A Mom’s Guide to Tween Hygiene, Body Odor, and Healthy Self-Care Habits
- Meloney Hudson
- 3 hours ago
- 8 min read
She’s having her period. Though you begged her to shower, your tween daughter goes off to school, unbathed, smelling a little funky. You hope her classmates don’t notice. You cross your fingers she doesn’t become self-conscious and miss out on school activities. You pray she doesn’t think negatively about her period because of its strong smell.
As a parent who wants to instill period positivity in your pubescent and newly menstruating daughter, it's important to help her make the connection between cleanliness and confidence. Especially during her period when body odor is most likely to occur.
Many parents of tween-agers struggle to get their kids to bathe at all - period or no period. Their children run out of time or just don’t feel like it. Chances are, they aren’t aware of their own ripe scent.
In this article, we provide a guide to tween hygiene, body odor, and healthy self-care habits. We aim to help you help your daughter feel fresh and confident during her period.
The Science of Body Odor at Period Time
Body odor is a normal sign of adulthood. We all have it. It all begins as we enter puberty, and here is why and where it happens.
Sweat Glands
Dramatic physiological changes occur in the pubescent body. Hormones trigger the activation of the apocrine glands, which are connected to hair follicles of the arm pits and groin. These glands produce oily sweat, which is odorless. But when it mixes with the natural bacteria on the skin, odorous compounds are released. As body hair grows, so does the activity of these glands and potential body odor.
The eccrine glands are the body's primary sweat glands, found on almost all skin surfaces, and responsible for cooling the skin. These glands are active from birth but increase in activity during puberty. This sweat has no odor until it mixes with the bacteria of the skin and the sweat from the apocrine glands, at which time odor is created.
During menstruation, additional smell-making factors come into play
Period blood
Our menstrual blood contains iron and good bacteria and has a smell that is mildly metallic or musky. But, when the blood hits the air, it oxidizes (a normal chemical reaction) and the odor intensifies.
Groin
The groin, located where the thigh meets the pubic area, is loaded with apocrine glands. (Remember, they’re connected to the hair follicles.) The oily sweat from these glands increases during menstruation. When this sweat is trapped by tight clothing and unbreathable fabrics, like tights, the sweat mixes with bacteria and amplifies the odor even more.
Vulva
The vulva, which is the outer genital area, is comprised of labia, clitoris and the vaginal opening. The vulva has numerous sweat glands (both apocrine and eccrine) that produce sweat and odor. When the odor of the sweat mixes with period blood, the odor can become doubly pungent.
Note: A potent smell of fish or rotten eggs is not normal and may indicate an infection or bacteria. This should be addressed by a physician.
Arm pit
Our arm pits sweat every day. But studies show that during menstruation the volatile organic compounds emitted from the armpit area (that we smell) are at their highest, meaning armpit odor is stronger when we’re on our period.
Head Hair
The scent of the hair on our head changes as we approach menstruation. Testosterone levels increase as the first day of bleeding approaches, and this hormone creates sebum, causing hair to be oiler and greasy looking. When the sebum mixes with the bacteria on the scalp, it produces a sour or musty smell. Mixed with environmental grime, like pollution or odors from cooking, hair can become a crown of funk.
Now that we know the sources of our period funk, let’s wash it away!
Cleansing for Confidence with Products She'll Love
It’s one thing to explain the benefits of bathing, and another thing to get your daughter to do it. Following is a break down bathing that may help her make the connection between cleanliness and confidence. We also suggest products that may appeal to your tween and entice her to include cleansing a daily habit.
SHOWERING
Showering is the most popular mode of cleansing, due to its speed and efficiency. Even quick showers can benefit our girls. A warm shower will relax her muscles. A cool or cold shower will invigorate her. Studies show cold showers trigger the release of endorphins, which elevate her mood. It increases the production of norepinephrine, a hormone linked to the relief of depression.
Encourage her to shower with scented shower gels, gentle soaps, and loofa or body scrubber.
Product she may love: Good For You Girls Body Wash
Made with natural, gentle plant-based cleansers that create a silky lather and 100% natural essential oils.
BATHING
Bathing in a tub of warm water provides even more benefits than showering. Soaking in warm water relaxes muscles and reduces discomfort from cramps and bloating. It increases vasodilatation (the widening of blood vessels), which stimulates metabolism and helps with the elimination of toxins, which causes us to feel refreshed and uplifted. Warm baths are also shown to boost the immune system. Taking a bath is also shown to reduce pain, anxiety and stress.
Assure your daughter it’s possible to bathe during period days. The pressure of the water will temporarily stop the flow of your blood into the water. If a bit of blood does flow through, it can be rinsed off after the bath, if necessary.
Encourage her to take baths with Epsom salts, natural bubble baths or bath bombs. A bath pillow will provide her with comfort and encourage her to relax for a longer time.
