What are the things we should normalize when going through puberty?

Undergoing puberty? Now’s the time where you’re transitioning from a girl to a grown woman! But, it can be isolating and it feels hard to find your way through puberty when there are a lot of pressures and societal standards. There are people who would tell you that you should feel good and look pretty all the time, and there are also some who would tell you to keep some things to yourself because to do otherwise is “unladylike.” Nope, nope, and nope!

As young girls, it’s important for you to know that the things that come with puberty are nothing to be ashamed of or worried about. Most, if not all, are experiencing the same things as you are. You are not alone! It’s time for us to make a safer space for everyone going through puberty like you! Here are the five things everyone of us should normalize when going through puberty!

1. Talking to your friends about it

Like with anything that’s new in your life, undergoing puberty can make you feel all the feels! It’s scary, it’s overwhelming, it’s anxiety-inducing, it’s everything all at once —  and it’s normal! But, what can help you manage these feelings and understand these emotions is by talking to your friends about it! Pretty sure your friends are also going through the same thing as you are. Talking about the different things you are going through can help you better understand what’s going on and learn as one friend group! That’s the beauty of growing together. No need to be afraid or be embarrassed to talk of the things that are completely normal! Having open, safe, and welcoming conversations really go a long way!

2. Owning your flow

Speaking of conversations, one of the first things that you and your friends talked about are your experiences when you had your first period. Most of you were probably scared with the sight of blood and you were unsure of what you should do. You would know sooner or later, either from your school teachers or from your parents, that having menstruation is completely normal. It’s simply your body’s way of releasing tissue that it no longer needs.

However, even if menstruation is completely, entirely, 100% normal, society would often tell you that it should be kept a secret. You’re experiencing period cramps? Take some medicine and shush. Need some sanitary pads? Ask someone quietly and make sure to hide it. But, none of these are the right ways to look at your flow. Being a woman, you should never feel ashamed or embarrassed by the way your body works! It’s time we normalize having and the conversation around menstruation — and that’s on period!

3. Letting your body hair be

Are you as free as your hair? Well, you should be! 

As you grow older, you would realize that hair also starts to grow in places other than your head. Is this normal? Is this supposed to be happening? Definitely! Having hair on other parts of your body is normal and it even serves a purpose! For one, hairs can cling to healthy oils that can keep your skin moisturized! Another thing is that hairs can act like a barrier between your skin so you wouldn’t experience bad chafing where your skin meets, such as between your thighs, for example. We tend to overlook the reason why we have hairs but, in all honesty, hairs is something that you should keep! Sure, the decision of shaving or removing them will be yours, but don’t let anyone force you to do it — not even the media! Having hair doesn’t make you any less beautiful than you are!

4. Embracing your acne

As your body changes through puberty, be prepared to experience hormonal changes. In a nutshell, hormones are the “chemical messengers” in your body that tells it what to do and how to develop and grow. When you’re undergoing puberty, your hormones may sometimes experience imbalances and changes where it can send your body into overdrive! These can manifest in a lot of different ways but the most noticeable (and often talked about) is acne that would show up quite randomly on your face and/or back. This can oftentimes lead to insecurities where you might feel bad about your selfies or you might start wearing heavier makeup just to conceal your acne and acne scars. It’s okay and valid to feel this way, and it’s also important to know that these things are normal. 

Your body will go through changes during puberty. The hormonal imbalances and even the acne it brings are just temporary! Understanding your body will help you to reclaim these things and see the beauty in how you and your body will change!

5. Being comfortable with odor and discharge down there

Undergoing puberty means your body is changing — maturing. This means that there are some processes that your body undergoes. When it comes to what’s down there, understand that it is an organ and as such, it contains a healthy mix of bacteria that can produce certain odors and even discharge. In short, having subtle odors and vaginal discharge (especially the ones that look clear or white) is perfectly normal and nothing to be ashamed of! It’s just your body telling you that it’s working!

Also, know that your feminine area is a closed, dark, and moist environment which can allow odor-causing bacteria to thrive more than usual. This happens most especially when you’re active or in a hot environment. So, when you feel you need extra help, pH Care got you covered! With its antibacterial properties, dual hydrating moisturizers, and ActiveCool technology, pH Care helps you stay fresh, clean, cool, and odor-free throughout the day! 

Undergoing puberty doesn’t mean you have to go inside a dark room and be alone with these experiences. Remember that normal things must always be normalized and that’s the way things should be! Your body’s changing and that’s not something you should apologize for! Now that you know these things, it’s time for you to #ShareTheCare with your friends so that we can all be champions of feminine health and have a wonderful puberty experience!