “the art of health”—conditions and practices that serve to promote or preserve good health.

Clean hair, showering or bathing, and taking care of your skin, teeth and nails can improve your outlook on life and actually help to keep you healthy.

Armpit Odor (aka Stinky Pits)

Have you recently started to notice that your armpits don’t smell quite so nice? Well, armpit odor – also known as axillary malodor – is caused by bacteria! 

You, and everyone else, have two types of sweat glands: apocrine (ah-poe-krin) and eccrine (ek-krin). Glands are special pockets in your body that store and then release things as needed. The eccrine gland stores mostly water to help cool you down when you’re hot. The apocrine stores sweat. 

Harmless bacteria live full-time in your armpits. A smelly odor develops when these bacteria eat your sweat. This type of bacteria, called coryneform (ke-rin-neh-form), breaks down sweat and releases the chemical 3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid, basically a fancy form of that distinct armpit smell that sort of burns your nose.

Ever notice that little kids don’t have stinky pits? That’s because sweat glands become more active during puberty. The odor starts around the same time you start getting hairs around your genitals and under your arms and about one year before you have your first period (for girls) or a wet dream (for boys).

Showering or bathing regularly—usually every day—and using deodorant will help keep your pits stink-free.

Keeping Healthy Hygiene Chart

Here’s a way to keep track of your hygiene habits.

I, ______________, understand that part of being healthy and looking my best is taking care of my personal hygiene. As part of being responsible for my personal hygiene schedule, I intend to:                                                        

Youth reviewer: Xiaohan Li

Medical reviewer: Elizabeth W. Lee, MD

Last reviewed: November 2018