Bra hygiene is essential to ensure good skin health. Bras for tweens come into contact with your daughter’s skin and stay there for long periods. If her undergarments are dirty or unkempt, she could experience discomfort from skin irritation, infections, and foul odors.
Bra hygiene is also key in preventing teen bra wear and tear. Bras that are well taken care of will last longer and do a better job of giving your growing child the support she needs.
Why Is Bra Hygiene Important?
Poor bra hygiene can lead to skin irritation, rashes, yeast infections, and potential bacterial infections due to the buildup of sweat, dead skin cells, and oils on the bra fabric. Poor hygiene creates an environment where bacteria and yeast can thrive, particularly in the moist area under the breasts and armpits. Unpleasant odors and discomfort can occur when a dirty bra rubs against the skin.
Risks of Poor Bra Hygiene
Unclean bras can facilitate the buildup of sweat, dead skin, and natural oils on the bra fabric, encouraging bacteria to grow and thrive. A dirty bra can trigger complications such as rashes, yeast infections, bacterial infections, body odor, and acne breakouts.
Here’s a look at some of the risks of common teen bra care mistakes:
Skin Irritation
Dirt and sweat accumulating in a bra can irritate the skin, causing rashes, redness, and chafing. Soiled bras can also result in folliculitis, a condition characterized by inflamed hair follicles. Chances of these issues increase if your daughter wears a bra that’s too tight.
Infections
The moist and dirty environment of unhygienic bras can allow bacteria to flourish. When bacteria come in contact with your daughter’s skin, she risks developing yeast and bacterial infections. Infections can get worse if she has any minor cuts or abrasions on the areas of her skin the bra touches.
Body Odor
Unwashed bras can develop an unpleasant smell from the mix of sweat and bacteria. Your daughter will probably be uncomfortable walking around with a noticeable odor coming from her body.
Acne Breakouts
The dirt and oil that build up in a grimy bra can clog pores and give your daughter acne on her back and chest.
How to Practice Good Bra Hygiene
Here are some tips that you can share with your daughter to help her practice good bra hygiene:
Wash Bras Regularly (But Not Too Often!)
Your daughter doesn’t have to wash her bras each time she uses them. She can wash them after two to three wears if she doesn’t get too sweaty when wearing them. While it’s tempting to clean bras often, this can weaken the fabric quickly and reduce its lifespan.
Use Mild Detergent
Even with the most soiled bras, using a mild detergent to clean it and protect its delicate materials is perfectly fine. Harsh chemicals can crease or stretch the bra and even cause some discoloration. Plus, using strong detergents can irritate your daughter’s sensitive skin.
Handwash and Airdry Whenever Possible
The best way to wash tween bras is by handwashing. This washing method ensures the fabric is handled gently to keep its shape during and after cleaning.
Airdrying is also the safest way to dry bras. High-heat options (i.e., clothes dryers) can damage the fabric. If your daughter doesn’t have the time to handwash her undergarments, she can still throw them in the washing machine with a load of other light clothing placed securely in a mesh laundry bag and run on a gentle cycle.
Yellowberry: Tween Bras Your Daughter Will Love
Yellowberry’s catalog of tween bras features different garments in varying styles and colors. Your daughter can find a design she loves that also gives her the support and comfort she needs to keep her confident in her growing body!