Take a shower or bath every day. Scrub your body from top to bottom using warm water and a mild soap. Use deodorant or antiperspirant on your underarms every day. Deodorant covers up the unpleasant odor and antiperspirant keeps you from sweating a lot. Wear 100% cotton underwear to ensure fresh breathability. [2] X Research source
Most girls start developing breast buds when they’re 8, 9 or 10. Don’t worry about checking your breasts by hand. It’s completely normal to explore your body as you develop. One bud might develop more quickly than the other as your chest gets bigger. [4] X Research source
It’s completely normal to examine your vagina or labia for pubic hair. [6] X Research source
Hips Thighs Arms Legs Hands Feet[8] X Research source Breasts Butt
Armpit and leg hair grow in a pattern similar to pubic hair: it may be sparse and soft at first and then become thicker, darker, and more coarse. [10] X Research source
Let a doctor or trusted person know if your vaginal discharge is not white or off white and smells unusual. This may be a sign of an infection.
During puberty, your inner labia, or labia minora, will become more prominent. [15] X Research source You can’t see it, but inside your body, your vagina will grow longer and your uterus will become bigger. [16] X Research source
It’s common for your period to be irregular after you first menstruate. You may experience bloating around the time you get your period. When this happens, you’ll feel that your belly is more full or swollen than normal. You may have some cramps, backaches, or headaches before and during your period.
Wash your face with a mild soap or cleanser to get rid of excess oil and keep breakouts at bay. Ask your doctor for advice or a prescription medication if your breakouts are severe. It’s completely common to have acne during puberty, but because it’s often an emotional time, breakouts may make problems or feelings worse.
Feeling uncomfortable with your body’s changes. Being sensitive to things people say or do. Having intense emotions such as being very jealous of someone when you didn’t care about them before. Having less confidence. Feeling anxious or even depressed. [21] X Research source Being more irritable or angry for no reason.
Understanding harder subjects or responsibilities, such what happens when you don’t do your chores or homework. Making more of your own choices, such as knowing when you should stand up for what is right and wrong. Knowing what you like and don’t like.
Masturbation and touching your own body are completely normal. Neither will make hair grow on your hands, cause you to go blind or develop emotional problems. It won’t make you unable to have kids, either. [24] X Research source Ask a trusted person about your interest in your body and masturbation. Don’t be embarrassed, they may have gone through or are experiencing the same feelings!
Talk to friends, family, or a medical professional if you have questions about attraction, dating, kissing, and sex. [26] X Research source You might also start exploring your sexuality and find out that you are lesbian, bisexual, queer, pansexual, or something else. This is normal.
