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Everything You Need to Know About Personal Hygiene

September 2023
Rachel Morris • Illustrations by Lucy Kirk

Psst! What’s that smell? Could it be . . . you? As you get older, you get, well, stinkier. This is totally normal, so there's no need for you to feel embarrassed. But it is important to practice good personal hygiene—in other words, keeping yourself clean. Otherwise, you could get infections or spread germs that make you and others sick. Plus, good hygiene habits can help you feel comfortable and confident. So read on for our head-to-toe guide for feeling, looking—and smelling!—your best.

Avoid This Hygiene Money Trap

When buying shampoo, no need to break the bank. Generic or store brands are often almost identical to fancy brands.

Clean from Head to Toe

Hair: During puberty, a spike in hormone levels causes your scalp to make more oil. Give your hair a scrub whenever it gets greasy.

Face: Oil on facial skin can lead to pimples. Wash your face twice a day with gentle soap, and use products with benzoyl peroxide to fight acne. 

Teeth: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly to ward off cavities, gum disease, and (ewww) bad breath. 

Body: Sweat plus bacteria on your skin equals body odor. Showering and using deodorant daily can help keep you smelling fresh.

There are about 6 billion bacteria in your mouth right now.

Some of these bacteria are good for you, but others can cause health problems, so be sure to brush up!

Wash or Wait?

Washing laundry removes bacteria, sweat, and dirt. Follow this chart for when to wash what. 

Item | How Often to Wash It:

  • Pajamas: Every 3 to 4 wears
  • Underwear and socks: After every wear
  • T-shirts & tank tops: After every wear
  • Jeans and pants: Every 3 wears
  • Sweatshirts: Every 5 to 6 wears  
  • Bed sheets: Every 1 to 2 weeks
  • Towels: Every 3 to 5 uses

Stop The Stink

Q: What’s the difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant? 

A: Deodorants prevent odor, while antiperspirants prevent sweat (meaning they keep your underarms dry and stop odor before it starts). Some products contain both deodorant and antiperspirant. 

Q: Which should I use? 

A: It’s up to you! If you’re worried about wet pits, reach for the antiperspirant. If your main concern is odor, a deodorant should do the job. IMPORTANT NOTE: Body spray may smell nice, but it contains neither deodorant nor antiperspirant.

Personal Health
Hygiene
Underscored

verb:

emphasized
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Question: In what other ways could the college search and application process be more difficult if you’re the first in your family to go to college?
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never considered

FYI: In the 2011-2012 academic year, 34% of undergrads were the first in their families to go to college. 
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FYI: Students who go to technical schools—also called vocational schools—take classes and complete training that prepares them for a specific job, such as to be an automotive mechanic, chef, or cosmetologist. 
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seemingly incapable of tiring
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continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition
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to change direction or course
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adverb:

to a high degree
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FYI: First-generation college students take out student loans in higher amounts than students who have parents that went to college. They also take out student loans more often.  

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