As young girls, many of us enjoyed playing dress up. We put on cute, frilly frocks, high heels and wore makeup–even if it was hand-me-down or drug store freebie-style. It gave us pleasure to look older, to beautify ourselves and enjoy tea party while wearing feather boas around our tiny necks. This impulse only intensifies as we age–especially thanks to the heavily externally-focused society that most of us reside in today. On the covers of magazines sit air-brushed celebrities and beautiful models that encourage us to try new brands of perfume, designer duds or brand of makeup. It’s hard to miss. While we need not fall prey to this marketing attack from all angles, the one message that should resonate with young ladies today is a focus on ‘hygiene.’
Various 'aids' for perfecting personal hygiene are available.
There are different definitions for hygiene depending on how or where you were raised. Some young women are satisfied with a soap-and-shampoo shower, while others take a more lengthy and intense route using additional body scrubs, facials, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, etc. Regardless of which avenue you walk on, once menstruation begins, your body begins to behave differently. By ‘differently,’ I mean that your sweat glands have matured and your body will be prone to sweating. If not managed properly, the result will be what is commonly referred to as ‘body odor.’ Your body hair too will begin to grow in unexpected places–which in many cases–will require young women to shave (legs, armpits, specifically). These changes are just the beginning of a young girl’s metamorphosis to womanhood.
But, DO NOT FEAR!
Once you determine an individualized routine for keeping clean (regular showers or baths), the first step has already been taken. Anything above and beyond this (shaving, wearing antiperspirants, etc.) are simply an evolution to hygiene that some girls take, and others choose not to take. It is a very personal choice.
The FUN part of womanhood is choice. You can choose what type of soap to use (liquid or bar; scented or natural, organic/goat’s milk, etc.). Can you say ‘heeelllooooo Bath and Body!’ (http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/home/index.jsp) What is also enjoyable is the experimentation process. Some scented deodorants work well, while others, should just be tossed into the trash as quickly as possible. When beginning your journey into womanhood, do so with confidence and a sense of control and power. Just determining which soap and shampoo you use is a process in itself. Try several brands. Experiment with the scents of the products, how they leave your hair feeling, and what works best with your skin type. After some trial and error, you are bound to find a solution that works for you. Although, I’ll admit…I’ve shaken up my routine a number of times over the years since new products always catch my attention.
Bar soap options...galore!
- Vegan Oreo Soap from ‘DirtyAss Soaps’ — Very unique.
Deliciously-scented liquid soap....
Update: Period Packs just learned about a unique vagina-specific spa treatment called “The V-Steam,” available exclusively at the Tikkun Holistic Spa http://tikkunspa.com/ located in Santa Monica, California. According to the spa website, “the V-Steam was inspired by an ancient ritual practiced for many years in Korea. The steam from the herbal tea rises and absorbs into your skin & orifice. This steaming treatment stimulates the production of hormones to maintain uterine health and aids regular menstrual cycles.” Now, we’re not suggesting that everyone run out and try this, but should there be readers in our audience who have, PLEASE contact us immediately and we’ll pay you for a review!
Next up: The importance of ‘Handwashing…’
Don't Forget To Wash Your Hands!
Pack Talk 