As you enter puberty, you may start to smell a bad smell from your little one's body. But, Mother still doubts whether it is time to give her child deodorant. When can children actually use deodorant?
In fact, there is no age standard for the use of deodorant in children. Generally, the use of deodorant is recommended when children enter puberty. The age range of puberty in children is quite varied, starting from the age of 9-15 years.
When is the Right Time to Use Deodorant in Children
Puberty is a good time to start using deodorant in children. This is because the hormonal changes that occur during puberty can trigger the sweat glands to be more active to produce sweat. As a result, the risk of children experiencing body odor will increase.
Some of the signs your child is entering puberty that you can pay attention to are the growth of hair in the armpits and pubic area, enlarged breasts in girls, or changes in the voice in boys.
Choosing Deodorant Products for Kids
Basically, there are two choices of care products to treat body odor problems in children, namely deodorants or antiperspirants. Deodorants function to prevent body odor due to sweat, while antiperspirants function to limit sweat production.
The choice can be adjusted to the child's condition, but products that contain deodorant are more recommended. This is because sweat has a specific function for the body and its production is normal, so it doesn't really need to be limited.
When choosing a deodorant product, also pay attention to the other chemicals contained in it. Avoid products that contain phthalates and parabens. Deodorant products that contain these chemicals are rumored to affect hormones.
If you are still worried, homemade deodorant from natural ingredients can be a solution.
To make a natural deodorant, you need to prepare the following ingredients:
- 30 grams of baking soda.
- 30 grams arrowroot flour.
- 60 ml (4 teaspoons) coconut oil.
- 3-4 ml essential or aromatic oil, such as oil tea tree.
Next, you can mix all the ingredients, melt and stir until smooth. This mixture can be used as a natural deodorant. You can store this natural deodorant in a closed tube or container.
This natural deodorant will certainly be safer. However, the effect of this natural deodorant may not be as strong as the deodorant products on the market and need to be used more often.
Daily Habits to Control Child's Body Odor
In addition to determining the right time for your child to use deodorant, you can also teach the following healthy habits to reduce your child's body odor:
- Require children to bathe every day.
- Ask the child to clean all parts of the body, especially the armpits, pubic area, and feet when bathing.
- Change the child's underwear, socks and clothes, every day.
- Make sure the child showers after exercising or after doing other activities.
- Choose clothes made of cotton that can absorb sweat.
- Pay attention to the child's diet. Some foods, such as garlic, onions, and spicy dishes, can affect body odor.
So, Mother, don't be confused anymore to determine the right time for your child to use deodorant. Mothers can suggest deodorant products sold in the market or homemade natural deodorants. However, if the body odor is getting annoying, you should consult a doctor so that appropriate treatment is given.