Product she may love: Pacha Soap Company Bath Bombs
Handcrafted with soothing Epsom salt and free of sodium laurel sulfate
Product she may love: Rainbow Research Bubble Bath
Formulated using organic extracts and gentle ingredients, including aloe vera and vitamin E.
SHAMPOOING
Hair shampooing during before and during menstruation is well worth the extra time. Days before her period, the hormone testosterone activates the sebum in the scalp, causing it to look oily and lifeless. Hair washing removes the excess sebum and helps hair to look clean and smell fresh. Shampoos with a pleasant scent uplift our spirits. Everyone feels better on a “good hair day.”
Encourage her to wash her hair with fun, scented shampoos and conditioners.
Products she may love: Herbal Essences Shampoo and Conditioner
Free from sulfates, parabens, dyes, and phthalates for clean, effective care
Botanicals are certified by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
VULVA CARE
The vulva area is a potential factory of odors. Sweat from the apocrine glands (at the hair follicles), and the residue of period blood can generate a pungent scent. But cleansing it is simple and requires only the simplest of cleansers, like unscented soap or bath gel, and even plain water. Cleansers with heavy fragrances should be avoided. And douching is a no-no. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ and douching can change the natural Ph of the vulva and vagina, which may cause vaginal infections.
Encourage her to use a gentle, unscented soap or plain water to wash the vulva.
Products she may love: Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
A fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, gently cleanses sensitive skin.
ARM PIT CARE
Arm pit odor starts faintly and increases as she gets older. Arm pit odor can become strong and noticeable, especially if pits haven’t been washed for a day or two. Arm pit odor is easily prevented with deodorant.
Encourage her to use a deodorant after bathing. If bathing is impossible, suggest she wipe her pits with a wet wash cloth and follow with deodorant.
Products she may love: Hello Unicorn Deodorant Stick
Free of aluminum, dyes, baking soda, and parabens, 24-hour protection, fun fragrances.
Period Products for Odor-Free Protection
Now that her body is clean, let’s keep her feeling fresh and confident, even as she bleeds. We can guide our girls with instructions to properly use the products to eliminate odor and help them smell fresh all day and every day of their period.
PERIOD PADS
Pads are the most used product around the world because of convenience and availability. But, this is the product that is most likely to cause body odor.
Pads collect blood outside of the body. Body heat, sweat (especially if you work out), and bacteria and exposure to oxygen can cause your menstrual blood to smell stronger. If you wear a pad too long, this can lead to noticeable wafts of funkiness. Also, pads that are made of synthetic materials and fragrances can interact with sweat and blood, causing an unpleasant odor.
The solution: use pads made of natural materials, like cotton or cellulose, as much as possible. They are less likely to generate strong smell. Recommended usage: To avoid period odor, change pads frequently. On heavy days, change them every 3-4 hours. On light days, every 6-8 hours.
Product she may love: Rael Organic Cotton Period Pads
Made with organic cotton cover and a super absorbent core
Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin.
TAMPONS
Tampons are equally popular as pads. Because they are worn internally, they are less likely to smell unless they leak. When tampons are removed the chemistry of blood mixes with oxygen, which causes some odor. But at this point, the tampon is ready to be tossed away.
The solution: To avoid leaks and avoid bacteria buildup, which can cause infection, change tampon every 4 to 8 hours, depending on your flow. Avoid leaving one in longer than 8 hours.
Product she may love: Cora 100% Cotton Tampon
Made from 100% organic cotton with a sleek, BPA-free compact applicator. Made without pesticides, dioxins, rayon, fragrance, or chlorine.
PERIOD PANTIES
Period panties are becoming more popular, due to their convenience and eco-friendliness. They’re cost-effective, too, because a pair can last for years. Period panties are discrete and comfortable enough to wear all day. And because they are made of antimicrobial, breathable materials, they neutralize odors better than disposable pads. Panties should be changed every 8 to 12 hours, depending on your flow.
Products may love: Period Company Period Panties
Comfortable, sustainable, and made without PFAS ingredients (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as "forever chemicals")
MENSTRUAL CUP
Menstrual cups are gaining popularity because they are environmentally-friendly. Made of rubber, it lasts for years. To use it, the cup is inserted into the vagina where it captures the menstrual blood for as long as it’s in place. When the cup is removed, the blood is dumped into the toilet. Good news, menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours. And there is no smell.
A menstrual cup may be advanced for a newly-menstruating teen, so it could be a good idea for her to wait to try it until she’s older and more familiar with her body.
Products she may love: Saalt Teen Menstrual Cup
user-friendly, comfortable design, made with medical-grade silicone, ideal for beginners.
You did it, Mom!
You no longer need to beg her to bathe. Your baby girl has grown up and takes care of her body. During her period days she looks as polished as every other day. Now she goes off to school with a gleam of cleanliness, confidence and pride.
You’ve done a great job, mom! You have helped your tween feel fresh and confident during her period.
Red Diamond Sisters is not affiliated with any of the suggested products or brands.
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