As girls grow, the bathroom shelf can grow with them. Shampoo and conditioner are joined by deodorant, body sprays, nail varnish, skincare and makeup. Then there are the period products to choose from. It can be good fun to explore these things together, and a chance to learn how to choose what feels comfortable and suits her skin.
Many everyday products contain substances that researchers are studying for their effects on hormones. These are sometimes called endocrine disruptors. That may sound worrying, but there is no need for a girl to be afraid of her makeup bag or feel she has done something wrong. We can make a few thoughtful choices around products she uses regularly.
Start with what she uses most
Look at her shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, moisturiser, deodorant and body spray. She does not need several scented versions of each. Try a cleaner option without unnecessary chemical additives where she likes it. Fragrance-free alone does not mean a product is free of other ingredients that may affect hormones. If she insists on using body sprays, make sure she uses them in a well-ventilated room and sprays her clothing rather than her skin where suitable. If a product irritates her skin, stop using it.
Makeup and nail varnish can be a form of self-expression, but nail varnish can contain harsh chemicals. Aim to keep the number of products and the routine simple. Always remove makeup before bed, and use nail products in a well-ventilated space. A young girl does not need adult anti-ageing products or strong skin treatments. Shop together and talk about the claims on the label, rather than assuming that “natural” or “non-toxic” tells the whole story.
Clothes and period products
Clothes and bedding spend hours against the skin. Cotton underwear and pyjamas can be a comfortable place to begin, especially when something needs replacing. Wash new clothes before wearing them. There is no reason to panic about an occasional polyester top.
For periods, offer a choice of comfortable, organic cotton pads or period pants. Some girls prefer reusable options. The important things are that she knows how to use and change them, feels able to ask questions, and can keep a spare “period pack” in her schoolbag. Perfumed hygiene wipes, intimate sprays and washes are totally unnecessary.
Drinking water at home
Making safe drinking water easy to reach is another everyday choice for the family. If you have concerns about your tap water, look up the local water quality report first. Different water filters remove different substances, so choose one tested for the particular concern in your area and keep it maintained as directed. A refillable glass or stainless steel bottle can be useful where practical.
The contraceptive pill and growing hormones
As girls grow into their teens, the pill may come up in a conversation about contraception, acne or painful or heavy periods. Hormonal pills deliberately change the menstrual cycle; the combined pill usually prevents ovulation. It is reasonable to ask what it is being prescribed for, what the benefits and possible side effects are, and whether other options should be considered. The pill is a medicine and is a separate subject from chemicals in everyday products.
Small habits are enough to begin
Wash hands before eating, open a window when using sprays or nail varnish, and put hot food into a suitable dish rather than heating it in plastic. These are ordinary habits a family can practise together.
We cannot control every chemical a girl encounters at school, outdoors or at home. We can help her make sensible choices about the things she uses most often, without making growing up feel scary.
Would you like more individual support?
I offer a comprehensive, individualised programme shaped around your or your daughter's needs, age and daily life. We can explore food and lifestyle, with supplements, herbs and testing considered only when appropriate. Email lisa@evolvefemalewellness.com to enquire about working together.