Reader Sally has a sticky problem to solve... read on and find out how Summer Tanberry would handle it!
Sally says:
I'm thirteen and most of my friends are wearing deodorant... actually, I feel like I'm the only one who isn't. Recently my dad said he thought me or my brother were smelling a bit weird after a hike, and secretly, I think it may have been me. I was too shy to say anything. I asked my mum recently at the supermarket if I could buy some deodorant as I was starting to sweat a lot more, but she says I don't need it because I shower every day. She doesn't understand! Don't say I should just sneak it into the trolley - seriously, my mum would just take it out again and return it. I find it very hard to talk to my mum about personal or girly things, but this is a problem I cannot ignore... what can I do?
Summer says:
It doesn't matter how clean you are, at puberty your body begins to perspire much more and as the day wears on, stale perspiration will not only feel wet, sticky and unpleasant but will also begin to smell. Exercise - like dance for example - can make matters worse, as can stress. As a dancer, I make sure I shower daily and use a good anti-perspirant deodorant once I have dried off, and body odour is not then a problem. Note, don't just buy deodorant - that will only mask the smell - you need an anti-perspirant deodorant. If you cannot talk to your mum about this, how about writing her a letter to explain your concerns and asking if she will reconsider. If she won't discuss the matter then, try asking your dad to have a word on your behalf. If that fails, use your pocket money to buy what you need. It's not ideal, but if your mum isn't able to see that you are growing up you may need to take matters into your own hands. Best of luck!
Cathy says:
Excellent advice from Summer - do YOU agree? Can you talk to YOUR mum about personal things? COMMENT BELOW and have your say!
Sally says:
I'm thirteen and most of my friends are wearing deodorant... actually, I feel like I'm the only one who isn't. Recently my dad said he thought me or my brother were smelling a bit weird after a hike, and secretly, I think it may have been me. I was too shy to say anything. I asked my mum recently at the supermarket if I could buy some deodorant as I was starting to sweat a lot more, but she says I don't need it because I shower every day. She doesn't understand! Don't say I should just sneak it into the trolley - seriously, my mum would just take it out again and return it. I find it very hard to talk to my mum about personal or girly things, but this is a problem I cannot ignore... what can I do?
It doesn't matter how clean you are, at puberty your body begins to perspire much more and as the day wears on, stale perspiration will not only feel wet, sticky and unpleasant but will also begin to smell. Exercise - like dance for example - can make matters worse, as can stress. As a dancer, I make sure I shower daily and use a good anti-perspirant deodorant once I have dried off, and body odour is not then a problem. Note, don't just buy deodorant - that will only mask the smell - you need an anti-perspirant deodorant. If you cannot talk to your mum about this, how about writing her a letter to explain your concerns and asking if she will reconsider. If she won't discuss the matter then, try asking your dad to have a word on your behalf. If that fails, use your pocket money to buy what you need. It's not ideal, but if your mum isn't able to see that you are growing up you may need to take matters into your own hands. Best of luck!
Cathy says:
Excellent advice from Summer - do YOU agree? Can you talk to YOUR mum about personal things? COMMENT BELOW and have your say!
I find using deodorant difficult because of sensory issues, I try alternative like anti perspirant wipes.
ReplyDeleteIf that advice doesn't work, maybe she could speak to her school nurse (or teacher) and get them to write a letter to her mum about using deodarent because then it is official advice her mum must do.
I would ask for advice from a teacher, because they have probably been in situations like this before, and would know how to deal with them sensitively. When I was your age, my mother struggled to see that I wasn't four years old anymore, and would refuse to buy me things like deodorant. In the end, I spoke to my form tutor (quite embarrassing seeing as he was a man!) and he spoke to my mother about it and handled it really well.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, I would advise using something like a salt scrub on your underarms day and night because salt is a natural anti-perspirant. Wash your underarms with an antibacterial soap first, and then mix a teaspoon of salt per underarm with a couple of drops of water and apply. Wait until it dries, and it should naturally start to flake off, so just rub until all the residue has gone :) my doctor recommended this to me because I'm allergic to a lot of anti-perspirants and it works really well for me :)
to Visions In Blue
DeleteThat is wonderful advice, thanks!I also know that you can use lemon juice and salt in your underarms, and it works like a charm. Also, don't bother buying deodorant- lemon juice and salt works better, is cheaper, more natural, works more effectively and is doing a favour for your skin!