Active teen boys exist in an environment of frenetic activity: practice after school, weekend games, gym sessions, riding their bikes, and ad hoc basketball with friends.
What comes with all the above activities? Lots of sweat. That sweat can also lead to odors and other issues. It can all be very annoying, and at times, even a little embarrassing. However, hygiene is the key.
But adequate hygiene is not only about being able to smell and look clean. It also helps teens protect their skin, avoid breakouts, and feel comfortable no matter where they are.
While all teens have different routines, some basic habits can lead to quick changes. The following are a few of the most effective hygiene practices for active teen boys who have a higher perspiration rate and require specific practices because of their lifestyle.
Showering is an Absolute Must After Practice and Other Activities
There’s one point that even adults get wrong about body odors. It isn’t the sweat that stinks. Rather, it is the bacteria that can grow on wet, hot skin.
That’s why showering after practice or any intense activity is so effective.
Ideally, teens should:
- Take a shower immediately after exercise or matches.
- Use warm (not hot) water to avoid drying out the skin.
- Be more aware of sweatier areas. Give special attention to the armpits, groin, feet, back, and chest.
- Select a gentle body wash with a balanced pH to avoid irritation.
What if you can’t shower immediately (like right after school)? Body wipes can do the trick. They can remove some oil and sweat to prevent clogged pores and control bacteria until the teen reaches home.
Stay Clean and Dry: Care for Sweaty Clothing
Active boys sweat a lot. They sweat into clothes, shirts, socks, and sports uniforms in particular. Storing sweaty clothing in a pack or locker can lead to bacterial growth and unpleasant smells.
Encourage habits such as:
- Showering after practice.
- Rinse jerseys, leggings, compression shorts, and socks after each use.
- Drying off sports shoes through removable insoles or dryer sachets.
- Never wear your socks more than once.
Even jackets and hoodies worn over sweaty clothes can begin to smell. That means you should clean them more frequently.
Create a Basic, Daily Underarm Care Regimen
Many teen boys don’t take the growing underarm odors that occur during hormonal transitions seriously enough. However, a simple daily routine for underarm care can remedy this. You can even avoid these smells without using harsh chemicals.
A proper underarm routine should consist of:
- Cleaning your armpits every time you take a shower.
- Allow the underarm skin to dry completely, and then apply deodorant.
- Wear light, breathable clothes during the day.
- Consider applying deodorant a second time before being active.
At some point during development, around 12 to 14 years, boys might find that their regular deodorant ceases to work. It is normal and typically due to the drastic body chemistry changes resulting from hormones.
This change is an ideal moment to transition them to cleaner, skin-friendly alternatives like Prep U’s natural deodorant, which is gentle enough for daily use and strong enough for sweat-heavy routines.
Keep the Skin Free of Sweat and Breakouts
Sweat not only makes a person smell, but it can also cause acne on the face, chest, shoulders, and back (backne).
The following will reduce skin irritation:
- Take a shower immediately after perspiration.
- Apply a light exfoliating body soap one to two times a week.
- Do not wear tight clothes that trap heat.
- Clean gym clothes, compression tops, and jerseys often.
- Wipe the forehead when playing sports to eliminate the transfer of oil.
For teenagers with sensitive skin, it is important to consider non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) products.
Wash Your Face Before and After Sports
A day of sports can be grimy. The dirt, sunscreen, and oils can mix with sweat and block the pores. This can be avoided by a quick facial cleanse.
Follow these simple rules:
- Clean your face before sports so sweat, dirt, and other substances don’t mix with oil.
- Wipe or clean off your skin after exercise or games.
- Apply a gentle cleansing agent instead of harsh acne treatments. Only use a chemical treatment if prescribed by a doctor.
- Do not wipe your face with wet towels or dirty hands.
For outdoor sports, teenage boys should use a light, non-greasy sunscreen before practice.
Educate Young Children on Keeping Healthy Feet
An athletic teen’s feet will also be at high risk for odors. That is largely due to their feet being in tight shoes that can trap moisture and warmth. However, there are ways to prevent odors.
Important steps include:
- Washing feet with soap and water.
- Completely drying between the toes.
- Wear breathable cotton or moisture-wicking socks.
- Switching shoes to allow them to dry off.
- Foot powder should be used in case of heavy sweating.
When the shoes begin to stink, washing or replacing the insoles can be effective.
Teens Often Forget to Wash Their Sports Gear
Gear can get just as sweaty and gross as clothing. That means washing and wiping are essential.
Teach boys to clean:
- Helmets
- Shin guards
- Shoulder pads
- Baseball caps
- Gym bags
- Towels
- Water bottles
A mild disinfectant can help kill bacteria that could transfer from sports gear to the skin.
Hydration Can Also Help in This Fight
Proper hydration can also be an element of protecting against sweat-related issues.
Sure, staying hydrated is good for athletic performance. Adequate moisture is also essential for healthy skin. But it can also influence your sweat and body odors.
When boys drink enough water, it reduces the concentration of odor-causing chemicals in the sweat. Hydration also helps the body cool itself more efficiently. That means you get skin that is healthier, feels better, and looks clearer.
Teens should be encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle and drink continuously throughout the day, rather than only when playing sports. It will keep them feeling better and healthier.
Make Natural Body Changes Ordinary
Teen boys may be embarrassed about sweating, particularly in social settings.
Remind them:
- Sweating is normal.
- The best hygiene habits are learned.
- Natural products are just as effective as synthetic antiperspirants.
- Odor does not imply that they are dirty.
Once hygiene practices become standard, their confidence level increases. Sweat becomes a normal part of being active, and not something that can be stressful or embarrassing.
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