Summer has a way of bringing warmth and sunshine into our lives. Still, it can also make things a bit more complicated for teenagers who are experiencing a lot of hormonal changes while on the rollercoaster of puberty. As temperatures rise, you might feel more concerned about your skin breaking out, staying fresh while the sweat glands are going into overdrive, and experiencing a wide array of new sensations and emotions for the first time that can affect your self-esteem and mental well-being.
It’s important that you know this transition you’re facing into early adolescence is marked by increases in morbidity and mortality, often associated with mental health disorders, substance use, and the consequences of risk-taking and poor decision-making (Blum and Nelson-Mmari 2004; Williams, Holmbeck, and Greenley 2002). All these can significantly impact your hygiene, worsening your well-being and creating a vicious cycle.
The Importance of Hygiene on Mental Health in Teens
Hygiene is deeply connected to how you see yourself and interact with others. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), personal hygiene practices—regularly cleaning your body and hair with soap and water (including washing your hands and feet), grooming nails, facial cleanliness, and menstrual hygiene—can help you feel fresh and healthy.
When you feel confident about your cleanliness, it often reflects on your mental health, too. A positive self-image boosts confidence and can lead to more successful social interactions and academic achievements. On the other side, teens who struggle with their appearance due to hygiene issues might experience increased feelings of stress and anxiety.
Self-care can have mental health benefits. Engaging in routines that make you feel clean is a form of self-respect and an acknowledgment of your own worth—a fundamental component of mental well-being. Self-care practices, including personal hygiene routines, are associated with lower levels of stress and depression among adolescents.
The Psychological Benefits of Cleanliness in Self-Esteem
Maintaining cleanliness is one of those practices that has a surprisingly profound effect on our mental and emotional well-being. Taking the time to care for your body can send a powerful message to your brain about your self-worth.
The article “Social support, resilience, and self-esteem protect against common mental health problems in early adolescence” provides a comprehensive look at how self-esteem, resilience, and social support interact in the context of common mental health problems among adolescents. This study points to a significant mutual relationship between self-esteem and common mental health issues like depression and anxiety in adolescents. Research has shown that high self-esteem is associated with a reduced risk of common mental health problems.
Enhancing Social Interactions
Peer interactions are more frequent and emotionally significant during adolescence. Good personal hygiene can ease social anxiety, removing one layer of worry about how others perceive you. Making a big difference in how comfortably you engage with friends and acquaintances.
Uplifting Your Mood
Cleanliness has a notable effect on mood. Engaging in regular hygiene routines can lead to reductions in stress and improvements in mood. Healthline notes that physical cleanliness activities can trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators. Establishing a hygiene routine can give you a sense of control, especially when other things may feel out of control. The proper hygiene routine and skincare designed for your face’s unique challenges can empower you to feel more secure while going through puberty and prepare you to face summer’s heat challenges.
Additionally, good hygiene practices can prevent the onset of skin problems, like acne, which are common during the teenage years. Research from the American Academy of Dermatology shows that acne can lead to social withdrawal, decreased self-esteem, and even depression in severe cases. By maintaining a clear complexion through hygiene, you’re also protecting your mental health.
Increased Hygiene Needs During Summer
Sweat is the body’s natural way of cooling down, and in the summer heat, you’ll probably notice an increase in perspiration. Sweat is normal, but it means you might need to refresh more often. Sweat, combined with natural oils, can make a comfy home for bacteria, leading to body odor and breakouts.
Seasonal Factors Affecting Cleanliness
Summer has its own set of environmental factors that affect our hygiene needs. High temperatures can increase oil production in your skin, which calls for a more diligent face-washing routine. Outdoor activities also introduce more dirt and pollutants to your skin, making it more important to cleanse thoroughly at the end of the day.
How to Enhance Our Hygiene Practices
Here are a few tips to help you stay on top of your game:
- Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water keeps your body cool and dilutes sweat, meaning less body odor.
- Wash your face regularly. Washing your face in the morning and before bed with a gentle cleanser helps remove excess oil and dirt.
- Choose breathable clothing. Light, airy fabrics like cotton allow your skin to breathe and can help minimize sweating.
- Use deodorant or antiperspirant. Deodorants can help with any concerns about body odor.
- Use wipes. They can be a lifesaver for a quick solution when you can’t take a full shower.
Conclusion
The Role of Personal Hygiene in Mental Health
Good personal hygiene can significantly impact your mental health and boost confidence and self-esteem by helping you feel presentable and ready for daily activities. This is especially important during your teenage years and will extend throughout your life. Good hygiene helps manage stress and maintain a positive mood, providing a strong foundation for facing everyday challenges.
However, it’s important to remember that while hygiene does influence how we feel about ourselves, it’s just one of many factors. Mental health is complex and can be affected by various aspects of life, including social interactions, environment, and genetics.
A Balanced Approach to Well-Being
At Maryvale, we encourage a holistic approach to health and wellness. While maintaining good hygiene is important, engaging in physical activity, connecting with others, eating a balanced diet, and seeking professional mental health services when needed are equally beneficial. Our diverse range of services supports this comprehensive approach.
To truly support your well-being, consider exploring our Community-Based Services and Mental Health Services; they provide support designed for young individuals and families with mental health challenges.
Get Involved
Want to learn more about how you can support your overall health and contribute to a community focused on upliftment? Visit our blog, where we discuss various aspects of health and wellness that go beyond hygiene and provide insights into holistic health practices. Remember that self-care promotes mental well-being and empowers you to lead a fulfilled life. We at Maryvale are here to support you in maintaining wellness in all areas of life.
Sources
Blum R W, Nelson-Mmari K. 2004. “The Health of Young People in a Global Context.” Journal of Adolescent Health 35 (5): 402–18.
Williams P G, Holmbeck G N, Greenley R N. 2002. “Adolescent Health Psychology.” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 70 (3): 828.
Liu, Q., Jiang, M., Li, S., & Yang, Y. (2021). Social support, resilience, and self-esteem protect against common mental health problems in early adolescence. Medicine (Baltimore), 100(4).
Healthline Editorial Team. (n.d.). Everything You Need to Know About Endorphins. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/endorphins#low-levels
